Facts about the Central Region’s economy

Interesting facts and figures about the Central Region in South Africa – North West, Free State and Northern Cape.

Central region
  • It contributes 13,4% of the Growth Domestic Product (GDP) of SA. That is 5,9% by North West; 5,2% by the Free State and 2,2% by the Northern Cape.
  • · Agriculture provides 13,6% of the Central Regions’ GDP and 13% of the country’s total GDP.
  • · 7% of all new vehicles are sold in the Central Region and this region has been the quickest on the road to recovery in SA.
  • Free State:
  • The province is the leading producer of maize which is important for food security.
  • 25% of South Africa’s cattle sales originate in the Free State province. The Thabo Mofutsanyane district has the highest population of cattle in the country (490 000). That is 14% of South Arica’s total cattle population.
  • Lejweleputswa is SA’s top producer district of maize (21%) and potatoes (23%).

Northern Cape:

  • The NC has the biggest sheep population. The province sells 35% of all sheep nationwide. Pixley ka Seme district has the highest number of sheep outnumbering the population of people by six to one!
  • The region is also the top lucerne producer (37% of SA) and the second biggest grape producer after the Western Cape.

North West:

  • The North West is the biggest producer of sunflower seeds after the Free State and the second biggest producer of carrots after Gauteng.
  • The province is the third biggest producer of cattle.

More Industry News stories

Dealers encouraged to attend DealerCon 2025

Dealers encouraged to attend DealerCon 2025

In anticipation of DealerCon 2025, Brandon Cohen (photo), Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) of South Africa, emphasised the critical role of the upcoming summit in empowering automotive dealers amid significant market shifts.

  • 28 August 2025
Mercedes-Benz Pension Fund offloads its entire Nissan stake

Mercedes-Benz Pension Fund offloads its entire Nissan stake

The pension fund of German car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz, has disposed of its entire shareholding in Japan's Nissan Motor for 47.83 billion yen (£255 million) on 26 August, according to a source familiar with the transaction.

  • 28 August 2025