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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 68910, member: 636"]
The Free State economy has recovered from its pandemic-related contraction, now exceeding its pre-COVID-19 output levels. According to a recent provincial GDP report, the region's economic output grew by 0.5 percent in 2024, reaching R223.293 billion. This figure represents the highest Gross Domestic Product for the province since 2014.

This growth positions the Free State as the country's fourth fastest-growing provincial economy. The province also holds the third-highest GDP per capita nationally, a measure of economic prosperity, at R73,885. Public sector economist M. Makhele noted that while this recovery is positive, the current growth rate remains insufficient for the job creation needed to significantly reduce poverty. He identified inherent income inequalities and an over-reliance on the finance and personal services sectors as structural challenges.

Makhele suggested that accelerating access to finance for emerging black businesses and fostering growth in secondary industries like manufacturing are necessary for more sustainable and inclusive economic development. He emphasized that a coordinated effort between the government and the private sector is required to change the province's economic structure.
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