South Africa’s economy grew 1.1% in 2025, keeping crown as Africa’s largest

ISTANBUL

South Africa’s economy, the largest on the African continent, expanded 1.1% in 2025, according to official statistics data released on Tuesday.

South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of expansion, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) data.

Its economy grew 0.1% in the first quarter, 0.9% in the second quarter, and 0.3% in the third quarter of 2025.

On the production side, finance, real estate, and business services were the main drivers of growth during the year, while manufacturing, construction, and the energy sector all saw contractions.

With overall growth of 1.1% in 2025, South Africa’s GDP reached approximately $426 billion, allowing the country to maintain its position as the largest economy in Africa.