South Africa, Feb. 18 -- Gen Z's digital-first approach to consumption is rewarding the most agile brands and putting pressure on established business models. For global investors and companies alike, the shift is creating both risk and opportunity.

This generation isn't just large, it behaves differently.

From how products are discovered to how quickly trends rise and fall, Gen Z is reshaping the economics of consumer businesses. Companies that can move quickly and engage digitally are gaining ground, while those relying on legacy brand power risk falling out of step.

Below, we look at Gen Z's growing economic influence, how social media has shifted control toward consumers, and what this means for brands trying to compete in faster, ...