South Africa's real GDP expanded for the sixth consecutive quarter in 2026Q1. This is the longest expansion since 2017/18, partly because structural reforms are finally bearing fruit. But growth is still slow. After expanding last year, investment spending contracted again. The global environment is also very complicated. These factors make maintaining reform momentum urgent.

Vehicle imports from China and India have become one of the most visible shifts in South Africa's automotive market over the past few years. Lower-priced vehicles from both markets have expanded consumer choice and improved affordability in an economy where households have become increasingly price-sensitive. At the same time, rising imports have intensified competition for domestic producers and contributed to growing concern about the long-term trajectory of local manufacturing, investment and employment within the automotive sector.

The official data shows that only 4 out of 10 working-age adults are employed. The economy needs to become better at creating jobs and absorbing labour for unemployment to fall at the scale required. And to do this, large and small firms need reliable and affordable infrastructure, better local service delivery, improved spatial planning, and a predictable regulatory environment that does not constrain economic dynamism. Only if those basics improve will firms be more willing to take the risk of investing, expanding and hiring.

The argument of this note is simple: a national AI policy will be judged by whether it equips and empowers South Africans to put the defining general-purpose technology of this era to work to build a more prosperous future, or stands between them and it.

The paper charts the evolution of South Africa's pension fund industry spanning the past 40 years. It shows that the increase in assets under management has been accompanied by a relative decline in investment in public sector debt. The analysis raises important questions about sustainable financing of growth and development

This comprehensive document, "Pick a Bird. Any Bird: Scenarios for the South African economy (2026-2030)" outlines a detailed route to economic success: growth that lifts South Africans out of poverty and creates a platform for sustained long-term prosperity.

Examines how political coalitions shape economic growth outcomes in South Africa, analysing the incentives and constraints facing key actors in the growth policy arena.

Introduces a reform barometer to track progress in structural reforms in South Africa. The note assesses whether implemented reforms are translating into measurable improvements in economic performance and growth outcomes.

Argues that South Africa's mining sector has significant untapped potential. The paper shows that policy uncertainty, regulatory bottlenecks and administrative inefficiencies—not resource depletion—are the key constraints preventing the sector from expanding.

Explores the limitations of GDP as a real-time indicator of economic performance and proposes the development of a high-frequency economic barometer using alternative data sources to track economic activity more quickly.

Evaluates whether access to fibre broadband improves economic participation in a South African township. The study finds that home fibre is associated with greater labour market engagement and increased opportunities for self-employment.

Analyses how improved internet access affects online behaviour. Results show increased use of the internet for education, job search, and information access following the rollout of fibre broadband.

Examines the regulatory and institutional barriers preventing South African municipalities from procuring electricity from independent power producers despite reforms intended to enable municipal electricity procurement.

Provides a visual overview of long-term macroeconomic trends in South Africa with a focus on sentiment indicators and investment patterns over the past three decades.

Uses a growth accounting framework to analyse the decline in South Africa's economic growth over the past two decades. The study highlights weak productivity and investment as the main drivers of the slowdown.

Explores how private sector participation in water service provision could improve efficiency, service delivery, and infrastructure maintenance in South Africa's water sector.

Reviews the performance of South Africa's Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) system and proposes reforms aimed at improving the alignment between skills development and labour market needs.

Discusses different ways of measuring public debt, highlighting that debt sustainability has a number of angles

Discusses the potential role of fiscal anchors in restoring fiscal credibility and stabilising public debt in South Africa. The paper evaluates possible fiscal rule frameworks suitable for the country.

Examines the conditions under which South Africa could credibly achieve 3% economic growth, identifying the structural and policy changes required to put the economy on a higher growth path.

Examines the role of municipal reform in unlocking South Africa's economic potential, identifying key constraints and reform pathways for improving local government performance.

Reviews South Africa's economic performance over thirty years of democracy through the lens of national accounts, tracing trends in growth, investment, consumption, and fiscal outcomes.

Analyses the implications of South Africa's National Health Insurance Act for healthcare access, quality, and cost, evaluating whether the proposed system can achieve all three objectives simultaneously.

With the appropriate policy choices, South Africa does not need miracles or fairy tales for a better outcome. We need sustained implementation of existing structural reform plans. Taking Operation Vulindlela (OV) as a starting point, this note explores what would be needed to lift South Africa's trajectory to a faster, stronger growth path.

Examines the key bottlenecks constraining South Africa's rail network and port infrastructure, and identifies policy and operational reforms needed to restore logistical competitiveness.

Examines whether access to fibre broadband can improve economic outcomes for low and middle income households in South Africa, exploring links between connectivity and labour market participation.

Assessment of South Africa's progress towards the National Development Plan goals in 2021, with analysis of economic performance and structural reform.

A collection of essays responding to and expanding on the findings of the 2020 NDP Assessment Report, covering key themes in South Africa's development trajectory.

Assessment of progress towards the goals of South Africa's National Development Plan, examining economic and social outcomes against the targets set for 2030.