Mpumalanga’s 2026 State of the Province Address outlines plans for job creation, R238 billion in investment, infrastructure development and improved education and healthcare.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development and improved service delivery during the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA), outlining progress made and priorities for the coming year.
Delivering the address on Thursday, 5 March 2026, the Premier said the province remains focused on building “a province that works for all,” with government programmes aimed at reducing poverty, creating employment opportunities and improving the quality of life for residents.
Economy showing signs of recovery
Despite global economic pressures, the provincial economy is beginning to stabilise. Economic growth has resumed at more than 1%, while unemployment and poverty levels have started to decline. Inflation has also dropped to its lowest levels in several years.
Statistics South Africa data shows that employment in Mpumalanga reached 1.28 million people in the fourth quarter of 2025, the highest level ever recorded in the province. This represents a net increase of more than 37,000 jobs.
The province created about 28,700 jobs during 2025, almost half of the government’s target of creating 60,000 jobs annually. Key sectors expected to drive further employment include agriculture and agro-processing, construction, tourism, small businesses and financial services.
The provincial unemployment rate has also dropped to 32.3%, placing Mpumalanga among the provinces with the lowest unemployment levels in the country.
Investment and economic projects
The government also reported growing investor confidence in Mpumalanga. The Mpumalanga Investment and Mining Conference secured investment commitments worth about R238 billion, with R25 billion already committed to projects focusing on the green economy.
Several development initiatives are expected to stimulate economic growth, including renewable energy projects, agricultural expansion programmes and the development of the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone.
A major partnership with the University of Mpumalanga is also expected to drive agricultural innovation. One of the flagship initiatives, a hybrid rice production project, is projected to create up to 388,000 jobs across the value chain while significantly contributing to the provincial economy.
Infrastructure development
Infrastructure development remains a key priority for the provincial government. Over the past year, Mpumalanga invested approximately R2.5 billion in road infrastructure to improve connectivity between communities and support economic activity.
Several major water and sanitation projects are also underway, including upgrades to wastewater treatment plants, bulk water supply schemes and new township developments.
The government has also exceeded its target of delivering 1,000 title deeds to homeowners by handing over 1,674 across the province. A further 2,500 title deeds are expected to be delivered during the 2026/27 financial year.
Education, health and youth development
Education remains central to the province’s development strategy. Mpumalanga achieved a matric pass rate of 86.55% in 2025, an improvement from the previous year.
Thousands of digital tablets have been distributed to learners as part of efforts to improve digital learning, while the government continues investing in new schools and replacing old community-built classrooms.
In the health sector, more than 2,000 healthcare professionals have been appointed across the province, while 25 doctors have been permanently placed in primary healthcare facilities to improve access to medical services in local communities.
Looking ahead
Over the medium term, the provincial government plans to invest more than R4 billion in economic and social infrastructure projects. The government also plans to strengthen partnerships with universities, businesses and civil society to accelerate development and address challenges such as unemployment, poverty and gender-based violence.
The Premier concluded by calling on all sectors of society to work together to build a stronger and more inclusive Mpumalanga.
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