South Africa’s foreign exchange reserves rose in January 2026, reaching USD 80.19 billion, up from USD 75.89 billion in December 2025. The latest figures, updated on 06 February 2026, indicate a notable month-on-month increase in the country’s reserve position.
The rise in reserves strengthens South Africa’s external buffer, potentially improving its capacity to manage currency volatility and external financing needs. While the specific drivers of the increase were not provided, the higher reserve level marks a positive shift from the previous month’s reading. Investors and policymakers will now be watching subsequent data releases to assess whether this build-up in reserves is sustained in the months ahead.
