South Africa's economy during apartheid was heavily dependent on international trade, including the export of commodities like gold, diamonds, and agricultural products. Boycotts and divestment campaigns led to decreased demand for South African goods, impacting the country's economy directly. Universities, cities, and pension funds in many countries divested from companies doing business in South Africa, leading to a significant economic impact.

Beyond economic boycotts, there were also cultural and academic boycotts. International artists, academics, and sports teams refused to perform, lecture, or play in South Africa. These boycotts further isolated South Africa culturally and intellectually, highlighting the global condemnation of apartheid.

The global boycott movement also pressured governments worldwide to take formal action against South Africa. Many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, eventually imposed economic sanctions on South Africa. These sanctions, combined with the boycotts, increased economic and political isolation, making it difficult for the apartheid regime to sustain itself.

The economic strain and international isolation fostered by the boycotts and sanctions contributed to creating a climate within South Africa that was conducive to political change. It pressured the apartheid government to negotiate and ultimately led to the dismantling of apartheid policies, paving the way for democratic elections and Nelson Mandela's election as president in 1994.