South Africa has climbed 10 places in the latest global economic rankings, securing the 54th position out of 70 economies surveyed in the 2026 World Competitiveness Yearbook.
The annual study, conducted by the Institute for Management Development (IMD), highlights a notable improvement in the country's standing relative to its peers.
Juliet Mashabela, commenting on the results, noted that South Africa is outperforming most of its emerging-market counterparts.
Juliet Mashabela, commenting on the results, noted that South Africa is outperforming most of its emerging-market counterparts.
The jump suggests that recent policy adjustments or structural reforms may be gaining traction, offering a counter-narrative to broader concerns about the region's economic trajectory.
This positive shift comes amid mixed signals for the South African economy.
Earlier reports from Bloomberg highlighted warning signs for the country's economic resurgence, pointing to potential risks that could undermine long-term growth.