Healthcare Spending: South Africa
South Africa's healthcare spending is currently 8.91 % of GDP as of 2023. # South Africa Healthcare Spending South Africa allocated 8.
Current (2023)
8.91 % of GDP
+1.9% y/y
Peak (2020)
9.022 % of GDP
Low (2002)
6.678 % of GDP
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
2000–2023 · 24 pts
Healthcare Spending — South Africa
2000 — 2023
Healthcare Spending — South Africa
Analysis# South Africa Healthcare Spending
South Africa allocated 8.91% of its GDP to healthcare in 2023, representing a substantial 21.4% increase from 2000 levels. The nation's healthcare expenditure peaked at 9.022% in 2020, reflecting elevated pandemic-related spending, then gradually normalized. Current spending remains well above the 6.678% low recorded in 2002, signaling a long-term commitment to health sector investment despite economic pressures.
The 2020 spike marked a critical inflection point, with spending climbing from 8.247% in 2019. Following the pandemic peak, expenditure declined modestly to 8.665% in 2021 before resuming an upward trajectory through 2023. The recent uptick suggests South Africa continues prioritizing healthcare investment, reaching near-peak levels as the country addresses ongoing health infrastructure and service delivery demands.
Historical Data
24 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8.91 % of GDP | +1.89% |
| 2022 | 8.745 % of GDP | +0.92% |
| 2021 | 8.665 % of GDP | -3.96% |
| 2020 | 9.022 % of GDP | +9.40% |
| 2019 | 8.247 % of GDP | +2.04% |
| 2018 | 8.082 % of GDP | +1.32% |
| 2017 | 7.977 % of GDP | -1.27% |
| 2016 | 8.08 % of GDP | +0.34% |
| 2015 | 8.053 % of GDP | +2.31% |
| 2014 | 7.871 % of GDP | -2.86% |
| 2013 | 8.103 % of GDP | +1.24% |
| 2012 | 8.004 % of GDP | +0.76% |
| 2011 | 7.944 % of GDP | +1.92% |
| 2010 | 7.794 % of GDP | +1.90% |
| 2009 | 7.649 % of GDP | +7.01% |
| 2008 | 7.148 % of GDP | +3.52% |
| 2007 | 6.905 % of GDP | +0.41% |
| 2006 | 6.877 % of GDP | +0.22% |
| 2005 | 6.862 % of GDP | -1.10% |
| 2004 | 6.938 % of GDP | -1.46% |
Show all 24 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7.041 % of GDP | +5.44% |
| 2002 | 6.678 % of GDP | -6.25% |
| 2001 | 7.123 % of GDP | -2.92% |
| 2000 | 7.337 % of GDP | — |
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