South Africa’s green economy sectors lead the way in GDP gains

11 September 2025

• The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry grew by 2.5%, contributing 0.1 percentage points to GDP, driven by increased economic activities in horticulture and animal products, reflecting the success of the Department's sustainable agricultural and forestry initiatives.

• The mining and quarrying sector’s 3.7% increase, contributing 0.2 percentage points, showcases the positive impact of DFFE’s environmental compliance and rehabilitation efforts, enabling responsible extraction of key resources like platinum group metals, gold, and chromium ore.

• The 0.2% growth in the electricity, gas and water industry, linked to enhanced electricity production and consumption, underscores the Department’s role in supporting sustainable water and energy management practices.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, expressed satisfaction with the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the second quarter of 2025, released by Statistics South Africa, showing a commendable 0.8% growth. This progress highlights the significant contributions of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to South Africa’s economic resilience.

"The Department remains steadfast in its mission to foster a green economy that supports economic growth while preserving our natural heritage," said Minister George. "Through strategic interventions in environmental sectors, sustainable forest management, and fisheries governance, we are creating jobs and boosting sectors critical to our nation’s development. The 1.7% growth in trade, catering and accommodation, including eco-tourism benefits, and the 0.5% rise in personal services from community initiatives, further illustrate how our conservation efforts drive inclusive economic gains." Minister George noted the R16.6 billion inventory buildup, with significant contributions from mining, transport, and manufacturing, as evidence of improved supply chain resilience supported by DFFE’s environmental policies.

"As we move forward, the Department will continue to champion biodiversity economy projects and climate resilience measures to sustain this positive trajectory and uplift communities across South Africa."

The Minister encouraged all stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic and environmental prosperity.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Thobile Zulu-Molobi:
Mobile: +27 82 513 7154
E-mail: tmolobi@dffe.gov.za

Chelsey Wilken
Mobile: 074 470 5996
E-mail: cwilken@dffe.gov.za