World Bank data shows that South Africa has the 9th highest total for IMF loans outstanding globally, but ranks 25th in terms of overall multilateral loans outstanding. South Africa has a relatively high level of external debt (at USD170 billion at the end of 2021, the latest datapoint in the World Bank International Debt Statistics dataset) representing just over 40% of gross national income.
Footnotes
Note that the IDS data includes SDR allocations and New Development Bank and International Bank of Reconstruction and Development loans under the multilateral debt indicator series. Other sources of comparative external debt statistics, such as the Joint External Debt Hub, exclude the New Development Bank from its multilateral debt indicator.
Use of IMF credit comprise members’ drawings on the IMF other than those drawn against the country’s reserve tranche position.
