Inflation Rate (CPI): South Africa
South Africa's inflation rate (cpi) is currently 3.7% as of 2026. # South Africa Inflation Rate (CPI) South Africa's inflation rate stood at 3.
Current (2026)
3.7%
+8.8% y/y
Peak (1986)
18.2%
Low (2004)
1.4%
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
1980–2026 · 51 pts
Inflation Rate (CPI) — South Africa
1980 — 2026
Inflation Rate (CPI) — South Africa
Analysis# South Africa Inflation Rate (CPI)
South Africa's inflation rate stood at 3.7% in 2026, well below its catastrophic 18.2% peak in 1986 but above its 1.4% low recorded in 2004. Since 1980, the country has achieved a remarkable 73.9% reduction in inflation, reflecting decades of monetary policy improvements and economic stabilization efforts. The current rate places inflation within a moderate, manageable range for policymakers and consumers alike.
The 2022 spike to 6.9% marked a significant reversal after years of decline, driven by global supply chain pressures and energy shocks. Recovery began in 2023 and accelerated through 2024–2025, with inflation cooling to 3.4% before a slight uptick to 3.7% in 2026. The recent stabilization suggests South Africa's central bank has successfully contained price pressures, maintaining inflation near target ranges despite external headwinds.
Historical Data
51 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 3.0% | +0.00% |
| 2029 | 3.0% | +0.00% |
| 2028 | 3.0% | -6.25% |
| 2027 | 3.2% | -13.51% |
| 2026 | 3.7% | +8.82% |
| 2025 | 3.4% | -22.73% |
| 2024 | 4.4% | -25.42% |
| 2023 | 5.9% | -14.49% |
| 2022 | 6.9% | +50.00% |
| 2021 | 4.6% | +39.39% |
| 2020 | 3.3% | -19.51% |
| 2019 | 4.1% | -10.87% |
| 2018 | 4.6% | -13.21% |
| 2017 | 5.3% | -15.87% |
| 2016 | 6.3% | +36.96% |
| 2015 | 4.6% | -24.59% |
| 2014 | 6.1% | +7.02% |
| 2013 | 5.7% | +0.00% |
| 2012 | 5.7% | +14.00% |
| 2011 | 5.0% | +19.05% |
Show all 51 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 4.2% | -41.67% |
| 2009 | 7.2% | -33.94% |
| 2008 | 10.9% | +53.52% |
| 2007 | 7.1% | +51.06% |
| 2006 | 4.7% | +38.24% |
| 2005 | 3.4% | +142.86% |
| 2004 | 1.4% | -76.27% |
| 2003 | 5.9% | -35.16% |
| 2002 | 9.1% | +59.65% |
| 2001 | 5.7% | +7.55% |
| 2000 | 5.3% | +3.92% |
| 1999 | 5.1% | -27.14% |
| 1998 | 7.0% | -18.60% |
| 1997 | 8.6% | +16.22% |
| 1996 | 7.4% | -15.91% |
| 1995 | 8.8% | -1.12% |
| 1994 | 8.9% | -7.29% |
| 1993 | 9.6% | -31.43% |
| 1992 | 14.0% | -7.28% |
| 1991 | 15.1% | +4.86% |
| 1990 | 14.4% | -2.70% |
| 1989 | 14.8% | +17.46% |
| 1988 | 12.6% | -23.17% |
| 1987 | 16.4% | -9.89% |
| 1986 | 18.2% | +10.30% |
| 1985 | 16.5% | +46.02% |
| 1984 | 11.3% | -11.02% |
| 1983 | 12.7% | -9.29% |
| 1982 | 14.0% | -11.95% |
| 1981 | 15.9% | +11.97% |
| 1980 | 14.2% | — |
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