South Africa logs a sixth straight quarter of growth with inflation at a 20-year low

South Africa’s economy expanded 0.5% in the first quarter of 2026, its sixth consecutive quarter of growth, with inflation at a two-decade low, a firmer rand and improving credit rating cited by President Ramaphosa. The recovery has been tested by the Middle East oil shock, which lifted fuel, freight and services costs, and by political noise around a parliamentary impeachment inquiry. The electoral commission has set local government elections for 4 November 2026. For the South African diaspora, the mix is cautiously positive — stronger fundamentals, but real cost-of-living and stability risks to watch.

Source: South African Government (gov.za) 2026 SONA; Deloitte Africa economic outlook; Reuters.