Brand South Africa aims to contribute to the objectives of the National Development Plan by undertaking coordinated initiatives to build South Africa’s reputation and contribute to the country’s global competitiveness. Our initiatives provide an opportunity for South Africans to participate and become part of the nation’s brand community.
NATION BRAND FORUM
The Nation Brand Forum (NBF), first launched in 2016, is Brand South Africa’s flagship programme to drive active participation of the country’s key stakeholders to achieve a coherent and compelling Nation Brand image, reputation and competitiveness for South Africa. The forum brings together diverse stakeholders from government, private sector and civil society, to constructively address the current issues and discuss interventions that will contribute towards the positive positioning of the Nation Brand.
Follow the link below to download the 2021 Nation Brand Forum (NBF) Report. The report covers the 5th Annual Nation Brand Forum held on 28 September 2021, the State of the Nation’s reflection and more, including topics such as business and investment, tourism and social cohesion.

Flourishing Imports and Exports
51.00% South Africa has one of the most open economies in the world (exports and imports collectively represented approximately 51% of GDP in 2020), with preferential access to numerous global markets. |
Africa’s Arable Land
60.00% Around 60% of Africa’s arable land is uncultivated and the continent has abundant water resources for agriculture development (incl. climate smart technologies, irrigation), potable water. |
Highly Skilled Workforce
79.04% South Africa’s well-developed services sector plays a crucial role in the economy. It is also the largest broad sector of the economy, accounting for 76% of total GDP in 2020 and employing 9.3 million (79.4% of total formal employment). |

Play Your Part is a nationwide initiative created to inspire, empower and celebrate active citizenship in South Africa. It aims to lift the spirit of our nation by inspiring all South Africans to contribute to positive change, become involved and start doing. A nation of people who care deeply for one another and the environment in which they live is good for everyone.
Created to inspire, empower and celebrate active citizenship in South Africa, Play Your Part’s objective is to lift the spirit of our nation by inspiring all South Africans – from corporates to individuals, NGOs to government, youth platforms and young to not so young – to contribute to positive change, social cohesion and nation brand ambassadorship. Helping people to become involved and to start doing – because a nation of people who care deeply for one another and the environment in which they live is good for everyone.
GLOBAL SOUTH AFRICANS (GSA)
A network of exceptional South Africans living abroad, formed to enlist the talent, experience and credibility of South Africans living abroad to build the Nation Brand internationally.
NATION BRAND PERFORMANCE
Unlike corporate brands, a nation brand, its performance, perceptions thereof, and its reputation is shaped by actions taken by citizens, business, civil-society, and government. To this end the Nation Brand Performance Monitoring conducted by Brand South Africa aims to identify competitive strengths, advantages, and challenges stakeholders should bear in mind when engaging with issues that impact on the Nation Brand.
Through platforms such as the South African Competitiveness Forum, Brand South Africa Research seek input from stakeholders on factors that shape the profile, reputation, and competitiveness of the nation brand.
- 1 December Brand SA- Internal Analysis- UN 2021 Global Innovation Index
- 13 Dec Brand SA- Internal Analysis- 2021 Network Readiness Index
- 17 Dec Brand SA- Internal Analysis - 2021 Sustainable Compeitiviness Index
- 19 November Brand SA-Internal analysis - 2021 Rule of Law Index
- 20 May Brand SA - Internal Analysis - 2021 Press Freedom Index
- 24 Nov Brand SA-Internal Analysis -World Bank EDB
- 30 July Brand SA- Internal Analysis- WEF Global Gender Gap Index
- March 2021 Brand SA- Internal Analysis -Edelman Trust Barometer
- 30 Sept Brand SA-Internal analysis - AfCFTA
- 30 Sept Brand SA- Internal Analysis -2021 Economic Freedom Index