• GDP expands 0.5% after 0.9% in the previous quarter, Stats SA reports

• Mining, agriculture, trade, and services record continued growth

• Energy constraints and logistics disruptions keep pressure on the economy

South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.5 % in the third quarter of 2025, down from a revised 0.9 % in the previous quarter, according to the latest report from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) released on Tuesday, November 2, 2025.

Although the rate eased, it marks the fourth consecutive quarterly increase in economic activity since the 0.3 % decline recorded during the same period in 2024. The mining and quarrying sector expanded 2.3 %, while agriculture grew 1.1 %, notching its fourth consecutive rise.

The trade, catering, and accommodation sector increased 1 %. Public services, transport, communications, and construction recorded similar gains. However, electricity, gas, and water contracted 2.5 % due to lower production and consumption of electricity and water.

?#SAeconomy || South Africa's economy grew by 0,5% in Q3:2025.

Read more here: https://t.co/ft9xwHo0sP#StatsSA #KnowYourStatsZA #GovZAUpdates #ZAGDP pic.twitter.com/IX5XcbXF9q

— Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) (@StatsSA) December 2, 2025

The country continues to face long-standing economic challenges linked to the energy crisis and disruptions in rail and port operations. These are compounded by global trade tensions, higher U.S. tariffs, and a poverty rate estimated at 68 % in 2025, according to the World Bank.

In November, the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee noted positive signs that led to an upward revision of the 2025 growth forecast to 1.2 %, from 0.9 % earlier. The new projection is close to the International Monetary Fund’s estimate of 1.1 % for the year.

Lydie Mobio