Chose Your Country

South Africa Country Urbanisation and Economics Report

Top News
Urbanisation
GDP
Investment
Demographics
Net Exports
Public Spending
Public Debt
IPO

Top News

South Africa eases affirmative action regulations on Starlink and others that Musk said were racistAP NewsSouth Africa's communications minister has ordered a policy change that allows Elon Musk's Starlink and other foreign-owned satellite...3 hours ago

South Africa's MK party: Brumelda Zuma sworn in as MP after Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resignsBBCA daughter of South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma has been sworn into parliament, less than a fortnight after her half-sister was...2 days ago

South Africa's ANC says it needs to reform to regain supportReutersSouth Africa's African National Congress, the liberation movement that brought Nelson Mandela to power, said it was facing a crisis over...16 hours ago

Were South Africans lured into fighting for Russia’s Ukraine war?Al JazeeraFamilies of South Africans allegedly lured into joining Russia's military say their loved ones are stranded in Ukraine.5 hours ago

Building under construction collapses on temple in South Africa, leaving 1 deadAP News · 8 hours ago

Urbanisation Levels

Johannesburg - Urbanization, Mining, CultureBritannicaJohannesburg - Urbanization, Mining, Culture: The first decades of the 20th century were a time of extensive social engineering as municipal...3 weeks ago

Rising infrastructure inequalities accompany urbanization and economic developmentNatureImpending global urban population growth is expected to occur with considerable infrastructure expansion. However, our understanding of...10 months ago

Figures of the week: Africa’s urbanization dynamicsBrookingsThe pace of urbanization and urban population growth in Africa has changed significantly across the continent generally as well as within its various regions.29 months ago

Urbanization in Sub-Saharan AfricaCSIS | Center for Strategic and International StudiesSub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is often regarded as the world's fastest urbanizing region. Urban areas currently contain 472 million people, and will double over the...92 months ago

68% of the world population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, says UNWelcome to the United NationsToday, 55% of the world's population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050. Projections show that urbanization,...39 months ago

Urban AfricaArcGIS StoryMapsThe African continent is vast and diverse, but one constant holds true across it: a rapid migration from rural areas to expanding cities.3 weeks ago

Millions of South African Children Raised by GrandparentsStats SAApproximately 6,7 million grandparents lived with 9,7 million children aged 0–17. Of these grandparents, 69,3% were grandmothers, while 30,7% were grandfathers.9 months ago

Urban Economic Growth in Africa: Analysis of the African Urban and its ImplicationsAtalayarAfricapolis , a new urban geography Africa is today the region with the highest urban growth rate in the world. The continent's po.46 months ago

Urbanization and human security in post-colonial AfricaFrontiersUrbanisation has been unprecedented in post-colonial Africa. As African economies grow and become active participants in the global economy,...36 months ago

Demographic Trends and UrbanizationWorld Bank GroupThe report explores how population growth, aging and migration affect the growth trajectories of cities, and how and why city-level demographic trends diverge...54 months ago

GDP

South Africa economic outlook, December 2025DeloitteFactors like fragility in the ruling coalition, US tariffs, and weak investment levels will keep South African economic growth muted.4 days ago

South Africa's economy slows in third quarter but investment a bright spotReutersSouth Africa's economic growth slowed in the third quarter of 2025 as expected, but analysts heralded a pickup in fixed investment for the...1 week ago

South AfricaWorld Bank GroupSouth Africa sits at the southern tip of the African continent, sharing borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini, while completely...1 week ago

South Africa records stronger-than-expected GDP growthhttps-//www.semafor.comSouth Africa recorded stronger GDP growth in the third quarter than many analysts had expected. The 0.5% growth, compared with the previous...1 week ago

South Africa’s Economy Grows at Fastest Pace in Two YearsBloomberg.comTakeaways by Bloomberg AI Hide · South Africa's economy expanded at the fastest pace in two years, lifted by a strong rebound in manufacturing...3 months ago

Economy extends growth streak in Q3FocusEconomicsSequential GDP growth decelerates: South Africa's GDP increased 0.5% in seasonally adjusted quarter-on-quarter terms in Q3,...1 week ago

Africa’s richest country on track to extend GDP growth streak for third quarterBusiness Insider AfricaAfricas largest economy, South Africa, likely saw 0.4% growth in Q2, driven by manufacturing and mining rebounds. | Business Insider Africa.3 months ago

South African rand flat after stats agency reports softer Q3 economic growthReutersThe rand traded flat on Tuesday after South Africa's statistics agency reported softer economic growth in the third quarter compared to the...1 week ago

South Africa’s economy slows for the first time in 12 monthsFinance in AfricaSouth Africa's economy expanded by 0.5% in Q3 2025, marking a slowdown from 0.9% in Q2 and the first deceleration in a year.1 week ago

South Africa economic outlook, June 2025DeloitteAs optimism wanes and projections weaken, reform and political stability will be key to unlocking South Africa's economic potential in the...5 months ago

Loading graph...

Investment

South Africa’s Economy Sees Growth; Infrastructure Investment And Structural Reforms Still NeededForbes AfricaThis marks an increase in the third consecutive quarter, following a 0.9% expansion in the second quarter. South Africa's economy recorded...22 hours ago

South AfricaWorld Bank GroupThe World Bank's strategy in South Africa reflects the country's development priorities and its unique leadership and anchor position, at the sub-regional...1 week ago

Africa Investment Forum: inefficiency in allocation of capital keeps women entrepreneurs from unlocking full potential – Nialé KabaAfrican Development Bank GroupNialé Kaba, Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Economy, Planning and Development, has described Africa's women entrepreneurs as untapped "gold...3 days ago

It is time to give Africans a stake in African growthAl JazeeraAfrican countries need to change rules and regulations to stimulate African investment in start-ups.1 month ago

Where to Invest 1 Million South African Rand: Gold, AI, Pharma, Fossil FuelsBloomberg.comFive financial experts share their views on where to put your money right now.3 weeks ago

Africa: Foreign investment hit record high in 2024UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)Foreign investment in Africa surged by 75% to reach an all-time high of $97 billion in 2024, bolstered by liberalization and facilitation efforts across the...5 months ago

Sub-Saharan Africa: The Essentials - Economics: Sub-Saharan AfricaCFR EducationExplore this collection of learning resources to better understand the history, people, and politics of sub-Saharan Africa.5 months ago

Oct 15, 2025: DHL Group commits more than €300 million to accelerate trade growth across AfricaDHL GroupThis investment underscores DHL's commitment to Sub-Saharan Africa and supports AfCFTA's goals to boost intra-African trade and strengthen...1 month ago

Loading graph...

Demographics

Total population of South Africa in 2022, by ethnic groupsStatistaAs of 2022, South Africa's population increased and counted approximately 60.6 million inhabitants in total, of which the majority (roughly 49.1 million) were...2 weeks ago

South AfricaWorld Bank GroupThe World Bank's strategy in South Africa reflects the country's development priorities and its unique leadership and anchor position, at the sub-regional...1 week ago

10 African countries with the fastest urban population growth (2020–2050)Business Insider AfricaAfrica is entering an era of rapid and transformative urbanisation that is set to reshape its demographic and economic landscape over the...1 month ago

Map Shows Region Leading 2050 Global Population IncreaseNewsweekSub-Saharan Africa is expected to account for more than half the global population increase until 2050.4 months ago

The Future of Jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa: population boom can make the region a talent hotspotThe World Economic ForumThe population of Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to rise by 79% over the next 30 years. This surge to 2.2 billion will come at a time when most developed...7 months ago

Concerning outlook for South Africa’s white population in 2025MSNThe latest figures reveal that South Africa's white population continues to shrink, and emigration isn't the only reason driving the decline.4 months ago

Demographics not poor governance explain Africa’s slow developmentISS AfricaUntil dependency ratios shift, Africa's large youthful population will remain the continent's biggest barrier to growth.8 months ago

Jakkie Cilliers: ‘Africa’s population surge condemns it to poverty’The Africa ReportPopulation growth, migration, food self-sufficiency: On these core issues for the continent's development, the chairman of the Institute for...10 months ago

Africa’s population growth has surprised a lot of investors says Guinness CIOMoney MarketingAfrica's population is growing so quickly, it has surprised a lot of investors”, according to Guinness Global Investors CIO Edmund Harriss.2 months ago

South Africa's white Afrikaner separatists want Trump's help to become stateReutersORANIA, South Africa, April 3 (Reuters) - A group of white Afrikaners was so opposed to majority Black rule when apartheid ended some three...8 months ago

Loading graph...

Export/Import

South Africa (ZAF) Exports, Imports, and Trade PartnersThe Observatory of Economic ComplexityIn September 2025 South Africa exported ZAR177B and imported ZAR164B, resulting in a positive trade balance of ZAR12.4B.1 week ago

Africa's Frozen Fish Fillet Market Poised for Steady Growth With 2.2% CAGR Through 2035IndexBoxAnalysis of Africa's frozen fish fillet market: consumption, production, imports, exports, key countries, and forecasts to 2035 with a 2.2%...1 day ago

South Africa lifts Q2 fruit export value to US$3.69 billionFreshPlazaSouth Africa's agricultural export performance continued to grow in the second quarter of 2025, with exports reaching approximately US$3.69...2 days ago

Ford South Africa Achieves Sales and Exports Growth Despite Market Declining in 2024Ford From the RoadFord South Africa recorded encouraging growth in both its domestic sales and its export volumes in 2024, despite both segments declining year-on-year.10 months ago

African exports face immediate damage from lapse of US trade initiativeReutersKenyan workers prepare clothes for export at the New Wide Garment Export Processing Zone (EPZ) factory operating under the U.S. African...2 months ago

South Africa pushes to increase exports to China amid US’ 30% tariff hikeSouth China Morning PostSouth Africa vows to expand its trade portfolio to create more balance and tackle a growing trade deficit which heavily favours China ... Facing a...4 months ago

L’Afrique à la conquête des marchés mondiaux ? Dynamiques et mutations des exportations agricoles et alimentairesFondation FARMThe US administration's announcements of tariff increases in early April 2025 have raised considerable concern for agricultural and food...6 months ago

Sub-Saharan Africa trade value up 9.7% but tariffs to hit growthAfrican BusinessExports are driving an increase in Sub-Saharan Africa's trade but US tariffs are likely to impact future growth and intra-African trade lags...1 month ago

South Africa (ZAF) and United States (USA) TradeThe Observatory of Economic ComplexityIn September 2025, South Africa exported ZAR 15.2B and imported ZAR 11.6B from United States, resulting in a positive trade balance of ZAR...1 week ago

Market conditions facilitate record-breaking South African citrus seasonFruitnetIn the 2025 export season Southern African citrus growers packed 203.4mn 15kg cartons for delivery to global markets. This represented a...1 month ago

Loading graph...

Public Spending

South Africa forecasts upbeat budget after better-than-expected revenuehttps-//www.semafor.comSkyrocketing debt and government spending have outpaced revenue growth in South Africa in recent years. The mid-picture forecast is a “chance to...1 month ago

Third try at South Africa budget may point to revenue shortfall of 4.70% of GDP, say economists: Reuters pollReutersFinance Minister Enoch Godongwana is due to return to parliament on May 21 for a third try at passing South Africa's budget after disputes with...6 months ago

South Africa Marks ‘Turning Point’ as Tax Windfall Boosts BudgetBloomberg.comSouth Africa is heading into its latest budget with a rare sense of optimism — and the chance to mark a turning point for the nation's...1 month ago

South Africa forecasts upbeat budget after better-than-expected revenueYahoo FinanceInvestors forecast positive news ahead of South Africa's mid-year budget review, thanks to stronger-than-expected revenue collection.1 month ago

South African budget law passes after months of delayReutersSouth Africa's parliament passed the budget's fiscal framework and revenue proposals on Wednesday, removing a key pillar of uncertainty for...6 months ago

2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement | Deloitte South AfricaDeloitteOn 12 November 2025, South Africa's Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, presented the 2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS)...1 month ago

Budget crisis exposes the contradictions in South Africa’s Government of National UnityPeoples DispatchSouth Africa's two largest parties, allied in the Government of National Unity, disagree on how to resolve the budget crisis: The ANC wants...9 months ago

South Africa’s Medium-Term Budget Shows Promise Ahead Of G20 SummitForbes AfricaSouth Africa's Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, delivered an optimistic Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in Cape Town today...1 month ago

VAT hikes can raise tax without hurting the poor: an economist sets out the evidenceThe ConversationSouth Africa's 2025-6 budget has been subjected to more comment than usual. This is due to the political tensions generated by a proposed...7 months ago

Fitch Backs South Africa’s Mid-Term Budget, Sees Debt Near PeakBloomberg.comFitch Ratings endorsed South Africa's latest budget update, saying the government remains committed to its fiscal consolidation efforts.1 month ago

Loading graph...

Public Debt

South Africa is right to put debt, climate and inequality at the heart of G20NatureSouth Africa is right to put debt, climate and inequality at the heart of G20. The host of the high-level meeting must not be swayed from its...3 weeks ago

South Africa's G20 debt focus to be tested as US takes the chairReutersThe G20's leadership is heading away from the Global South just as debt problems in poorer countries threaten to flare again,...2 weeks ago

Africa has a debt crisis: momentum from G20 in South Africa can help find solutionsThe ConversationOver the course of 2025, South Africa has been very effective in raising awareness of the African debt crisis and its dire impact on African...4 weeks ago

Africa’s other debt crisisThe EconomistIt is not just loans from China and Western financiers. Domestic borrowing is surging | Middle East & Africa.3 weeks ago

South Africa Joins Bond Rush With New Dollar-Debt OfferingBloomberg.comSouth Africa sold dollar-denominated bonds for the first time in a year, joining other African issuers taking advantage of lower borrowing...1 week ago

Africa’s G20 Johannesburg Summit 2025: In pursuit of Solidarity, Equality and SustainabilityWelcome to the United NationsThe first G20 Summit on African soil in Johannesburg, and the first since the AU became a permanent member of the G20 in 2023,...3 days ago

Africa expert panel proposes a new G20 debt refinancing initiativeAOL.comBy Duncan Miriri and Colleen Goko JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -The Group of 20 major economies should team up with the International Monetary Fund and others to...1 day ago

Urgent debt relief demanded for Africa amid public sector crisisAl JazeeraMany African nations now spend more servicing external debt than funding healthcare and education.1 month ago

Devex Newswire: G20 handed bold plan to ease Africa’s crushing debt loadDevexA new proposal urges a fresh approach to debt refinancing for low-income countries, using tools such as concessional finance,...3 weeks ago

Credit Conditions – South Africa, Kenya and NigeriaMoody'sSub-Saharan African economies face major funding needs but struggle with limited equity capital and high debt costs. South Africa, Kenya...2 months ago

Loading graph...

Recent IPO News

Can a Wave of Secondary Listings Breathe New Life into South Africa’s IPO Scene? Lawyers Are Banking on ItLaw.comSo far in 2025, three listings have landed on the JSE, including Valterra Platinum, a $14 billion spin-off of gold producer Anglo American, a...4 months ago

AI fintech Optasia eyes South Africa IPOhttps-//www.semafor.comFintech companies have expanded in recent years to reach unbanked people who could access digital financial services via a mobile phone. Optasia...2 months ago

South African Mobile Operator Cell C Plans $413 Million IPOBloomberg.comTakeaways by Bloomberg AI Hide · Cell C Holdings Ltd. is planning an initial public offering in Johannesburg to raise 7.2 billion rand from the...1 month ago

dubai-fintech-optasia-seeks-6-3b-rand-in-south-african-ipo-share-sale-93627362S&P GlobalThe Dubai-based company, formerly known as Channel VAS DMCC, announced its intention to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and raise...2 months ago

Optasia Raises $345M in South Africa’s Largest Fintech IPODabafinanceTLDR · Dubai-based fintech group Optasia officially listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on Tuesday, November 4, after a R6.5 billion...1 month ago