Economics and statistics returns modernisation
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Individual Reform: Economics and statistics returns modernisation 2026 - 2027

National Treasury and Stats SA are implementing new data collection protocols, digital platforms and legislative reforms to modernise the national statistics system

No data available for the deliverable: National Treasury and Stats SA are implementing new data collection protocols, digital platforms and legislative reforms to modernise the national statistics system

No data available for the deliverable: National Treasury and Stats SA are implementing new data collection protocols, digital platforms and legislative reforms to modernise the national statistics system

No data available for the deliverable: National Treasury and Stats SA are implementing new data collection protocols, digital platforms and legislative reforms to modernise the national statistics system

No data available for the deliverable: National Treasury and Stats SA are implementing new data collection protocols, digital platforms and legislative reforms to modernise the national statistics system

No data available for the deliverable: National Treasury and Stats SA are implementing new data collection protocols, digital platforms and legislative reforms to modernise the national statistics system

Summary

The reform includes new digital platforms, improved data frames, legislative updates and international collaboration for better data quality and compliance.

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Is it working?

The reform is progressing, with clear benefits for policy and regulatory decision-making. Full integration and compliance are expected over the next two years.

Actions

The digitisation process is well under way, with improved compliance and data quality, but full integration across all sectors is not yet complete.

Are there plans?

Digital platforms have been launched, legislative reforms are under way and capacity building initiatives are ongoing.

Is it on the agenda?

National Treasury, Stats SA and SARB have made this a modernisation priority, with dedicated resources and timelines.

Goals

To digitise and modernise the collection and analysis of economic and financial statistics, supporting evidence-based policy and regulation.

References

Departments / Govt Institutions

National Treasury South African Reserve Bank (SARB)

Summary

The reform includes new digital platforms, improved data frames, legislative updates and international collaboration for better data quality and compliance. National Treasury and Stats SA are upgrading data protocols, digital platforms and legislative tools for more robust economic monitoring and macro policy benchmarking​. Stats SA and Treasury have begun tech upgrades, rolling out new digital platforms for submissions, with legislation to be tabled in Parliament by early 2026.
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Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

The reform is progressing, with clear benefits for policy and regulatory decision-making. Full integration and compliance are expected over the next two years. Quality and currency of macro statistics are improving; reforms on track for 2026 review.

Actions

The digitisation process is well under way, with improved compliance and data quality, but full integration across all sectors is not yet complete. Data platform pilots have launched; with feedback solicited from sector stakeholders and incorporated into phased reforms.

Are there plans?

Digital platforms have been launched, legislative reforms are under way and capacity building initiatives are ongoing. Multi-year plan for statistical system upgrade, digital platform adoption and legislative reform; annual deliverables specified by NT and Stats SA.
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Is it on the agenda?

National Treasury, Stats SA and SARB have made this a modernisation priority, with dedicated resources and timelines. Cabinet and Stats SA’s work programme cite this as a strategic economic modernisation priority, tracked through annual National Treasury and Parliament cycles.

Goals

To digitise and modernise the collection and analysis of economic and financial statistics, supporting evidence-based policy and regulation, essentially to update the national statistical system and leverage digital/legislative innovation.

References

Departments / Govt Institutions

National Treasury South African Reserve Bank (SARB)

Summary

National Treasury and Statistics South Africa are upgrading economic and sectoral data protocols and digital platforms so that government can monitor macroeconomic and financial sector developments more accurately and closer to real time. The programme includes streamlining and digitising returns, harmonising definitions across institutions and strengthening the legislative basis for data collection and sharing. Budget 2026 emphasises evidence‑based budgeting and stronger financial‑sector surveillance, which depend on these modernised data systems.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

Early results point to better data timeliness and reduced duplication across returns, which should strengthen fiscal analysis and financial stability monitoring. However, full benefits depend on successful migration of all major reporters, robust change management and ensuring that upgraded systems are adequately resourced and maintained. Modernised returns will support more granular analysis of government finances, growth trends and financial sector risks, feeding into Budget Review 2026’s reforms on fiscal rules, financial sector oversight and infrastructure planning.

Actions

Digital platform pilots have been launched and tested with reporting institutions, feedback has been incorporated into system refinements. In addition, preparatory work for 2026 legislation to enhance data collection and sharing powers is under way.

Are there plans?

Yes. A multi‑year plan sets out phased digital platform implementation, stakeholder consultation, migration of existing returns onto new templates and legislative changes. This is to underpin the modernised statistical system, with annual milestones through and beyond 2026.

Is it on the agenda?

The returns‑modernisation project is listed as a strategic priority in Stats SA and National Treasury work programmes and is implicitly reinforced in Budget 2026’s focus on high‑quality fiscal, macroeconomic and financial sector data for decision‑making.

Goals

To modernise national economic and financial sector statistics and regulatory returns by leveraging digital platforms and updated legal tools, to improve data quality, timeliness and relevance for policy and supervision.

References

Departments / Govt Institutions

National Treasury South African Reserve Bank (SARB)

Summary

National Treasury and Statistics South Africa are upgrading economic and sectoral data protocols and digital platforms so that government can monitor macroeconomic and financial sector developments more accurately and closer to real time. The programme includes streamlining and digitising returns, harmonising definitions across institutions and strengthening the legislative basis for data collection and sharing. Budget 2026 emphasises evidence‑based budgeting and stronger financial‑sector surveillance, which depend on these modernised data systems.

Canvas not supported.

Is it working?

Early results point to better data timeliness and reduced duplication across returns, which should strengthen fiscal analysis and financial stability monitoring. However, full benefits depend on successful migration of all major reporters, robust change management and ensuring that upgraded systems are adequately resourced and maintained. Modernised returns will support more granular analysis of government finances, growth trends and financial sector risks, feeding into Budget Review 2026’s reforms on fiscal rules, financial sector oversight and infrastructure planning.

Actions

Digital platform pilots have been launched and tested with reporting institutions, feedback has been incorporated into system refinements. In addition, preparatory work for 2026 legislation to enhance data collection and sharing powers is under way.

Are there plans?

Yes. A multi‑year plan sets out phased digital platform implementation, stakeholder consultation, migration of existing returns onto new templates and legislative changes. This is to underpin the modernised statistical system, with annual milestones through and beyond 2026.

Is it on the agenda?

The returns‑modernisation project is listed as a strategic priority in Stats SA and National Treasury work programmes and is implicitly reinforced in Budget 2026’s focus on high‑quality fiscal, macroeconomic and financial sector data for decision‑making.

Goals

To modernise national economic and financial sector statistics and regulatory returns by leveraging digital platforms and updated legal tools, to improve data quality, timeliness and relevance for policy and supervision.

References

Departments / Govt Institutions

National Treasury South African Reserve Bank (SARB)

Analyst: Tinashe Kambadza
Status: in-progress
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