Staff Reporter
The economy grew by 0.5% in the first quarter of 2026, extending its recovery from a 0.4% expansion in the previous quarter, Statistics South Africa said on Tuesday.
The finance, real estate, and business services sector was the biggest contributor to growth, expanding by 0.9% and adding 0.2 percentage points to GDP.
Stats SA said increased activity was recorded in financial intermediation and auxiliary activities.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing grew by 3.9%, adding 0.1 percentage points, mainly due to stronger field crops and horticulture.
Trade, catering, and accommodation rose by 0.7%, supported by wholesale trade, motor trade, food and beverages, and accommodation.
Transport, storage, and communication also grew by 0.7%, with Stats SA saying “increased economic activities were reported for land transport, air transport and transport support services”.
Manufacturing remained a drag on output, contracting by 0.8% and subtracting 0.1 percentage points from GDP. Five of the 10
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