GDP growth (annual) · South Africa
South Africa GDP Growth Rate YoY
The South Africa GDP Growth Rate YoY measures how much the economy of South Africa grew compared with the same period a year earlier.
- 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 0.9%, below the consensus of 1.2%, down from 1.9% the time before.
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 0.6% to 2.1%, averaging 1.1%.
| Released | For | Actual | Consensus | Previous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Sep 2026 | Q2 | 0.9% | 1.2% | 1.9% |
| 9 Jun 2026 | Q1 | 1.9% | 1.8% | 0.8% |
| 10 Mar 2026 | Q4 | 0.8% | 1.8% | 2.1% |
| 2 Dec 2025 | Q3 | 2.1% | – | 0.9% ® |
| 9 Sep 2025 | Q2 | 0.6% | – | 0.8% |
| 3 Jun 2025 | Q1 | 0.8% | – | 0.8% ® |
| 4 Mar 2025 | Q4 | 0.9% | – | 0.4% ® |
Why it matters
The yearly rate is less noisy than the quarterly change and is the figure most people mean by "economic growth". It shapes the earnings outlook for local companies, tax revenue, and the South African Reserve Bank's view of how much spare capacity the economy has.
How it is calculated
Statistics South Africa compares real GDP (after inflation) with the same quarter or year before; full-year figures sum the four quarters.
Growth (yoy) = real GDP ÷ real GDP a year ago − 1What changes mean
- Growth above the country's trend (about 1–2% for advanced economies, more for emerging ones) tends to raise inflation pressure.
- Annual growth turns only slowly; the quarterly figure shows turning points earlier.
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
Annual national accounts spread after the Second World War under the UN System of National Accounts (first edition 1953).
Questions
What is the South Africa GDP Growth Rate YoY?
The South Africa GDP Growth Rate YoY measures how much the economy of South Africa grew compared with the same period a year earlier.
What was the latest South Africa GDP Growth Rate YoY?
0.9% for Q2, published on 8 September 2026 (consensus 1.2%, previous 1.9%).
When is the next South Africa GDP Growth Rate YoY?
On Tuesday 1 December 2026 at 09:30 UTC.
Educational content only, not investment advice. Figures are the published results as recorded by our calendar; market reactions described are typical, not guaranteed.