Russia and South Africa
South Africa and Russia coordinated consular efforts to repatriate South Africans trapped on the Russian–Ukrainian front. The episode shows diplomatic cooperation alongside an investigation into their recruitment.
Analysis reviewed: 2026-10-08 · Indicators updated: 2026-10-08History and institutional framework
The presidential statement of 24 February 2026 refers to requests for help from seventeen South African men aged between twenty and thirty-nine.
What merchandise trade shows
In 2025, goods trade between Russia and South Africa totalled 908.5 million current USD.
Documented trade sectors
Within the selected chapters, mineral fuels and oils stands out in shipments from Russia to South Africa, at 26.9 million USD in 2025.
Bilateral indicators
Blank cells: data unavailable.
| Indicator | Value | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Goods trade | 908.55 M USD | 2025 · UN Comtrade / ZAF |
| Goods: Russia to South Africa | 524.82 M USD | 2025 · UN Comtrade / ZAF |
| Goods: South Africa to Russia | 383.73 M USD | 2025 · UN Comtrade / ZAF |
| Services trade | ||
| Export share: Russia to South Africa | ||
| Export share: South Africa to Russia | 0.331 % | 2025 · UN Comtrade / ZAF |
| Investment stock: Russia in South Africa | ||
| Investment stock: South Africa in Russia |
Definitions and sources
Trade adds both directions. Shares refer to the country’s total goods exports; investment is an accumulated stock, not an annual flow. Every figure retains the currency and period of its source. BEA positions are historical-cost estimates based on the immediate counterpart, not market values or investment by ultimate owner. ‘More than’ indicates a lower bound, not an exact amount. A recorded stock does not establish new activity or authorisation to operate under sanctions.
- Goods trade
- 2025 · UN Comtrade / ZAF · Goods; full year; reporter ZAF. Exports normally FOB and imports CIF according to the reporter's coverage. Mirror reports are not added together.
- Goods: Russia to South Africa
- 2025 · UN Comtrade / ZAF · Goods; full year; reporter ZAF. Exports normally FOB and imports CIF according to the reporter's coverage. Mirror reports are not added together.
- Goods: South Africa to Russia
- 2025 · UN Comtrade / ZAF · Goods; full year; reporter ZAF. Exports normally FOB and imports CIF according to the reporter's coverage. Mirror reports are not added together.
- Export share: South Africa to Russia
- 2025 · UN Comtrade / ZAF · Goods share: ZAF exports to the partner / exports by the same reporter to the world, same year.
Country comparison
Period and source beside each figure · est. = estimate by the stated institution.
| Indicator | Russia | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal GDP | 2.59 trillion USDIMF est.2025 · IMF | 427.18 billion USD2025 · World Bank |
| GDP per capita | 17,972.12 USDIMF est.2025 · IMF | 6,597.71 USD2025 · World Bank |
| GDP growth | 1 %2025 · WB | 1.11 %2025 · World Bank |
| Policy interest rate | 14 %2026-09-11 · CBR | |
| Inflation · annual average | 8.72 %Annual average · 2025 · WB | 3.21 %Annual average · 2025 · World Bank |
| Inflation · latest year-on-year figure | 6.33 %Year-on-year · Aug. 2026 · CBR | 4.4 %Year-on-year · 2026-08 · Stats SAurban |
| Unemployment | 2.13 %ILO est.2025 · WB | 32.39 %ILO est.2025 · World Bank |
| Budget balance (% of GDP) | -3.9 %IMF est.2025 · IMF | -5.8 %IMF est.2025 · IMF |
| Gross public debt (% of GDP) | 17.2 %IMF est.2025 · IMF | 78.6 %IMF est.2025 · IMF |
| Current account balance (% of GDP) | 1.68 %2025 · WB | -0.42 %2025 · World Bank |
| Population | 143,997,000IMF est.2025 · IMF | 64,747,3192025 · World Bank |
| Area | 17,125,190 km²2023 · BM / FAO | 1,219,090 km²2023 · World Bank |
| Military expenditure | ||
| Military expenditure (% of GDP) |
Definitions, dates and sources
Blank cells are not zero. Average annual inflation and the latest year-on-year figure appear in separate rows: they are not the same measure. Every annual indicator retains its reference year; when the years differ, the figures are identified as not directly comparable. When a figure is unavailable from the World Bank, an annual IMF estimate is used and identified as such. The latest year-on-year figure is the latest official release verified as of 7 October 2026. This includes advance releases marked as provisional. Mexico may have a fortnightly figure before the full month is published; it is not automatically compared with a monthly figure. The publication date is retained in each source’s details; it does not replace the observation period or the annual average. Policy rates carry their own dates and represent different instruments. Spain and France share the ECB rate. Balances are positive for surpluses and negative for deficits. The IMF may use fiscal years; unemployment retains each source’s definition (ILO estimates, IMF WEO or PCBS), as stated in the details. For Palestine, debt and the fiscal balance cover central government and retain the PCBS definition; they are not presented as consolidated general government. These are economic magnitudes, not measures of relationship quality.
For Russia, GDP, population and GDP per capita are estimates from the same IMF (WEO) dataset for 2025. The per-capita figure published by the IMF is used, rather than a calculation of our own. The earlier World Bank series could not be reconciled and are not mixed with this dataset. Review: 2026-10-07. IMF data terms of use0
Area retains each source’s territorial coverage; it does not determine sovereignty or effective control. Canada uses an archived national geographic reference. Military expenditure retains the 2024 SIPRI sample distributed by the World Bank: the amount and percentage of GDP use that same definition, which differs from NATO’s. It is not an approved budget or a 2026 figure. Information from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Military expenditure database · Terms of use0
Indicators reviewed: 2026-10-07. Each source retains its original access date; this review does not turn all the data into 2026 observations. Figures may be revised.
- Nominal GDP
- Current USDRussia: 2025 · Nominal GDP in current USD · IMF — World Economic Outlook · IMF est. · IMF estimate (WEO). GDP, GDP per capita and population for this country come from the same WEO query for 2025; no separate GDP-per-capita figure has been calculated.South Africa: 2025 · World Bank · Official World Bank series; observation period, not download date.
- GDP per capita
- Current USD per personRussia: 2025 · Nominal GDP per capita in current USD · IMF — World Economic Outlook · IMF est. · IMF estimate (WEO). GDP, GDP per capita and population for this country come from the same WEO query for 2025; no separate GDP-per-capita figure has been calculated.South Africa: 2025 · World Bank · Official World Bank series; observation period, not download date.
- GDP growth
- Annual real change (%)Russia: 2025 · World BankSouth Africa: 2025 · World Bank · Official World Bank series; observation period, not download date.
- Policy interest rate
- Central bank instrument (%)Russia: 2026-09-11 · Bank of Russia policy rate · Bank of Russia
- Inflation · annual average
- Average annual change in headline CPI (%)Russia: 2025 · Annual average change in CPI (%) · World BankSouth Africa: 2025 · Annual average change in the CPI (%) · World Bank · Official World Bank series; observation period, not download date.
- Inflation · latest year-on-year figure
- Headline CPI relative to the same period of the previous year (%); monthly or fortnightly frequency statedRussia: 2026-08 · Change in headline CPI from the same month of the previous year (%) · Bank of Russia · Published: 2026-09-16 · Year-on-year CPI. The commentary's 6.9% is annualised seasonally adjusted monthly growth and is not used here.South Africa: 2026-08 · Headline CPI; change from the same month of the previous year · Stats SA · Urban headline CPI, not a geographically comprehensive national index or core inflation.
- Unemployment
- % of the labour force; definition used by the stated institutionRussia: 2025 · World Bank · ILO est.South Africa: 2025 · ILO modelled estimate, percentage of the labour force · World Bank · ILO est. · Official World Bank series; observation period, not download date.
- Budget balance
- General government (% of GDP)Russia: 2025 · IMF — World Economic Outlook · IMF est.South Africa: 2025 · IMF · IMF est. · IMF WEO general-government estimate. Retains the source’s fiscal year when it differs from the calendar year.
- Gross public debt
- General government (% of GDP)Russia: 2025 · IMF — World Economic Outlook · IMF est.South Africa: 2025 · IMF · IMF est. · IMF WEO general-government estimate. Retains the source’s fiscal year when it differs from the calendar year.
- Current account balance
- % of GDPRussia: 2025 · World BankSouth Africa: 2025 · World Bank · Official World Bank series; observation period, not download date.
- Population
- PeopleRussia: 2025 · Population from the WEO series; do not mix with a denominator from another source · IMF — World Economic Outlook · IMF est. · IMF estimate (WEO). GDP, GDP per capita and population for this country come from the same WEO query for 2025; no separate GDP-per-capita figure has been calculated.South Africa: 2025 · World Bank · Official World Bank series; observation period, not download date.
- Area
- Total area in km²; territorial coverage of the sourceRussia: 2023 · Total area, including inland waters; territorial coverage as defined by the source · World Bank · FAOSouth Africa: 2023 · World Bank · Official World Bank series; observation period, not download date.
- Military expenditure
- Current USD per year; SIPRI series
- Military expenditure (% of GDP)
- Percentage of GDP; SIPRI definition, not NATO’s definition
Other data specific to this relationship
What they buy and sell
Documented selection, not an exhaustive list. Cells without a figure do not mean zero value; some products are identified without a verified amount.
Russia to South Africa
| Product or sector | Value / share |
|---|---|
| Mineral fuels and oils | 26.9 M USD2025 · Source |
| Pharmaceutical products | 1.4 M USD2025 · Source |
| Electrical and electronic equipment | 0.614 M USD2025 · Source |
| Vehicles and components | 0.126 M USD2025 · Source |
| Machinery and mechanical appliances | 0.0793 M USD2025 · Source |
South Africa to Russia
| Product or sector | Value / share |
|---|---|
| Machinery and mechanical appliances | 6.8 M USD2025 · Source |
| Mineral fuels and oils | 1.2 M USD2025 · Source |
| Electrical and electronic equipment | 0.666 M USD2025 · Source |
| Vehicles and components | 0.141 M USD2025 · Source |
| Meat and edible offal | 0.0139 M USD2025 · Source |
| Pharmaceutical products | 0.0000179 M USD2025 · Source |
How trade has changed
Billions of current USD · full calendar years
View chart figures
| Period | Total | Russia to South Africa | South Africa to Russia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,033.7 | 622.9 | 410.8 |
| 2022 | 830.7 | 547.9 | 282.9 |
| 2023 | 805.6 | 522.8 | 282.8 |
| 2024 | 857.8 | 558.5 | 299.3 |
| 2025 | 908.5 | 524.8 | 383.7 |
Connections between people
The presidential statement of 24 February 2026 refers to requests for help from seventeen South African men aged between twenty and thirty-nine. [1]
Residents, study and travel
Blank cells: data unavailable. Each measure retains its definition and period.
| Indicator | Value | Period / source |
|---|---|---|
| Residents from Russia living in South Africa | ||
| Residents from South Africa living in Russia | ||
| Study and training: Russia in South Africa | ||
| Study and training: South Africa in Russia | ||
| Academic stays: Russia in South Africa | ||
| Academic stays: South Africa in Russia | ||
| Travel: Russia to South Africa | ||
| Travel: South Africa to Russia |
What each figure measures
Residents are counted by nationality and the coverage of the stated register, not as people born in the other country or as new arrivals in one year. PERE includes dual nationals and people born outside Spain. Study with OPT and stays carrying academic credit are different measures. Travel may include several visits by the same person; FRONTUR arrivals require an overnight stay, whereas the Canadian survey includes day visits. These figures are neither added together nor automatically compared across directions.
Mobility data added or reviewed: 2026-10-07. Reference periods may be earlier.
Underlying ties
History, institutions and long-standing issues.
History and institutional framework
The presidential statement of 24 February 2026 refers to requests for help from seventeen South African men aged between twenty and thirty-nine. Ramaphosa asked Putin for support in a call on 10 February. [1] [2]
The scale of both economies
Nominal GDP for Russia is 2,587.9 billion USD (2025), compared with 427.2 for South Africa (2025). The reference populations are 144 and 64.75 million, respectively. In the same year, the economy of Russia was 6.06 times that of South Africa in nominal GDP. The comparison provides context on market size, but does not, on its own, measure influence, well-being or diplomatic closeness. Estimates and their sources retain their labels in the tables. [6] [7] [8] [9]
Recent developments
Recent developments and latest available data · Review: 2026-10-08
Cooperation and bilateral issues
As of the statement's date, four had returned, eleven were expected to return and two remained in Russia, one hospitalised in Moscow. The embassy would continue following the hospitalised man's situation. The South African government stated that it was still investigating the circumstances of the recruitment. The return efforts do not imply official South African authorisation to participate in the war or closure of the investigation. [1] [2]
What merchandise trade shows
In 2025, merchandise trade between the two countries (Russia and South Africa) totalled 908.5 million current USD. Shipments from the first to the second were 524.8 million; those in the opposite direction, 383.7 million. The difference between the two flows was 141.1 million, in favour of Russia. This is a goods balance, not the total balance of the economic relationship: it excludes services, income and transfers. Both directions come from a single customs reporter to avoid adding mirror records. [3]
The partner's share of exports
Sales from South Africa to the partner represented 0.331% of its worldwide goods exports in 2025. The share compares the same reporter, year and coverage. It measures export concentration, not the percentage of GDP dependent on this relationship. A partner may be important in a specific sector even if its share of total goods trade is small. [3]
Five years of trade trends
The consistent series shows 1,033.7 million USD in 2021 and 908.5 million in 2025. The change between the two endpoints was -12.1 % in current dollars. The highest annual value in the period was recorded in 2021, at 1,033.7 million. The chart allows the two directions to be compared to see whether they moved together or differently. The change combines quantities, prices and exchange rates; it is not automatically attributed to a treaty, a visit or a political decision. The same reporter is retained and missing years are not interpolated. [4]
Documented trade sectors
Within the selected chapters, mineral fuels and oils stands out in shipments from Russia to South Africa, at 26.9 million USD in 2025. Within the selected chapters, machinery and mechanical appliances stands out in shipments from South Africa to Russia, at 6.8 million USD in 2025. The table compares eight selected chapters with the same coverage as the trade total. It is not a complete list or proof that the first item in this selection is the leading product across the entire relationship. A chapter groups numerous goods: machinery and components, for example, do not describe a single business transaction. [5]
Sources and data
Periods and scope of the figures
Institutional sources and periods accompany each figure. Annual trade, investment positions, residents and visits are distinct measures. Empty cells do not mean zero. Statements of intent are not presented as project implementation or treaties in force.
- Bilateral relations — ZAF-RUS
www.gov.za · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-08
- Bilateral relations — ZAF-RUS
South Africa's Department of International Relations (DIRCO) · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-08
- Annual TOTAL X/M; 2025; reporter 710; partners 0,784,643,108,174,192,208,364,372,404,422,454,458,620,646,686,706,728,768,860,12,100,788,704
UN Comtrade / ZAF · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-08
- Trade series 2021–2025
UN Comtrade / ZAF · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-08
- Bounded matrix; reporter, partner, year, chapter and direction identified in each record
UN Comtrade; reporters ZAF · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-08
- Official statistics
IMF — World Economic Outlook · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-08
- NY.GDP.MKTP.CD; country ISO and year preserved; no military data; exact requested country subset independently re-fetched and values compared
World Bank · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-07
- Official statistics
IMF — World Economic Outlook · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-08
- SP.POP.TOTL; country ISO and year preserved; no military data; exact requested country subset independently re-fetched and values compared
World Bank · Institutional source · Accessed: 2026-10-07
Additional sources on products and human connections
- UN Comtrade; reporters ZAF
2026-10-08 · Accessed: 2026-10-08 · Bounded matrix; reporter, partner, year, chapter and direction identified in each record.