What is the richest province in South Africa in 2025? Top 9 rich SA provinces

With breathtaking scenic views, clean beaches, bustling cities, and a melting pot of cultures, it is no wonder that South Africa is a tourist hotspot. Those living here have friendly fellow citizens and great coastal or city lives to choose from. Gauteng is considered to be the richest province in South Africa in 2025, with a high GDP rate.

Key takeaways

• Some of the richest provinces in South Africa in 2025, per capita, include Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Mpumalanga.
• You can choose from the best provinces to live in South Africa, which can vary depending on what you find most valuable.
• According to various sources, Johannesburg is the city that generates the most money in the country.

The richest province in South Africa in 2025

Compiling the list of the top 9 richest provinces in South Africa is subjective and not exhaustive. It includes all nine provinces and is based on a combination of factors such as total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), economic output, and overall contribution to the country’s wealth.

The information has been sourced from trusted sources such as Stats SA, World Atlas, and Daily Investor.

9. Northern Cape

• GDP: 2.2% ($9.1 billion)
• Area: 372,889 km²
• Population: 1.356 million (2022)
• Capital: Kimberley

The Northern Cape may be the country's biggest province, but it has the least number of people per area. The province came to be in 1994 after being separated from the Western and Eastern provinces, which saw all three make up the large 'Cape Province'.

With a $9.1 billion GDP per capita, the semi-arid region makes up a surprisingly large chunk of the country's financial value.

8. Free State

• GDP: 4.9% ($20.0 billion)
• Area: 129,825 km²
• Population: 2.962 million (2022)
• Capital: Bloemfontein

Free State may have the country's judicial capital in the form of Bloemfontein, but it has way more going for it. It is one of the richest nine provinces in South Africa in 2025.

The state has become a creative haven for artists, with various art exhibitions and cultural festivals held there throughout the year, including agricultural festivals, thanks to its many farms.

NAMPO, one of the biggest agricultural festivals in the world, is held in the cosy town of Bothaville, with thousands in attendance yearly. The area boasts a value of $20.0 billion in GDP per capita.

7. North West

• GDP: 6.6% ($26.9 billion)
• Area: 104,882 km²
• Population: 3.804 million (2022)
• Capital: Mahikeng

Known as the 'platinum province' due to its many platinum mines, the North West accounts for 94% of the country's platinum, producing more platinum than any other isolated area globally.

Besides, it is also home to Sun City Resort, a tranquil haven for those looking for the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation. Thanks to these variables, the area contributes $26.9 billion to GDP per capita.

6. Eastern Cape

• GDP: 7.6% ($30.7 billion)
• Area: 168,966 km²
• Population: 7.226 million (2022)
• Capital: Bhisho

The Eastern Cape is known for having been home to many anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela. A shocking fact is that 85% of the residents there live below the poverty line. Nevertheless, the Eastern Cape contributes 7.6% to the total national GDP.

5. Limpopo

• GDP: 7.7% ($31.3 billion)
• Area: 125,754 km²
• Population: 5.405 million (2022)
• Capital: Polokwane

Limpopo is among the top 5 richest provinces in South Africa in 2025. It is known for its lush, vast nature and a myriad of wildlife. This area within the country tends to draw in a lot of crowds filled with people looking for some tranquil time away from the hustle and bustle of big cities in South Africa.

Due to local and international tourism, the area has a lot of income, but it has recently been on the decline.

4. Mpumalanga

• GDP: 8.0% ($56.2 billion)
• Area: 76,495 km²
• Population: 5.142 million (2022)
• Capital: Mbombela

Although Mpumalanga is the country's smallest province, it packs a punch with how much there is to see and do in the area. It is also known as 'the place where the sun rises' (which is 'Mpumalanga' translated from Zulu).

The various tourist attractions like Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and the globally-loved Kruger National Park make Mpumalanga a major attraction for all.

3. Western Cape

• GDP: 13.9% ($58.3 billion)
• Area: 129,462 km²
• Population: 7.433 million (2022)
• Capital: Cape Town

Coming in at number three is the tourist hotspot, Western Cape, a favourite among various tourists and even A-list celebrities who frequent the popular city.

With lush beaches, buzzing nightlife, and high-end hotels, it is no wonder that this is the third richest province within the country, with an estimated 13.9% of South Africa's total GDP.

2. KwaZulu-Natal

• GDP: 15.9% ($64.7 billion)
• Area: 94,361 km²
• Population: 12.42 million (2022)
• Capital: Pietermaritzburg

The second richest province in South Africa is the coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal. This is where many of the country's holidaymakers go during the cold winter months for extra warmth and sun.

With its various tourist attractions, King Shaka International Airport, and areas like Umhlanga and Ballito, locals and tourists have plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind without breaking the bank. These variables give KwaZulu-Natal a $64.7 billion per capita value.

1. Gauteng

• GDP: 33.1% ($134.7 billion)
• Area: 18,176 km²
• Population: 15.1 million (2022)
• Capital: Johannesburg

Gauteng is not referred to as the 'eGoli' and 'City of Gold' for nothing. After gold was discovered within the province in 1886, the city exported more than 40% of the world's annual gold production at its peak. It ranks among the top 9 richest provinces in South Africa in 2025.

Many major companies stuck around even after most of the gold mines closed in the 1970s. They began investing afterwards, with many having some of their head offices in the country.

What is the richest city in South Africa?

Johannesburg is the richest city in South Africa and Africa's undisputed economic powerhouse, as per Tech Point. It has a GDP of over $131 billion and contributes about 16% of the country’s national GDP. Sandton is often referred to as the "richest square mile in Africa."

Which is the wealthiest province in South Africa?

The wealthiest province in South Africa is Gauteng. It accounts for roughly one‑third (33%) of South Africa’s GDP. It also leads in GDP per person, with the highest per-capita figures among all provinces.

Which province in South Africa is growing the fastest?

Gauteng experienced the highest economic growth rate among South African provinces, according to Statistics South Africa.

Which is the poorest province in SA?

Even though it ranks in the top six, Eastern Cape has the highest poverty rate in South Africa, with about 67% of its population living in poverty. It also suffers from high unemployment, frequently exceeding 40%.

Which province is the most developed in South Africa?

The most developed province in South Africa is Gauteng. It contributes about 33% of South Africa’s GDP, despite being the smallest province by land area. It hosts major cities like Johannesburg (the country’s financial capital) and Pretoria (the administrative capital).

The richest province in South Africa in 2025 may not be a surprise, considering that Gauteng has the richest city on the continent and abundant business opportunities. But the other cities also play a significant part in the country's growth, thanks to their booming businesses and tourism.

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Source: Briefly News