The benchmark interest rate in South Africa was last recorded at 7.25 percent. This dataset provides - South Africa Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Key information about South Africa Policy Rate

• South Africa cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Repo Rate) was set at 7.50 % pa in Feb 2025, compared with 7.50 % pa in the previous Jan 2025.
• South Africa Policy Rate averaged 7.00 % pa and is updated monthly, available from Nov 1999 to Feb 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 13.50 % pa in May 2003 and a record low of 3.50 % pa in Oct 2021.

• In the latest reports, South Africa Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: Treasury Bills Rate: 91 Days was reported at 7.41 % pa in Feb 2025.
• Its Long Term Interest Rate (Government Bond Yield: Month End: 10 Years and Over) was reported at 10.52 % pa in Feb 2025.
• South Africa Exchange Rate against USD averaged 18.74 (USD/ZAR) in Jun 2023.
• Its Real Effective Exchange Rate was 89.35 in Dec 2024.

This dataset provides values for INTEREST RATE reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

Key information about South Africa Real Effective Exchange Rate

• South Africa Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER: 2005=100: Month Avg: South Africa) was 89.3 in Dec 2024, compared with the number of 90.0 in the previous month.
• South Africa Real Effective Exchange Rate data is updated monthly and averaged 143.5 from Jan 1970 to Dec 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 143.5 in Aug 1983 and a record low of 63.9 in Dec 2001.

• In the latest reports, South Africa Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: Treasury Bills Rate: 91 Days was reported at 7.4 % pa in Feb 2025.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Repo Rate) was set at 7.5 % pa in Feb 2025.
• South Africa Exchange Rate against USD averaged 18.7 (USD/ZAR) in Jun 2023.

Lending Rate in South Africa remained unchanged at 10.75 percent in June. This dataset provides - South Africa Lending Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

South Africa Prime Lending Rate data was reported at 11.000 % pa in Mar 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 11.000 % pa for Feb 2025. South Africa Prime Lending Rate data is updated monthly, averaging 10.500 % pa from Jan 2000 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 303 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17.000 % pa in May 2003 and a record low of 7.000 % pa in Oct 2021. South Africa Prime Lending Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by South African Reserve Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.M005: Prime Lending Rate.

South Africa’s inflation has been quite stable for the past years, levelling off between 3.2 and 6.9 percent, and is in fact expected to stabilize at around 4.5 percent in the future. South Africa is a mixed economy, generating most of its GDP through the services sector, especially tourism. However, the country struggles with unemployment and poverty.

Inflation who?

The inflation rate of a country is an important key factor to determine the country’s economic strength. It is calculated using the price increase of a defined product basket, containing goods and services on which the average consumer spends money throughout the year. They include, for example, expenses for groceries, clothes, rent, utilities, but also recreational activities, and raw materials (e.g. gas, oil), as well as federal fees and taxes. Some of these goods are more volatile than others – food prices, for example, are considered less reliable. The European Central Bank aims to keep inflation at around two percent in the long run.

What happened in 2016?

In 2016, South Africa’s inflation rate peaked at over 6.3 percent, and gross domestic product, and thus economic growth , took a hit, a sure indicator that something was affecting the country’s economic scaffolding: Low growth due to weak demand and an uncertain political future caused a crisis; then-President Jacob Zuma’s alleged mismanagement and unstable reign steeped in controversy and criminal charges even caused the economy’s outlook to be downgraded by ratings agencies. Zuma was relieved of his office in 2018 – ever since, inflation, GDP, and economic growth seem to have stabilized.

Inflation Rate in South Africa increased to 3 percent in June from 2.80 percent in May of 2025. This dataset provides - South Africa Inflation Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Up until 2014-2015, the South African property market was all about sellers and landlords seeking high rents, especially in two key markets, Johannesburg and Cape Town. However, since then it has become a buyer’s market with overall revenues of property owning and letting expected to fall from 12.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2017 to 11.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. A struggling economy, much political noise and a resultant lack of discretionary spending are the three key reasons for the slump in prices. The impact has been mainly felt in the high-end segment with investors opting out and only actual users completing transactions. Foreign buying, which earlier accounted for a significant portion of market revenues is also on the wane, with more of this consumer segment actually looking to sell. The Covid-19 outbreak has plunged the South African economy deep into recession with a recovery over the short to medium term unlikely. However, this doesn’t augur badly for the property market as a whole. In fact, the interest rate cut by the central bank in January, along with an increase in the transfer duty threshold to R1 million and personal income tax relief, is likely to boost the lower segment and result in more buyers.

Female child mortality rate of South Africa improved by 0.95% from 31.6 deaths per thousand live births in 2022 to 31.9 deaths per thousand live births in 2023. Since the 1.26% reduction in 2020, female child mortality rate grew by 1.92% in 2023. Child mortality rate is the probability of dying between the exact ages of one and five, if subject to current age-specific mortality rates. The probability is expressed as a rate per 1,000.

Cost of food in South Africa increased 5.10 percent in June of 2025 over the same month in the previous year. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - South Africa Food Inflation - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The yield on South Africa 10Y Bond Yield eased to 9.81% on July 23, 2025, marking a 0.04 percentage point decrease from the previous session. Over the past month, the yield has fallen by 0.13 points, though it remains 0.30 points higher than a year ago, according to over-the-counter interbank yield quotes for this government bond maturity. South Africa 10-Year Government Bond Yield - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

South Africa is expected to register the highest unemployment rate in Africa in 2024, with around ** percent of the country's labor force being unemployed. Djibouti and Eswatini followed, with unemployment reaching roughly ** percent and ** percent, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest unemployment rates in Africa were in Niger and Burundi. The continent’s average stood at roughly ***** percent in the same year. Large shares of youth among the unemployed Due to several educational, socio-demographic, and economic factors, the young population is more likely to face unemployment in most regions of the world. In 2024, the youth unemployment rate in Africa was projected at around ** percent. The situation was particularly critical in certain countries. In 2022, Djibouti recorded a youth unemployment rate of almost ** percent, the highest rate on the continent. South Africa followed, with around ** percent of the young labor force being unemployed. Wide disparities in female unemployment Women are another demographic group often facing high unemployment. In Africa, the female unemployment rate stood at roughly ***** percent in 2023, compared to *** percent among men. The average female unemployment on the continent was not particularly high. However, there were significant disparities among African countries. Djibouti and South Africa topped the ranking once again in 2022, with female unemployment rates of around ** percent and ** percent, respectively. In contrast, Niger, Burundi, and Chad were far below Africa’s average, as only roughly *** percent or lower of the women in the labor force were unemployed.

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Microfinance Market Size 2025-2029

The microfinance market size is forecast to increase by USD 206.8 billion at a CAGR of 14.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the emergence of social media and increasing digital connectivity. This trend is particularly prominent in the Asia Pacific region, where the market is expanding rapidly. However, the industry faces challenges related to inadequate risk management. The proliferation of digital platforms is enabling financial inclusion, reaching populations previously underserved by traditional financial institutions. In the Asia Pacific region, for instance, over 200 million adults remain unbanked, presenting a vast opportunity for microfinance institutions. Yet, the sector's growth is not without challenges. Effective risk management remains a significant hurdle, as microfinance institutions grapple with assessing and mitigating risk in an environment characterized by limited financial data and high operational complexity. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively must invest in advanced risk management solutions, leveraging technology and data analytics to mitigate risk and expand their reach. Additionally, strategic partnerships and collaborations can help microfinance institutions overcome operational complexities and expand their offerings, catering to the diverse financial needs of their clientele.

What will be the Size of the Microfinance Market during the forecast period?

Request Free SampleThe market encompasses loan facilities and financial services catering to the low-income segment, primarily focusing on cottage industries and household income generation. Microfinance credit plays a crucial role in poverty reduction by providing access to financial aid for individuals and microenterprises, often bypassing traditional lending practices. Technological infrastructure, including digital platforms and mobile banking, significantly contributes to the market's growth, enabling financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Peer-to-peer lending and technological integration have reduced operating costs, allowing financial institutions to offer microcredit facilities with competitive interest rates. Traditional banking services are increasingly adopting technology to streamline loan processing, savings accounts, money transfers, leasing services, and financial return tracking. The financial health of microfinance institutions relies on effective credit scoring and maintaining financial return, attracting private sector banks and fintech companies to invest in this sector. Overall, the market continues to expand, driven by the need for affordable financial services and the increasing adoption of technology.

How is this Microfinance Industry segmented?

The microfinance industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. End-userSmall enterprisesSolo entrepreneursMicro enterprisesUsageAgricultureManufacturing/ProductionTrade and servicesHouseholdOthersTypeBanksNon-banksService TypeGroup and individual micro-creditInsuranceSavings and checking accountsLeasingMicro-investment fundsGeographyAPACBangladeshChinaIndiaIndonesiaVietnamSouth AmericaArgentinaBrazilChileColombiaNorth AmericaUSEuropeMiddle East and Africa

By End-user Insights

The small enterprises segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The market plays a significant role in catering to the financial needs of small businesses, particularly those without access to traditional financial institutions. Fueled by an increasing entrepreneurial spirit, expanding public awareness of microfinance services, and favorable regulatory environments, this market has experienced substantial growth. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) offer loan facilities to various sectors, including rural agriculture, cottage industries, and micro and small enterprises. Digital integration through mobile banking, point-of-sale systems, and peer-to-peer lending platforms has broadened reach and improved accessibility, especially in remote areas. MFIs provide financial services such as savings accounts, money transfers, leasing services, and loan processing to promote financial health and social mobility among unbanked populations. Despite challenges like high interest rates, short repayment periods, and operational costs, MFIs remain crucial in poverty reduction and financial inclusion.

Get a glance at the market report of share of various segments Request Free Sample

The Small enterprises segment was valued at USD 59.80 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 48%

Youth Unemployment Rate in South Africa increased to 62.40 percent in the first quarter of 2025 from 59.60 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024. This dataset provides - South Africa Youth Unemployment Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The USD/ZAR exchange rate rose to 17.6220 on July 24, 2025, up 0.44% from the previous session. Over the past month, the South African Rand has strengthened 0.69%, and is up by 4.00% over the last 12 months. South African Rand - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Household Saving Rate in South Africa decreased to -1.20 percent in the first quarter of 2025 from -1.10 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - South Africa Households Savings - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The Withholding Tax Rate in South Africa stands at 15 percent. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for South Africa Withholding Tax Rate.