Private sector credit growth in South Africa inched higher at the start of 2026, with the annual rate rising to 8.83% in January from 8.74% in December 2025. The latest figure, reflecting a modest acceleration in lending to businesses and households, was updated on 27 February 2026.
The uptick suggests a slight improvement in credit demand or lending conditions compared with the end of 2025, though the change remains incremental. Market participants and analysts are likely to watch subsequent monthly releases closely to determine whether this marks the beginning of a more sustained upward trend in private sector borrowing or simply a short-term fluctuation in credit growth.
