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26 March 2026
•
Equitable Education and Economies

SEAD-SA to launch Cities Economic Outlook 2026 report

Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
Press Release

Johannesburg, Thursday, 26 March 2026 — The Spatial Economic Activity Data – South Africa (SEAD-SA) partnership invites members of the media to the launch of the Cities Economic Outlook 2026 report, exploring the performance and prospects of South Africa’s metropolitan economies. The virtual launch will take place on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, from 9h00 to 11h00.

Led by the National Treasury, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of the Free State, and the UK Government, the report presents new evidence from the Spatial Tax Panel, tracking a decade of jobs, structural change, and post-pandemic recovery.

The report reveals the following:

  • Metro job growth has slowed and fallen behind the rest of South Africa.
  • Recovery from COVID-19 has been uneven and incomplete.
  • Deindustrialisation and spatial divides are reshaping urban economies.
  • The metros are expanding rapidly, absorbing half of all population growth.
  • The green transition will create new opportunities but also local risks.

The Cities Economic Outlook 2026 will be available through the SEAD-SA platform www.spatialtaxpanel.org.za and will be discussed at a public launch event.

Join leading researchers, policymakers and urban practitioners as they unpack what this means for urban reform and economic renewal.

End.

Details of the event

Date:            31 March 2026

Time:            09h00–11h00

Location:       Online Event

Zoom Link:    https://wits-za.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w-weais1SZ2UkfArYPGB8Q#/registration

YouTube Link:         https://www.youtube.com/live/9EsoJasasoQ?si=qaER3wuxT0lz_VXJ

Media Enquiries:

HSRC

Adziliwi Nematandani: Email: anematandani@hsrc.ac.za | Tel: +27 (0) 82 765 9191

Wits

Kitso Kgaboesele: Email: kitso.kgaboesele@wits.ac.za | Tel: +27 (0) 11 717 8312

National Treasury

Cleopatra Mosana: Email: Media@treasury.gov.za    Cell: +27 63 686 8413

British High Commission Pretoria

Email: ukinsouthafrica@fcdo.gov.uk

This project was funded with UK International Development from the UK government. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.

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