Manufacturer confidence drops to lowest level in a year and a half – Absa Survey

Loading player...
GUEST – Sachin Chanderdhev - Absa Business Banking manufacturing sector specialist



The Absa Manufacturing Survey decreased by ten points to 23 in the third quarter – its lowest level since the first quarter of 2024, with Absa noting that overall business confidence in the sector remains under severe pressure, despite notable gains in sales and production activity in certain subsectors.



While manufacturers of consumer and capital goods within industries such as transport, food and furniture recorded meaningful improvements in sales and production activity, manufacturers of intermediate goods – including inputs used in the metals sector – reported significant declines in confidence levels.
16 Sep 2025 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

El Niño Returns: Why SA Agriculture Is Ready

El Niño is back — but unlike previous drought cycles, South Africa enters the 2026/27 season with record soil moisture, dam levels at 95.5%, improved grain stocks and strong veld conditions. Absa AgriBusiness’ Loffie Brandt explains why the sector is better positioned, what risks remain, how rainfall timing and extreme…
14 Sep 2PM 9 min

Google SA on Practical AI Adoption

Ahead of the Nedbank IMC, Google SA’s Kabelo Makwane explains why many organisations remain stuck in AI pilot mode — and what separates those extracting measurable value. He breaks down leadership mindset, organisational readiness, responsible adoption, and how marketers can use AI to drive customer value, personalisation and growth.
14 Sep 1PM 21 min

DBSA Delivers R7.8bn Profit: Inside the Numbers

The DBSA has posted one of its strongest financial performances in recent years — net profit up 47% to R7.8bn, operating income up 21.7%, and disbursements rising to R20.7bn. But the picture includes rising NPLs, higher expected credit losses and liquidity pressure. CEO Boitumelo Mosako unpacks the drivers behind the…
14 Sep 12PM 19 min

Lesaka Turns Profitable: FY2026 Milestone Explained

Lesaka Technologies has delivered a landmark FY2026 performance — meeting or exceeding every guidance metric, surpassing the top end of its Adjusted EPS range, and achieving full‑year net profitability for the first time since its 2022 rebrand. Net Revenue rose 20%, Adjusted EBITDA climbed 41%, and Adjusted Earnings surged 229%…
10 Sep 1PM 14 min

FirstRand Delivers Record Dividend Despite UK Provision Hit

FirstRand has posted a resilient full‑year performance for June 2026, delivering the highest dividend payout in its history despite a sizeable UK motor commission provision. Underlying operations remain strong: FNB and RMB posted double‑digit profit growth, continuing operations delivered 13% earnings growth, and ROE reached 24.9%. CEO Mary Vilakazi explains…
10 Sep 1PM 14 min