Personal remittances and foreign aid received in South Africa
South Africa: Personal remittances and foreign aid received was 926.65 million current US$ in 2021. ◆ Volatile
Personal remittances and foreign aid received in South Africa, 1970–2021
Source: World Bank based on International Monetary Fund balance of payments data (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in current US$.
Analysis
The most recent figure for personal remittances and foreign aid received in South Africa is 926.65 million current US$, measured in 2021.
Compared with earlier readings it is up 14.3% on the previous year and down 20.0% over ten years.
Over the whole period, personal remittances and foreign aid received in South Africa peaked at 1.16 billion current US$ in 2011 and was at its lowest, 15.38 million current US$, in 1971.
That places South Africa 85th out of 193 countries with data for 2021, putting it in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 27.79 million current US$ | 15.38 million current US$ | 51.12 million current US$ | 10 |
| 1980s | 63.05 million current US$ | 35.51 million current US$ | 88.55 million current US$ | 10 |
| 1990s | 148.35 million current US$ | 74.89 million current US$ | 306.86 million current US$ | 10 |
| 2000s | 547.70 million current US$ | 268.16 million current US$ | 862.05 million current US$ | 10 |
| 2010s | 947.02 million current US$ | 755.43 million current US$ | 1.16 billion current US$ | 10 |
| 2020s | 868.77 million current US$ | 810.88 million current US$ | 926.65 million current US$ | 2 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More reference data data for South Africa
- Spring temperature anomalies 0.191 °C (2026)
- Summer temperature anomalies 1.36 °C (2026)
- Temperature anomalies by month 0.6318 °C (2026)
- Universal right to vote in practice 2 (2025)
- Autumn temperature anomalies 1.18 °C (2025)
- Winter temperature anomalies 0.2153 °C (2025)
- Consumer price index 209.92 2010 = 100 (2025)
- Universal right to vote 2 (2025)
- Competitive elections 1 (2025)
- Men's universal right to vote 1 (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is personal remittances and foreign aid received in South Africa?
- Personal remittances and foreign aid received in South Africa was 926.65 million current US$ in 2021, according to World Bank based on International Monetary Fund balance of payments data (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest personal remittances and foreign aid received recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 1.16 billion current US$ in 2011.
- What is the lowest personal remittances and foreign aid received recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 15.38 million current US$ in 1971.
- How does South Africa rank for personal remittances and foreign aid received?
- South Africa ranks 85th out of 193 countries with data for 2021.
- Is personal remittances and foreign aid received rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is down 20.0%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from World Bank based on International Monetary Fund balance of payments data (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Personal remittances and foreign aid received. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Remittances are financial transfers from non-residents to residents of a country, such as a worker abroad sending money to family and friends. Foreign aid is measured as official development assistance. Both are measured in current US$.