South Africa Tops With 17 Firms on Forbes’ Global Giants List
The economic landscape of Africa continues to evolve, and one of the markers of this transformation is the Forbes Global 2000 ranking. In 2025, 17 African companies made it to this prestigious list. South Africa leads the charge with an impressive 14 entries, followed by Morocco with 2, and Egypt with 1. This strong representation is more than just numbers; it tells a story of ambition, resilience, and strategic growth against a backdrop of global challenges.
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According to Forbes, the 2025 Global 2000 companies collectively amassed astounding figures: $52.9 trillion in revenue, $4.9 trillion in profit, $242.2 trillion in assets, and a $91.3 trillion market capitalization. These are not just statistics; they represent livelihoods, innovations, and the potential for future growth in a diverse and dynamic economic environment.
What’s particularly striking is that, despite facing global economic hurdles—including renewed trade tensions from the United States—these companies achieved record-breaking results in all key metrics. This resilience is worth exploring. How do companies withstand market pressures and still manage to thrive? It often comes down to calculated risks, strategic pivots, and a deep understanding of the evolving marketplace.
A Closer Look at the 17 African Companies That Ranked
| RANK | Company | Country | Sector | New Gains |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FirstRand | South Africa | Banking | $2.26 B |
| 2 | Standard Bank Group | South Africa | Banking | $2.39 B |
| 3 | Naspers | South Africa | IT Software & Services | $3.31 B |
| 4 | Sanlam | South Africa | Insurance | $1.21 B |
| 5 | Absa Group | South Africa | Banking | $1.17 B |
| 6 | Attijariwafa Bank | Morocco | Banking | $956 M |
| 7 | Nedbank | South Africa | Banking | $926.6 M |
| 8 | Old Mutual | South Africa | Insurance | $418.2 M |
| 9 | Gold Fields | South Africa | Materials | $1.24 B |
| 10 | AngloGold Ashanti | South Africa | Materials | $1 B |
| 11 | MTN Group | South Africa | Telecom Services | $-523.2 M |
| 12 | Capitec | South Africa | Insurance | $659.1 M |
| 13 | International Commercial Bank | Egypt | Banking | $1.1 B |
| 14 | Momentum Metropolitan Holdings | South Africa | Insurance | $271.4 M |
| 15 | Sasol | South Africa | Chemicals | $-2.69 B |
| 16 | Banque Centrale Populaire | Morocco | Banking | $416.9 M |
| 17 | Bid | South Africa | Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | $433.3 M |
While Africa’s representation on the Forbes Global 2000 list may appear modest, its economic influence is undeniably growing, both within the continent and on the global stage. This is illustrated by the diverse array of companies appearing in the ranking—from long-standing multinationals to thriving tech startups.
South Africa’s dominance in this year’s ranking reinforces its position as a key player in Africa’s corporate landscape. With 14 companies making the list, sectors like banking, insurance, telecommunications, mining, and chemicals are highly represented.
Among these leaders, FirstRand, Standard Bank Group, and Naspers stand out. Their success reflects not only their robust financial performance but also a forward-thinking approach to innovation in finance and technology.
Following South Africa, Morocco holds its own with two notable entries: Attijariwafa Bank and Banque Centrale Populaire. It’s intriguing to consider how these companies forge their paths amid regional economic fluctuations. Egypt’s Commercial International Bank (CIB) adds a touch of diversity as the sole representative from North Africa beyond Morocco.
However, one cannot help but ask: where are Nigeria’s prominent firms? Despite being home to major oil and industrial players, Nigeria’s absence from the list is a cause for concern. The country faces challenges such as a limited number of publicly listed large-cap firms and a weak presence in global financial benchmarks. This gap raises important questions about the future of Nigeria’s corporate visibility and growth, especially as it holds the title of Africa’s most populous nation.
As we reflect on these achievements and challenges, it’s essential to recognize the ambition and potential that exists across the continent. Africa is on the cusp of significant economic transformation, and its businesses are stepping into the global arena with confidence.
In conclusion, this year’s Forbes Global 2000 ranking is not merely a list; it serves as a reminder of Africa’s economic pulse. It reflects stories of perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to growth that deserve to be celebrated and explored further.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
