South Africa: Business freedom

* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
 South Africa

Business freedom index (0-100)

 Latest value 61
 Year 2024
 Measure points
 Data availability 1995 - 2024
 Average 72
 Min - Max 61 - 85
 Source The Heritage Foundation
The latest value from 2024 is 61 points, a decline from 65 points in 2023. In comparison, the world average is 62 points, based on data from 175 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1995 to 2024 is 72 points. The minimum value, 61 points, was reached in 2024 while the maximum of 85 points was recorded in 1995. See the global rankings for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.
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* indicates monthly or quarterly data series


Recent data
South Africa - Business freedom - Recent values chart

Historical series
South Africa - Business freedom - historical chart - 1995-2024




The Business Freedom index for South Africa from The Heritage Foundation measures the ability to start, operate, and close a business. It reflects the overall burden of regulations and the efficiency of the government of South Africa in the regulatory process.
Definition: The Business freedom index is based on 10 indicators, using data from the World Bank’s Doing Business study: Starting a business-procedures (number), time (days), cost (% of income per capita), and minimum capital (% of income per capita); Obtaining a license—procedures (number), time (days), and cost (% of income per capita); Closing a business—time (years), cost (% of estate), and recovery rate (cents on the dollar).

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 Related indicators Latest Reference Measure
 Property rights 45 2024 points
 Freedom from corruption 48 2024 points
 Fiscal freedom 20 2024 points
 Business freedom 61 2024 points
 Labor freedom 72 2024 points
 Monetary freedom 74.50 2024 points
 Trade freedom 72 2024 points
 Investment freedom 40 2024 points
 Financial freedom 40 2024 points
 Economic freedom, overall index 55 2024 index points
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