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South Africa R&D Expenditure (% GDP)

South Africa's R&D expenditure (% GDP) was 0.62% in 2022, unchanged from 2021, according to World Bank. South Africa has R&D expenditure (% GDP) higher than the global median (0.62% vs median 0.62%). Compared with the median in Africa, South Africa is higher (0.62% vs regional median 0.30%) and ranks 6th out of 18 countries in Africa.

Yearly Historical Data (1997-2022)

(in %)
Year R&D Expenditure (% GDP)
2022 0.62%
2021 0.62%
2020 0.6%
2019 0.61%
2018 0.69%
2017 0.76%
2016 0.75%
2015 0.73%
2014 0.71%
2013 0.66%
2012 0.67%
2011 0.67%
2010 0.66%
2009 0.75%
2008 0.81%
2007 0.79%
2006 0.8%
2005 0.77%
2004 0.73%
2003 0.68%
2001 0.64%
1997 0.53%
South Africa R&D Expenditure (% GDP) : Definition
R&D Expenditure (% GDP) measures the percentage of South Africa's total economic output spent on research and development.
Indicator Last Value Prior Value Period
GDP $400.26B $380.7B 2024
GDP Annual Growth Rate 0.58% 0.7% 2024
GDP Growth Rate (QoQ) 0.8% 0.1% Jun'25
GDP Growth Rate (YoY) 0.6% 0.8% Jun'25
GDP per Capita $5,708.96 $5,747.42 2024
GDP per Capita PPP $13,598.79 $13,690.39 2024
Real GDP $365.41B $363.31B 2024