South Africa’s economy grew 1.1% in 2025, offering the fastest annual expansion since 2022 but falling short of Treasury and central bank forecasts, reports Cape {town} Etc.
South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew an astonishing 1.1% in 2025.
This follows the growth of 0,8% and 0,5% in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
– Stats sa – pic.twitter.com/xMi7GZSoIP
— David (TalkingCents) (@talkcentss) March 10, 2026
The national statistics agency published the figures at a media briefing that put the fourth quarter rise at 0.4%, the fifth consecutive quarter of expansion that still leaves long-running structural problems unresolved.
Stats SA said, ‘Five consecutive quarters of positive growth show that economic activity has stabilised, although the pace of expansion remains modest.’
Growth concentrated in consumer-facing and primary sectors. Farm output surged, agriculture expanded about 17.4%, making the largest single contribution to annual growth, while finance, real estate and trade also added momentum.
At the same time, manufacturing, mining, utilities and construction recorded declines that restrained broader recovery.
FARMS AND FINANCE LEAD SA GROWTH
South Africa’s economy grew by 1.1% in 2025, marking its fastest expansion in three years.
The improvement was driven largely by strong growth in agriculture, trade and financial services, which helped offset continued weakness in mining and… pic.twitter.com/XJiB9EXuf3
— Business Explainer (@businessXplain) March 10, 2026
Employment pressures remain acute. The official unemployment rate stood above 31%, underscoring how modest GDP gains struggle to keep pace with labour-market needs, according to the latest labour force survey.
“ActionSA is deeply concerned by the latest GDP figures released today, showing that South Africa’s economy grew by just 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 1.1% for the full year. https://t.co/aysk5ERiqk
These numbers confirm an economy stagnating while the Government of…
— ActionSA (@Action4SA) March 10, 2026
Political reactions were swift. The Government of National Unity welcomed the figures as evidence of resilience. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula wrote on X: ‘Well done Mzansi,’ framing the result as progress for policy direction.
Opposition voices framed the number differently: ActionSA economic commented that ‘A growth rate of around 1% does not meaningfully address South Africa’s unemployment crisis or rising population pressures.’
Economists stressed that stronger, sustained private investment and reforms are needed to turn modest growth into job creation. Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke warned that 1% growth will not resolve entrenched unemployment and urged measured expectations.
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South Africa’s GDP shows modest growth, driven by trade and mining
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