Economic Data
Indicadores de desempeño económico para Ciudad del Cabo
The Economic Performance Indicators for Cape Town (EPIC) is a quarterly publication that tracks the city’s economic performance across key indicators, including growth, employment, trade and investment. Developed by the City of Cape Town, EPIC provides data driven insights to support business confidence, investment decisions and long term planning. Each edition will now be published online for ease of use and wider accessibility.
Cape Town at a Glance
July – September 2025 · Updated each quarter from the latest EPIC publication
GDP Growth
Western Cape GDP growth, Q3 2025
Employment
People employed in Cape Town, Q3 2025
Exports
Cape Town exports, Q3 2025
Imports
Cape Town imports, Q3 2025
4-Quarter Trend
GDP Growth · Employment · Exports — Q3 2024 → Q3 2025
* Chart data sourced from EPIC quarterly publications.
EPIC Section Summaries
01
Economic Growth
Providing an overview of how Cape Town’s economy is performing over time, this considers changes in overall output and performance across key sectors such as finance, manufacturing, construction and trade. The focus is on understanding economic structure, trends and momentum. In the third quarter of 2025, the Western Cape economy grew by 0,4% quarter on quarter (non annualised), compared to national growth of 0,5% over the same period.
02
Inflation
This section outlines trends in the cost of goods and services across Cape Town and the Western Cape, tracking changes in consumer and producer prices. Particular attention is paid to essential items such as food, fuel and utilities, helping to contextualise affordability and cost pressures in the economy. At the end of the third quarter, the Western Cape recorded an inflation rate of 3,7%.
03
Labour Market
Labour market indicators reflect how economic activity translates into employment outcomes across Cape Town’s metro economy. Employment levels, unemployment rates and labour force participation are tracked, with comparisons across sectors and cities providing insight into workforce dynamics. In the most recent quarter, the number of people employed in Cape Town increased by 40 399, bringing total employment to 1,82 million.
04
Infrastructure & Trade
Highlighting the movement of goods, people and energy through the city, covering trade activity, logistics performance, transport infrastructure and electricity usage. Together, these measures reflect the functioning of key economic systems. On a year on year basis, exports increased by 5,0% compared to levels recorded in the third quarter of 2024.
05
Tourism
Tracking activity within Cape Town’s visitor economy, tourism indicators examine trends across attractions, accommodation and travel, as well as domestic and international tourism patterns. These measures help contextualise the tourism demand and its role in the local economy. During the most recent quarter, four of Cape Town’s top tourist attractions recorded a combined total of 676 204 visitors.
06
Additional Indicators
Providing supporting insights into broader economic conditions. These include measures related to building activity, consumer behaviour and business sentiment. These indicators help identify shifts in confidence and economic direction.
