South Africa rises in 2026 world competitiveness rankings

Productivity SA says the higher-ranking points to growing confidence in the country's policy and institutional environment, despite a slight decline in economic performance.

South Africa has improved its position in the 2026 World Competitiveness Yearbook, according to the Institute of Management Development and Productivity SA.

The organisation’s statistician, Juliet Mashabela, says the annual rankings assess countries across four broad pillars: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.

South Africa rose to 54th place out of 70 economies surveyed, compared to 64th place in 2025.

Productivity SA says this suggests improved confidence in aspects of the country’s policy and institutional environment.

READ: EFF confident of support for no-confidence motion against Didiza

“The government efficiency has also moved nine places from position 63 in 2025 to position 54 in 2026. Infrastructure moved by three places while economic performance weakened slightly by one position from 63th position to 64th position in 2026.

“The challenge is now to translate these gains into a stronger economic growth, higher investment and job creation," said Mashabela.

Follow the ECR Newswatch WhatsApp channel here

We are also on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)

South African actress Gugu Gumede, best known to many viewers as Joyce Gom…

This 25-year-old KZN graduate has shown that determination and creativity …