South Africa Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by Year (1961–2023)

South Africa’s GDP trajectory highlights its role as Africa’s largest industrialized economy. From $9.2 billion in 1961, GDP steadily grew to $89.4 billion by 1980, supported by mining and agriculture. The apartheid regime and sanctions in the 1980s stagnated growth, reflected in GDP fluctuations during that period.

Post-apartheid reforms and globalization spurred growth, with GDP peaking at $458.2 billion in 2011. However, political instability and structural challenges caused a decline to $377.7 billion by 2023, reflecting ongoing efforts to stabilize and diversify the economy.