GDP growth (quarterly) · South Africa
South Africa GDP Growth Rate QoQ
The South Africa GDP Growth Rate QoQ measures how much the economy of South Africa, the total value of goods and services it produces after inflation, grew compared with the previous quarter.
- Importance
- Medium
- Released
- Quarterly
- Next release
- Currency
- ZAR · South African rand
- Central bank
- The South African Reserve Bank
Latest figures
The latest release for Q2, published on 8 September 2026, came in at -0.2%, below the consensus of -0.1%, down from 0.4% the time before (revised).
A weaker figure than expected points to slowing activity: the South African rand tends to soften and markets price in lower rates.
Over the last 7 releases it ranged from -0.2% to 0.8%, averaging 0.4%.
| Released | For | Actual | Consensus | Previous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Sep 2026 | Q2 | -0.2% | -0.1% | 0.4% ® |
| 9 Jun 2026 | Q1 | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| 10 Mar 2026 | Q4 | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.3% ® |
| 2 Dec 2025 | Q3 | 0.5% | – | 0.9% ® |
| 9 Sep 2025 | Q2 | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.1% |
| 3 Jun 2025 | Q1 | 0.1% | 0% | 0.4% ® |
| 4 Mar 2025 | Q4 | 0.6% | 0.9% | -0.1% ® |
Why it matters
GDP is the broadest measure of economic health. Two quarters of contraction are the common rule of thumb for a recession. Stronger growth supports corporate earnings, jobs and the South African rand, and can push the South African Reserve Bank towards higher rates; a contraction raises the odds of cuts.
How it is calculated
Statistics South Africa adds up spending in the economy: consumption + investment + government spending + exports − imports, measured at constant prices (real GDP) and adjusted for seasonal patterns. The first (advance or flash) estimate is revised as more data arrive. The US annualises the quarterly change.
GDP = C + I + G + (X − M)
Growth (qoq) = real GDP ÷ real GDP last quarter − 1
Annualised = (1 + qoq)⁴ − 1What changes mean
- Compare with the consensus and with the previous quarter; the first estimate gets the biggest reaction.
- Look at the mix: growth from consumption and investment is healthier than growth from inventories.
- An annualised US figure of 2% is close to its long-run trend; 0.5% quarter on quarter is similar in European terms.
Higher than expected: A stronger figure than expected points to a healthier economy: it usually supports the South African rand and local stocks, and can push bond yields up.
Lower than expected: A weaker figure than expected points to slowing activity: the South African rand tends to soften and markets price in lower rates.
A short history
Simon Kuznets built the first national income accounts for the US Congress in 1934. GDP replaced GNP as the US headline measure in 1991; international standards are set in the UN System of National Accounts.
Questions
What is the South Africa GDP Growth Rate QoQ?
The South Africa GDP Growth Rate QoQ measures how much the economy of South Africa, the total value of goods and services it produces after inflation, grew compared with the previous quarter.
What was the latest South Africa GDP Growth Rate QoQ?
-0.2% for Q2, published on 8 September 2026 (consensus -0.1%, previous 0.4%).
When is the next South Africa GDP Growth Rate QoQ?
On Tuesday 1 December 2026 at 09:30 UTC.
What is the difference between quarterly and annual GDP growth?
Quarterly growth compares with the previous quarter (the latest momentum); annual growth compares with the same quarter a year earlier.
Educational content only, not investment advice. Figures are the published results as recorded by our calendar; market reactions described are typical, not guaranteed.