The benchmark interest rate in South Africa was last recorded at 7.50 percent. This dataset provides - South Africa Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Lending Rate in South Africa decreased to 11 percent in February from 11.25 percent in January of 2025. This dataset provides - South Africa Lending Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Graph and download economic data for Interest Rates: 3-Month or 90-Day Rates and Yields: Interbank Rates: Total for South Africa (IR3TIB01ZAM156N) from Dec 1980 to Feb 2025 about South Africa, interbank, 3-month, yield, interest rate, interest, and rate.

South Africa Prime Lending Rate data was reported at 11.000 % pa in Feb 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 11.000 % pa for Jan 2025. South Africa Prime Lending Rate data is updated monthly, averaging 10.500 % pa from Jan 2000 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 302 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.

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.

Real interest rate (%) in South Africa was reported at 6.3888 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Real interest rate - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Interest Rates: 3-Month or 90-Day Rates and Yields: Treasury Securities: Total for South Africa (IR3TTS01ZAM156N) from Dec 1980 to Dec 2023 about South Africa, 3-month, securities, Treasury, yield, interest rate, interest, and rate.

FocusEconomics' economic data is provided by official state statistical reporting agencies as well as our global network of leading banks, think tanks and consultancies. Our datasets provide not only historical data, but also Consensus Forecasts and individual forecasts from the aformentioned global network of economic analysts. This includes the latest forecasts as well as historical forecasts going back to 2010. Our global network consists of over 1000 world-renowned economic analysts from which we calculate our Consensus Forecasts. In this specific dataset you will find economic data for South Africa Interest Rate.

Key information about South Africa Short Term Interest Rate

• South Africa Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: Treasury Bills Rate: 91 Days was reported at 7.41 % pa in Feb 2025, compared with 7.70 % pa in the previous month.
• South Africa Short Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Dec 1980 to Feb 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 22.15 % pa in Feb 1985 and a record low of 3.45 % pa in Aug 2020.
• Short Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by South African Reserve Bank.

• In the latest reports, South Africa Government Bond Yield: Month End: 10 Years and Over was reported at 10.52 % pa in Feb 2025.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Repo Rate) was set at 7.50 % pa in Feb 2025.
• South Africa Exchange Rate against USD averaged 18.74 (USD/ZAR) in Jun 2023.

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 Bank Lending Rate

• South Africa Bank Lending Rate was reported at 11.000 % pa in Mar 2025.
• This stayed constant from the previous number of 11.000 % pa for Mar 2025.
• South Africa Bank Lending Rate data is updated daily, averaging 10.250 % pa from Dec 1948 to 26 Mar 2025, with 27840 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 11.750 % pa in 19 Sep 2024 and a record low of 7.000 % pa in 18 Nov 2021.
• South Africa Bank Lending Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Global Economic Monitor – Table: Bank Lending Rate: Daily.

Bank Lending Rate in South Africa remained unchanged at 11 percent in March. This dataset provides - South Africa Prime Overdraft Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

South Africa ZA: Deposit Interest Rate data was reported at 7.245 % pa in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 7.172 % pa for 2016. South Africa ZA: Deposit Interest Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 6.309 % pa from Dec 2008 (Median) to 2017, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11.613 % pa in 2008 and a record low of 5.152 % pa in 2013. South Africa ZA: Deposit Interest Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank.WDI: Interest Rates. Deposit interest rate is the rate paid by commercial or similar banks for demand, time, or savings deposits. The terms and conditions attached to these rates differ by country, however, limiting their comparability.; ; International Monetary Fund, International Financial Statistics and data files.; ;

Graph and download economic data for Interest Rates, Government Securities, Treasury Bills for South Africa (INTGSTZAM193N) from Jan 1957 to Jan 2025 about South Africa, bills, securities, Treasury, government, interest rate, interest, and rate.

Graph and download economic data for Interest Rates: Long-Term Government Bond Yields: 10-Year: Main (Including Benchmark) for South Africa (IRLTLT01ZAM156N) from Jan 1957 to Feb 2025 about South Africa, long-term, 10-year, bonds, yield, government, interest rate, interest, and rate.

The benchmark interest rate in Botswana was last recorded at 1.90 percent. This dataset provides - Botswana Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

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.

Key information about South Africa Exchange Rate against USD

• South Africa Exchange Rate against USD averaged 19.032 (USD/ZAR) in May 2023, compared with 18.193 USD/ZAR in the previous month.
• South Africa Exchange Rate against USD data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1957 to May 2023.
• The data reached an all-time high of 19.032 in May 2023 and a record low of 0.668 in Jul 1974.

• In the latest reports, South Africa Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: Treasury Bills Rate: 91 Days was reported at 8.150 % pa in May 2023.
• Its Long Term Interest Rate (Government Bond Yield: Month End: 10 Years and Over) was reported at 12.430 % pa in May 2023.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Repo Rate) was set at 8.250 % pa in May 2023.

Inflation as measured by the consumer price index reflects the annual percentage change in the cost to the average consumer of acquiring a basket of goods and services that may be fixed or changed at specified intervals, such as yearly. The Laspeyres formula is generally used.

Snapshot img

Personal Loans Market Size 2025-2029

The personal loans market size is forecast to increase by USD 803.4 billion, at a CAGR of 15.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the adoption of advanced technologies in loan processing and the rise in the use of cloud-based personal loan servicing software offerings. These technological advancements enable faster loan processing, improved customer experience, and enhanced security. However, the market faces challenges related to regulatory compliance, with increasing regulations and scrutiny from regulatory bodies. Lenders must ensure they adhere to these regulations to maintain trust and transparency with their customers. Digitalization, including cloud computing, chatbots, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence, has transformed the market. Additionally, the market is witnessing an increase in competition, with new players entering the market and existing players offering innovative products to attract customers. Overall, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by technological advancements and the need for flexible financing solutions.

What will be the Size of the Personal Loans Market During the Forecast Period?

Request Free Sample

The market encompasses short-term financing solutions designed for individuals to meet their various financial needs. Employment status and credit history significantly influence borrowing limits and interest rates in this sector. Traditional balance sheet lending institutions, such as credit unions, have long dominated the market, but online loan providers have gained traction due to quick lending processes and digitalized business operations. Interest rates and borrowing limits continue to be key market drivers, with competitive insights from credit unions and online providers shaping the landscape. Employment instability and economic uncertainty have increased demand for personal loans, particularly among those with less-than-ideal credit histories.
Digitalization, including cloud computing, chatbots, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence, have transformed the market. These technologies streamline loan assessments, enabling faster approval processes and more personalized customer experiences. However, the rise of digital credit platforms also presents challenges, such as increased competition, potential bad debts, and penalties for late payments. Collateral is less common in personal loans compared to other types of loans, but awareness of digitalization and automation continues to grow. Credit cards serve as a competitive alternative for some consumers, but personal loans offer more flexibility and potentially lower interest rates for larger borrowing needs.

How is this Personal Loans Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The personal loans 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.

Application

  Short term loans
  Medium term loans
  Long term loans


Type

  P2P marketplace lending
  Balance sheet lending


Channel

  Banks
  Credit union
  Online lenders


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Middle East and Africa

By Application Insights

The short term loans segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Personal loans have gained popularity as a flexible financing solution for individuals, particularly In the form of short-term loans. These loans cater to urgent needs, such as medical emergencies or car repairs, offering quick access to funds with shorter repayment periods, typically within a year. Unlike home or gold loans, personal loans do not require collateral, making them an accessible option for borrowers. Employment status, credit history, and borrowing limits are key factors in determining eligibility and loan amounts. The market is undergoing digital transformation, with cloud computing, chatbots, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence streamlining business operations. Fintech companies and online loan providers are disrupting traditional financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions, by offering instantaneous loan approvals and digital credit platforms.

However, challenges persist, including regulatory compliance, competition, and managing bad debts and penalties. In the competitive environment, Zopa, Startups, and other fintech companies are leveraging automation, AI technology, and credit history assessments to provide personalized loan solutions. Economic uncertainty and the increasing use of the Internet of Things have heightened aware