Top 10 Fastest Growing Businesses in South Africa by Revenue (2025 Guide)

Understanding which businesses are growing the fastest by revenue in South Africa is important for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals interested in the country’s economic direction. South Africa, despite challenges like load-shedding and unemployment, remains one of Africa’s largest and most diverse economies.

This article explores the top 10 fastest growing businesses in South Africa by revenue, providing you with updated insights into which companies are outperforming others and why. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, student, or policymaker, this comprehensive guide will help you understand growth sectors and key players fueling South Africa’s economy in 2025.

Why Focus on Revenue Growth in South African Businesses?

Revenue growth is one of the most accurate indicators of a company's business performance. It shows how quickly a company is increasing its sales and market share. For this reason, high revenue growth often attracts:

• Investors and shareholders

• Business analysts and economists

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking models to follow

• Job seekers looking for stable companies

In the South African context, businesses with the fastest revenue growth typically belong to sectors like telecommunications, financial services, retail, logistics, energy, and technology.

Summary Table: Top 10 Fastest Growing Businesses in South Africa by Revenue

1. Capitec Bank – Revolutionizing Everyday Banking

Capitec Bank continues to dominate as the fastest growing business in South Africa by revenue in 2025. Known for its simplified banking model, Capitec has grown rapidly by targeting the underserved middle and lower-income segments.

Key Drivers of Growth:

• Affordable banking services

• Fast-growing digital banking platform

• Expanded lending and insurance products

• Strong customer trust

Capitec’s unique approach—offering low fees, transparency, and accessibility has enabled it to win market share even during periods of economic uncertainty.

2. Shoprite Holdings – Africa’s Retail Giant

Shoprite remains South Africa’s top-performing retail business, expanding rapidly across the country and sub-Saharan Africa. Despite inflationary pressures, Shoprite’s affordable grocery offerings have helped it grow revenue impressively.

Growth Highlights:

• Strong online grocery delivery system (Sixty60)

• Expansion of private label brands

• Heavy foot traffic in low- to middle-income markets

• Improved supply chain logistics

Shoprite has adapted well to consumer behavior shifts, focusing on affordability and convenience.

3. MTN Group – Growth Beyond Mobile Calls

MTN is more than just a telecom operator; it's a digital services leader across Africa. The company has experienced consistent revenue growth by expanding into fintech, mobile money, and enterprise solutions.

Key Growth Areas:

• MoMo (Mobile Money) expansion

• Data consumption growth

• Digital education and health platforms

• Strategic partnerships across Africa

MTN’s investment in 5G technology and digital services has helped it evolve into a technology powerhouse.

4. Discovery Ltd – Innovating in Insurance and Health

Discovery has emerged as a high-growth company in South Africa’s financial and health services sectors. Through its Vitality rewards program and Discovery Bank, it has continued to redefine how consumers engage with insurance and wellness.

Growth Drivers:

• Expansion of health and life insurance services

• Data-driven health engagement model

• Increasing membership and product uptake

• Global partnerships

Discovery’s focus on personalized, tech-enabled financial products has attracted younger and middle-class professionals.

5. Clicks Group – Expanding Health and Wellness Retail

Clicks is South Africa’s leading health and beauty retailer, with rapid expansion in pharmacy services and wellness products.

Factors Behind Growth:

• Increasing demand for self-care and OTC products

• Strategic location of Clicks stores nationwide

• Growth in online retail channels

• Acquisition of new pharmacy licenses

Clicks has successfully adapted to the health-conscious and digital consumer, expanding its revenue year after year.

6. Naspers Limited – Investing in the Future of Technology

Naspers is a global internet group headquartered in South Africa, known for investments in tech startups, e-commerce, and media. Its high revenue growth is largely driven by global holdings like Prosus and local ventures like Takealot and PayU.

Notable Strengths:

• Stake in global companies like Tencent

• Growth in food delivery, classifieds, and digital payments

• Major driver of South Africa’s digital economy

Despite regulatory risks, Naspers continues to report high consolidated revenues, thanks to international earnings.

7. Bidvest Group – Dominating Services and Distribution

Bidvest Group is one of the largest diversified companies in South Africa. With operations across logistics, automotive, office products, and facilities management, it has shown solid and consistent revenue growth.

Growth Enablers:

• Demand for outsourced services post-COVID

• Logistics infrastructure expansion

• Increased demand in facilities management

Bidvest’s diversity across essential services makes it a stable and fast-growing business entity in the country.

8. Sasol – Energy and Industrial Giant on the Rise

Sasol, a leading energy and chemical company, has experienced a resurgence in revenue growth due to improving commodity prices and restructuring of its operations.

Key Contributors to Growth:

• Strong fuel demand recovery

• Export-driven chemical production

• Renewable energy investment

• Operational efficiency improvements

Sasol is leveraging global energy demand and shifting to more sustainable energy sources for long-term growth.

9. Takealot Group – Leading South Africa’s E-Commerce Race

Takealot is the dominant online retailer in South Africa. With an expanding customer base, fast delivery, and a broad product range, it has become one of the most talked-about fastest growing e-commerce companies in South Africa.

Growth Highlights:

• Increased online shopping post-pandemic

• Ownership by Naspers (strengthened investment base)

• Strategic partnerships with sellers

• Expansion of Mr D (food delivery)

Takealot has positioned itself as the go-to platform for e-commerce, electronics, and lifestyle products in South Africa.

10. Tiger Brands – Feeding the Nation Profitably

Tiger Brands is a household name in South Africa’s FMCG space. Despite inflationary pressures, the company has posted consistent revenue growth driven by essential consumer goods.

Reasons for Revenue Growth:

• High demand for food staples

• Strong brand recognition

• Distribution channel improvements

• Expansion into African markets

Tiger Brands’ adaptability to rising costs and focus on essentials has kept it competitive in the food industry.

Industries Driving the Fastest Business Growth in South Africa

The companies above belong to sectors that have shown the strongest post-COVID-19 recovery and consumer demand:

• Retail and FMCG (Shoprite, Clicks, Tiger Brands)

• Banking and Fintech (Capitec, Discovery)

• Telecommunications and Tech (MTN, Naspers)

• Energy and Logistics (Sasol, Bidvest)

• E-commerce (Takealot)

Understanding these sectors can help entrepreneurs and investors identify high-potential areas for entry or expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the fastest growing company in South Africa by revenue in 2025?

Capitec Bank currently leads as the fastest growing business in South Africa by revenue in 2025, driven by its inclusive banking model and digital growth.

2. Which industries are growing fastest in South Africa?

Retail, financial services, telecommunications, e-commerce, and logistics are among the fastest-growing industries by revenue.

3. Is the e-commerce industry in South Africa growing?

Yes, companies like Takealot have experienced strong year-on-year growth, making e-commerce one of the most promising sectors in South Africa.

4. Why is Capitec Bank growing so fast?

Capitec focuses on affordability, transparency, and digital banking, which has earned it a large and loyal customer base.

5. Which company dominates online shopping in South Africa?

Takealot Group is the leader in South Africa’s e-commerce market, especially in electronics, lifestyle, and household items.

6. What role does technology play in revenue growth?

Technology improves efficiency, expands customer access, and supports new products—key factors in the revenue growth of firms like Naspers and MTN.

7. Are these companies listed on the JSE?

Yes, most of the companies mentioned, such as Shoprite, Discovery, and Naspers, are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

8. Can small businesses learn from these top-performing companies?

Absolutely. These companies offer insights into business models, innovation, and strategic execution that small businesses can learn from.

9. How are South African companies managing economic challenges?

Through cost-cutting, digital transformation, market expansion, and product innovation, companies are managing risks and still growing.

10. What is revenue growth and why is it important?

Revenue growth measures how fast a company’s income is increasing. It’s a critical indicator of business success and long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

Understanding the top 10 fastest growing businesses in South Africa by revenue helps reveal the country's most dynamic sectors and companies. These businesses are not just growing in size—they are reshaping how South Africans bank, shop, communicate, and live.

Whether you’re looking to invest, partner, work, or learn from these companies, this guide provides all the insights you need. From Capitec’s disruptive banking model to Takealot’s e-commerce dominance, these firms show what it takes to thrive in South Africa’s evolving economy.

Explore opportunities, follow the trends, and take inspiration from South Africa’s most successful businesses.