South Africa’s economic growth decelerated in the second quarter of 2026, with GDP expanding by 0.9% year-on-year, down from a revised 1.9% in the first quarter of 2026. The latest figure, updated on 08 September 2026, underscores a notable loss of momentum in the country’s recovery trajectory.
The data are based on year-on-year comparisons, measuring the change in economic output relative to the same quarter a year earlier. The previous reading for the first quarter reflected a 1.9% year-on-year increase, while the second quarter’s 0.9% result signals that the economy is growing, but at a slower pace than at the start of the year.
The weakening GDP performance in Q2 2026 may raise concerns about the durability of South Africa’s growth trend, as policymakers and investors monitor whether the slowdown is temporary or indicative of more persistent structural challenges. Further data in the coming quarters will be critical to assess the direction of the country’s economic outlook.
