South Africa Listed Companies
Number of listed domestic companies CM.MKT.LDOM.NO
South Africa's listed companies was 205 in 2025, ranked 29th globally. This represents a 7.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1975–2025.
Overview
South Africa's listed companies stood at 205 in 2025, a decline of +15 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 205 by 2025. South Africa ranked 29th globally.
South Africa's listed companies have experienced a significant decline over the past four decades, with the number of listed companies plummeting from 577 in 1975 to a record low of 204.60 in 2025. This marks a stark reversal from the all-time peak of 754 companies in 1988, a period marked by relative economic stability in the country. In comparison, Switzerland, a peer country, has seen a modest increase in listed companies over the same period, reaching 204.70 in 2025. The decline of South Africa's listed companies is a concerning trend, particularly in an era where globalization and economic integration are expected to increase the importance of listed companies for capital mobilization. The trajectory of South Africa's listed companies may shift if the country's business environment improves, with reforms aimed at increasing investor confidence and improving the ease of doing business potentially contributing to a reversal of this trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Listed Companies | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 181 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 193 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 205 | - | - |
| 2025 | 205 | −15 | #29 |
| 2024 | 220 | −4 | #42 |
| 2023 | 224 | −13 | #44 |
| 2022 | 237 | −15 | #46 |
| 2021 | 252 | −12 | #50 |
| 2020 | 264 | −10 | #53 |
| 2019 | 274 | −15 | #50 |
| 2018 | 289 | −5 | #51 |
| 2017 | 294 | −9 | #48 |
| 2016 | 303 | −13 | #50 |
| 2015 | 316 | −6 | #53 |
| 2014 | 322 | +0 | #55 |
| 2013 | 322 | −16 | #56 |
| 2012 | 338 | −9 | #57 |
| 2011 | 347 | −5 | #56 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw listed companies improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's listed companies was 205 in 2025. Ranked 29th globally. This represents a 7.0% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's listed companies peaked at 754 in 1988.
The lowest listed companies in South Africa was 205 in 2025.
South Africa ranks 29th globally in listed companies as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is CM.MKT.LDOM.NO. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's listed companies is projected to reach 205 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The listed companies of South Africa in 2025 was 205. This ranks 29th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_listed-companies,
title = {South Africa Listed Companies},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/listed-companies/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}