The eastward current that forms the southern part of the South Atlantic subtropical gyre. It is fed by the Brazil Current and follows the subtropical front, gradually losing water to the subtropical gyre and Brazil Current recirculation. About 20–25 Sv (20–25 × 10⁶ m³s⁻¹) reach the African coast and continue as the Benguela Current. Cooling of the warm Brazil Current water along its path makes the South Atlantic Current a heat source for the atmosphere.