South Africa: Business freedom

The latest value from 2026 is 68 points, an increase from 64 points in 2025. In comparison, the world average is 62 points, based on data from 182 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1995 to 2026 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 or world map for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

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).