South Africa’s government forecasted higher budget deficits and debt for the next three years, even as improved electricity supply suggests better growth prospects. In its first budget review since forming a coalition, the National Treasury projected a 5.0% deficit of national output for the fiscal year ending in March 2025, up from the 4.5% previously forecast.
For the next fiscal year, the deficit is expected to be 4.3% of GDP, compared to the earlier 3.7% estimate. The rand weakened following these announcements. Revenue collection is under pressure due to declines in fuel and import taxes, and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana emphasized the need for tough fiscal decisions in…