South Africa’s GDP increased by 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, following an increase of 0.3% in the third quarter of 2025, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has revealed.

The finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 1.4%, contributing 0.3 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for other business services; financial intermediation, insurance and pension funding; auxiliary activities; and real estate activities.

The trade, catering and accommodation industry increased by 0.9%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for wholesale trade, motor trade, retail trade, food and beverages and accommodation.

The personal services industry increased by 0.4%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for community services and other producers.

General government services increased by 0.4%. This was mainly due to increased employment in provincial and local government.

The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry increased by 0.4%. This was primarily due to increased economic activities reported for field crops and horticulture products.

The manufacturing industry decreased by 0.6%, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. Eight of the ten manufacturing divisions reported negative growth rates. The largest negative contributions were reported for the motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment; wood and wood products, paper, publishing and printing; and food and beverages divisions.

Meanwhile, Stats SA reported that GDP increased by 1.1% for 2025, compared with GDP growth of 0.5% in 2024.

The full-year GDP growth was primarily led by higher economic activities in finance, real estate and business services (1.9% and contributing 0.5 of a percentage point); agriculture, forestry and fishing (17.4% and contributing 0.4 of a percentage point); and trade, catering and accommodation (2.3% and contributing 0.3 of a percentage point).

The manufacturing; electricity, gas and water; and construction industries recorded negative growth in 2025.