South Africa Gross Fixed Capital Formation
Investment in fixed assets (machinery, buildings, infrastructure) as a share of GDP.
Gross Fixed Capital Formation in South Africa decreased to 13.88 percent of GDP in 2025 from 14.52 percent of GDP in 2024.
South Africa Gross Fixed Capital Formation — History
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South Africa Gross Fixed Capital Formation — analysis in simple words
Latest reading
Gross Fixed Capital Formation in South Africa decreased to 13.88 percent of GDP in 2025 from 14.52 percent of GDP in 2024.
Over the last three years it rose once and fell twice.
Recent trend
A year earlier (2024) it was 14.5%, so the latest figure is 0.6 percentage points lower.
Over the past five years the average was 14.1%, with a range from 13.1% to 14.9%. The latest value is below that five-year average.
Historical context
This data series starts in 1960 and has 66 annual observations. The latest reading is higher than 3% of all of them.
The highest value on record is 29.2% (1976) and the lowest is 13.1% (2021). The long-run average is 19.2%.
Compared with other countries
Among 170 economies with recent data, South Africa ranks 154th from the top. The median across all these economies is 22.1%, so South Africa is below the typical country.
Among 19 major economies tracked on this site it ranks 19th.
Within Sub-Saharan Africa (40 economies with data) it ranks 33rd; the regional median is 21.0%.
Statistics
- Latest
- 13.9%2025
- Previous
- 14.5%
- 5-year average
- 14.1%
- Long-run average
- 19.2%since 1960
- All-time high
- 29.2%1976
- All-time low
- 13.1%2021
- Observations
- 66Annual
Recent Data
| Period | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 13.9% | ▼ −0.6 pp |
| 2024 | 14.5% | ▼ −0.4 pp |
| 2023 | 14.9% | ▲ +0.8 pp |
| 2022 | 14.2% | ▲ +1.1 pp |
| 2021 | 13.1% | ▼ −0.7 pp |
| 2020 | 13.8% | ▼ −1.7 pp |
| 2019 | 15.5% | ▼ −0.5 pp |
| 2018 | 15.9% | ▼ −0.5 pp |
| 2017 | 16.4% | ▼ −1.0 pp |
| 2016 | 17.4% | ▼ −0.6 pp |
| 2015 | 18.0% | ▼ −0.3 pp |
| 2014 | 18.3% | ▼ −0.3 pp |
| 2013 | 18.6% | ▲ +0.6 pp |
| 2012 | 17.9% | ▲ +0.1 pp |
| 2011 | 17.8% | ▲ +0.2 pp |
| 2010 | 17.6% | ▼ −1.9 pp |
| 2009 | 19.5% | ▼ −2.1 pp |
| 2008 | 21.6% | ▲ +2.6 pp |
| 2007 | 19.0% | ▲ +1.7 pp |
| 2006 | 17.4% | ▲ +1.5 pp |
| 2005 | 15.9% | ▲ +0.7 pp |
| 2004 | 15.2% | ▲ +0.5 pp |
| 2003 | 14.7% | ▲ +0.6 pp |
| 2002 | 14.0% | ▼ −0.3 pp |
| 2001 | 14.4% | ▼ −0.0 pp |
| 2000 | 14.4% | ▼ −0.5 pp |
| 1999 | 14.8% | ▼ −1.7 pp |
| 1998 | 16.5% | ▲ +0.4 pp |
| 1997 | 16.2% | ▲ +0.3 pp |
| 1996 | 15.8% |
Gross Fixed Capital Formation — South Africa vs Peers
Latest available reading for each economy (periods may differ). South Africa highlighted.
More South Africa indicators
Understanding Gross Fixed Capital Formation — a simple guide
What it measures
Investment in fixed assets — machinery, buildings, infrastructure — as a share of GDP.
How it is calculated
Spending on new machinery, buildings, roads and other fixed assets ÷ GDP × 100.
A ratio of 30% means nearly a third of output is invested in future capacity.
High investment supports future growth.
Low investment can limit future productive capacity.
Why it matters for the economy and markets
Investment builds future productive capacity and is a key driver of long-term growth.
How to read it
Very high ratios can signal rapid catch-up growth but also over-investment risk.
Data source
World Bank — World Development Indicators (series NE.GDI.FTOT.ZS), annual data from 1960 to 2025. Values are shown exactly as published by the source and may be revised later.
How to use the chart
Use the 5Y / 10Y / 25Y / Max buttons to change the time range, or drag the slider under the chart. Hover (or tap) on the line to see the exact value for any period. Dashed lines and hatched bars are IMF projections, not actual data. The “Download CSV” button gives you the full data series.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current gross fixed capital formation of South Africa?
What is the highest and lowest gross fixed capital formation of South Africa?
What does gross fixed capital formation measure?
Data are sourced from official international organisations (IMF, World Bank, BIS) and national authorities, and are shown for educational and informational purposes only. They are not investment advice and no recommendation is made. Figures may be revised by the source; IMF figures for the current and future years are projections. This page was last updated on Saturday, October 17, 2026.