The South African Reserve Bank published updated gross external debt statistics for South Africa, reporting a total stock of USD 168,379 million at end-December 2024. This compares with USD 176,314 million at end-September 2024 and USD 158,124 million at end-December 2023. At end-December 2024, general government accounted for USD 79,897 million (entirely long-term), largely debt securities of USD 71,129 million. Deposit-taking corporations (except the central bank) reported USD 31,397 million, including USD 27,863 million short-term and USD 3,534 million long-term, while public corporations recorded USD 19,012 million (USD 228 million short-term). Other sectors held USD 14,130 million split between USD 7,928 million short-term and USD 6,202 million long-term, the central bank reported USD 726 million (short-term currency and deposits), and direct investment totalled USD 23,217 million.
South African Reserve Bank 2025-03-31
South African Reserve Bank updates gross external debt statistics showing USD 168,379 million outstanding at end-December 2024
The South African Reserve Bank reported South Africa's gross external debt at USD 168,379 million as of end-December 2024, down from USD 176,314 million at end-September 2024. General government debt was USD 79,897 million, primarily in long-term securities, while deposit-taking corporations held USD 31,397 million, mostly short-term. Public corporations, other sectors, the central bank, and direct investment accounted for the remainder.