South Africa’s (SA) economy has grown modestly by 0.5% in the first quarter of 2026 from 0.4% in last quarter of 2025.
The latest data released by Statistics SA (Stats SA) shows that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was supported by increased output in the agriculture, finance, trade, transport and the mining sectors contributed positively to the economy in the first quarter of the year.
Nine out 10 sectors tracked by the national statistical service in the first quarter of 2026 except for the manufacturing sector, which contributed negatively to growth in the period.
Stats SA Chief Director Doctor Bokang Vumbukani says, “SA’s Gross Domestic Product increased by 0.5% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the fourth quarter of 2025. The main industry that contributed to the increase finance, real estate and business services.”
Vumbukani says, “The finance real estate and business services increased by 0.9% contributing 0.2% to GDP growth. Household final consumption expenditure increased by 0.1% contributing 0.1% to total growth.”
—SABC—
