Analysis of the forecasted total government research and development expenditure in South Africa reveals a generally stagnant trend from 2013 to 2023, with a slight growth from 0.72% of GDP to 0.83%. The year-on-year variations show minor fluctuations, indicating a rather stable investment. Key years like 2023 have seen a modest annual increase of 0.37%, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.39%.

Predictive data from 2024 onwards paints a cautious picture of growth. Projections suggest marginal increments, culminating at 0.85% of GDP by 2028. Expected 5-year CAGR stands at 0.27%, indicating a very modest long-term growth of 1.37% over this period.

Future trends to watch for:

Potential policy changes that could favor increased R&D funding.
Economic conditions impacting the availability of GDP for R&D expenditures.
Technological advancements and emerging industries driving more substantial investments in R&D.
The impact of global collaborations and international funding in boosting local R&D activities.