Cities Economic Outlook 2026 report

This report examines the performance and future prospects of South Africa’s metropolitan economies using data from the Spatial Tax Panel (PDF,11.50MB). The report finds that while cities remain the country’s primary centres of economic activity and population growth, they face significant challenges, including slowing job creation, uneven post-COVID-19 recovery, deindustrialisation, growing spatial inequality, and mounting pressure on infrastructure and services due to rapid urbanisation. At the same time, it highlights opportunities associated with the green economy transition and stresses the need for urban reform, economic renewal, and more inclusive, resilient city development to sustain growth and improve livelihoods.

Abstract based on original source.