News 29 April 2026

1. SA Manufacturing Production Falls for 4th Month, Down 2.8% Year-on-Year

 Recent data updated in late April confirms that South Africa’s manufacturing production slipped by -2.8% year-on-year, marking the fourth consecutive month of downturn. Significant declines were noted in food & beverages (-4.5%) and metal products (-3.6%). Combined with a PMI of 49, the statistics reflect the negative pressure of rising energy costs driven by global conflicts.

Trading Economics / Stats SA

 

2. Zimbabwe’s Economy Projected to Grow 5% in 2026, Outpacing Global Average

As of April 28, World Bank estimates suggest Zimbabwe is set to expand by 5% in 2026, well above the projected global growth rate of 2.6%. The positive outlook is driven by recovery in the agriculture sector, strong mining exports, and improving economic fundamentals following the stabilization of the new ZiG currency and cooling inflation.

 TV BRICS / The Herald