South African businesses have made a strong showing on the Financial Times’ 2025 Fastest Growing Companies list, securing 51 out of the 130 spots on the list. This performance highlights the resilience, innovation and depth of entrepreneurship within the country.
Now in its fourth year, the Financial Times (FT) ranking is compiled in partnership with research company Statista. The ranking is based on companies’ compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue between 2020 and 2023. To be considered, businesses must have their financial figures verified and signed off by senior executives. However, the methodology excludes companies that are privately held and do not disclose detailed financials.
To be included in the list of Africa’s fastest growing companies, ranked companies had to meet the following requirements:
Revenue of at least $100 000 generated in 2020
Revenue of at least $1.5 million generated in 2023
The company must be independent (not a subsidiary or branch office)
Company headquarters must be in an African country
Revenue growth between 2020 and 2023 must be primarily organic
South Africa and Nigeria dominate the rankings, together accounting for 79 of the featured companies. South Africa leads the charge with high-growth enterprises across various sectors, including fintech, cybersecurity, energy and manufacturing.
Notable South African companies on the list include:
The strong representation of South African firms reflects the country’s capacity to foster scalable businesses despite persistent economic challenges. The results underscore a growing trend: local entrepreneurs are not only surviving in a tough market—they are thriving and driving innovation across the continent.
Lungile is the Digital Editor for Startup.Africa, with a knack for storytelling, technology and innovative ideas. Working with Startup.Africa, she takes simple ideas and turns them into amazing stories.
