South African business confidence hits 13-year high, but SMEs struggle
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Bizcommunity
Illustrative image · Gustavo Fring · Pexels · Licence PexelsThe South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) business confidence index reached 134.3 in September, its highest level in thirteen years, but the improvement is not translating into better liquidity for small and medium-sized enterprises. SACCI itself acknowledges a gap between perception and actual economic performance, Biz-Community reports.
SACCI’s South African business confidence index reached 134.3 in September, 10.9 points higher than a year earlier, according to Bizcommunity. The average for the first nine months of 2026 stands at 129.3, compared with 119 over the same period in 2025.
The 2025 annual average reached 121.7, its highest level since 2013. Bizcommunity nevertheless points out that this rise in business sentiment does not correspond to a general improvement in economic conditions and distinguishes business confidence from companies’ liquidity situation.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, the ability to collect payments, pay suppliers and access credit remains decisive. The rise in inflation to 4.5% in September, the weakening of the rand in October and disruptions linked to the global oil market are weighing in particular on fuel-dependent businesses, according to Bizcommunity.
