South Africa, March 27 -- This growth comes as South Africa moves from a period of stabilisation into a more sustained recovery phase. Improvements in energy supply, easing inflation, and increased investor confidence have created a more favourable environment for business. Structural reforms, along with South Africa's removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) "grey list" in late 2025 and a sovereign credit rating upgrade from S&P Global, the first in nearly two decades, have further strengthened positive sentiment.

This year's results should, however, be viewed in context. The research and analysis underpinning the Brand Finance South Africa 100 2026 report were completed shortly before current geopolitical tensions, including...