The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) business confidence index fell to 131.3 in March 2026, the lowest since last October, from 134.6 in the prior month, largely reflecting external pressures linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. SACCI noted businesses were particularly concerned about weaker foreign merchandise trade volumes and higher energy costs. A weaker and more volatile rand, lower JSE share prices, falling precious metal prices and reduced foreign trade volumes weighed on sentiment, partly offset by lower inflation, a steady improvement in new vehicle sales and increased tourist arrivals over the festive season. Meanwhile, the Chamber said the first quarter average for 2026 reached 132.4, compared to 123.1 in the same period last year, signaling an overall improvement in business sentiment over the longer term. source: South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI)

Coincident Index in South Africa decreased to 131.30 points in March from 134.60 points in February of 2026. Coincident Index in South Africa averaged 123.27 points from 1985 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 163.17 points in December of 2006 and a record low of 81.00 points in May of 2020. This page provides - South Africa SACCI Business Confidence Index- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. South Africa SACCI Business Confidence Index - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on May of 2026.

Coincident Index in South Africa decreased to 131.30 points in March from 134.60 points in February of 2026. Coincident Index in South Africa is expected to be 110.00 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the South Africa SACCI Business Confidence Index is projected to trend around 117.00 points in 2027, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-04-21 09:30 AM
SACCI Business Confidence
Feb 134.6 133.2 132
2026-04-21 09:30 AM
SACCI Business Confidence
Mar 131.3 134.6 115
2026-06-11 09:30 AM
SACCI Business Confidence
Apr 134.6


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Bankruptcies 146.00 135.00 Companies Mar 2026
Business Confidence 47.00 44.00 points Mar 2026
Capacity Utilization 76.90 77.80 percent Dec 2025
Car Registrations 34414.00 39370.00 Units Apr 2026
Changes in Inventories -6246.00 17267.00 ZAR Million Dec 2025
SACCI Business Confidence 131.30 134.60 points Mar 2026
Composite Leading Indicator 100.59 100.62 points Apr 2026
Corruption Index 41.00 41.00 Points Dec 2025
Corruption Rank 81.00 82.00 Dec 2025
Electricity Production 18028.00 16790.00 Gigawatt-hour Mar 2026
Gold Production YoY 17.10 12.80 percent Mar 2026
Manufacturing Production YoY 0.90 -2.30 percent Mar 2026
Manufacturing Production MoM 0.80 -1.80 percent Mar 2026
Leading Business Cycle Indicator MoM 0.50 0.60 percent Feb 2026
Mining Production YoY 2.50 9.70 percent Mar 2026
Total New Vehicle Sales 47980.00 58060.00 Units Apr 2026


South Africa SACCI Business Confidence Index
In South Africa, the SACCI Business Confidence Index reflects the neutral sentiment in the market place, as it captures the prevailing business climate and what businesses are experiencing. The index is composed by thirteen sub-indices, including energy supply, manufacturing, exports, imports, vehicle and retail sales, construction, inflation, share prices, private sector borrowing, financing cost, precious metal prices and exchange rate.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
131.30 134.60 163.17 81.00 1985 - 2026 points Monthly
2020=100, NSA

News Stream
South Africa Business Sentiment Weakens to 5-Month Low: SACCI
The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) business confidence index fell to 131.3 in March 2026, the lowest since last October, from 134.6 in the prior month, largely reflecting external pressures linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. SACCI noted businesses were particularly concerned about weaker foreign merchandise trade volumes and higher energy costs. A weaker and more volatile rand, lower JSE share prices, falling precious metal prices and reduced foreign trade volumes weighed on sentiment, partly offset by lower inflation, a steady improvement in new vehicle sales and increased tourist arrivals over the festive season. Meanwhile, the Chamber said the first quarter average for 2026 reached 132.4, compared to 123.1 in the same period last year, signaling an overall improvement in business sentiment over the longer term.
2026-04-21
Business Confidence in South Africa Eases in January: SACCI
The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) business confidence index edged down to 131.4 in January 2026 from 133.2 in the prior month, which was the highest since June 2011. Nevertheless, the business chamber emphasized that sentiment stayed elevated after a notable improvement in 2025, with the index hitting its highest level since 2013. The monthly decline was attributed to weakness in manufacturing, merchandise exports and vehicle sales.
2026-02-18
Business Confidence in South Africa Jumps to 14-Year High: SACCI
The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) business confidence index climbed to 132.3 in November 2025, the highest since July 2011, from 13.8 in the prior month. The main driver was a sharp increase in overseas tourist numbers. Nevertheless, the chamber cautioned that the November data should be interpreted carefully, noting that some key physical economic activities remain lagging, reflecting a slow-growing economy in need of stronger investor confidence and fixed investment. “The current BCI level may, however, inspire structural economic policy adjustments that could attract local and foreign capital to support higher economic growth, employment and inclusion to share in value added and wealth creation,” Sacci concluded.
2025-12-11