According to The Citizen Business, South African SMEs are increasingly integrating digital tools into their growth strategies, reflecting a high level of digital and commercial maturity. This positions them favorably within the regional market, indicating a trend towards modernization and adaptation in the business landscape.

According to Nairametrics, Nigeria's business environment maintained an expansion status in June 2026, with a business confidence index of 104.6. However, this represents a slowdown in growth compared to the previous year, as businesses faced challenges from high operating costs, limited credit availability, and infrastructure issues.

Discussions about small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria have traditionally centered on access to finance. However, according to Nairametrics, funding alone is insufficient for driving the next phase of SME growth. Entrepreneurs are confronted with challenges such as high operational costs, evolving customer preferences, rapid technological advancements, and increased competition, indicating a need for a broader approach beyond just financial support.

President Bola Tinubu emphasized Nigeria's young population as a significant asset in expanding digital opportunities for businesses and workers. He assured Mastercard of the country's readiness in terms of a tech-savvy workforce and expressed support for enhancing digital skills among small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

According to a report by Omni, Nigeria's fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market has reached a value of $25 billion. However, only 18% of retailers in the sector have accessed formal credit. The report suggests that technology may play a crucial role in bridging this gap in financial access for retailers.

South Africa's private sector experienced marginal growth in June, despite a significant decline in business optimism, which has reached its lowest point in five years. This indicates a contrasting trend between economic activity and the sentiment of business leaders in the country.