#INVESTEC: As inflation climbs, South Africa’s economic outlook hangs in the balance

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Higher fuel prices are expected to push annual inflation above 5% by year-end, potentially prompting further interest-rate hikes as the South African Reserve Bank works to contain price pressures. However, stronger commodity prices, improving tax revenues and progress on structural reforms offer reasons for cautious optimism.

Investec’s latest Q4 Global Investment View examines the risks confronting consumers and the fiscal improvements that could strengthen South Africa’s economic prospects heading into 2027.

Consumer spending trends are also undergoing a notable shift:

• South Africans spent around R75bn on gambling in 2024, equivalent to approximately 1.6% of disposable income, up significantly from pre-pandemic levels.
• Annual gambling losses may now exceed R100bn, which, alongside increased spending on vehicles, offshore online retail purchases and rising municipal costs have put pressure on typical discretionary spend.

Together, these trends are reducing the portion of household budgets available for traditional discretionary spending.

“Despite these pressures, there are several encouraging signs for the domestic economy,” says Chris Holdsworth, global chief investment officer at Investec Investment Management. “Investec’s analysis suggests tax revenue could come in approximately R80bn above the February forecast, supported in part by stronger commodity prices.”

Stronger fiscal outlook boosts optimism: The six-month average value of South Africa’s commodity export basket is up 19% year-on-year in US dollar terms, supporting both government revenues and the rand. This improving fiscal position supports a more constructive long-term outlook.

“South Africa could regain investment-grade status within two years and there is also a material possibility of some form of tax relief come February should revenue collections continue to outperform expectations,” adds Holdsworth.

The report also highlights signs of strengthening economic activity beyond fiscal performance. State-owned enterprise performance has improved from 2023 lows, approved building plans for office space have risen sharply (up by more than 50% year-on-year), and Investec believes conditions are emerging for a meaningful increase in construction activity in the coming years.

“While South Africa faces a tougher inflation and interest-rate environment over the coming months, there are also clear signs that structural reforms, stronger revenues and improved economic fundamentals are beginning to gain traction – providing reasons for measured optimism as South Africa approaches 2027,” concludes Holdsworth.