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More Than Two-Thirds of SA SMEs Plan to Raise Prices in the Near Term Amid Cost Pressures, SBGI Report Finds

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GUEST - Lindo Mbanjwa, Head of Business Development & Partnerships for SMEs at Absa Business Banking

A survey of more than 2,000 small businesses in South Africa shows that two-thirds (67%) plan to raise prices up to 10% over the next six months in response to persistently rising operational costs, while only 38% believe they can survive for more than a year under current pressures without external support – according to the latest edition of the Small Business Growth Index (SBGI) report, covering the second half of 2025.

Launched in February through a partnership between Absa Business Banking, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), and the Bureau of Market Research (BMR) at Unisa, the SBGI is South Africa’s first barometer providing real-time, evidence-based insights into the performance and conditions shaping the small business ecosystem.
2 Dec 2025 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

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