The South African Reserve Bank published updated gross external debt data showing South Africa’s end-period stock at USD 195,932 million as of 31 March 2026. That was down from USD 200,307 million at 31 December 2025, but above USD 176,499 million a year earlier. General government remained the largest component at USD 91,638 million, followed by deposit-taking corporations except the central bank at USD 44,775 million and direct investment at USD 25,157 million. The quarter-on-quarter decline in the total mainly reflected a drop in general government external debt from USD 98,233 million to USD 91,638 million, partly offset by a rise in deposit-taking corporations’ debt from USD 43,510 million to USD 44,775 million. Public corporations stood at USD 17,250 million, other sectors at USD 16,292 million and the central bank at USD 821 million.
South African Reserve Bank2026-06-30
South African Reserve Bank reports South Africa gross external debt at USD 195.9 billion at end-March 2026
The South African Reserve Bank reported South Africa’s gross external debt at USD 195.9 billion at end-March 2026. The stock fell from USD 200.3 billion at end-December 2025 but remained above the USD 176.5 billion recorded a year earlier. General government remained the largest component, while deposit-taking corporations were the second largest.