South Africa’s R495 billion digital economy could grow to R874.5 billion by 2035, according to new independent research that finds Meta’s platforms are contributing an estimated R16.5 billion in annual economic value today, with AI set to add a further R528 billion to GDP over the next decade.
The “Meta’s Impact in South Africa” report, conducted by independent research firm Public First, finds that 910,000 South African SMEs used Meta’s apps — Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Meta AI, and Threads — to start and grow their businesses in 2025, contributing R47.9 billion to GDP, with instant messaging across Meta’s apps saving them an estimated R21.5 billion by making communication faster and cheaper.
SMEs are building digital businesses from township to city
For South African small businesses, Meta’s platforms have become core business infrastructure — bridging the divide between large corporations, a vibrant SME sector, and the informal economy. 90% of online businesses on Meta say the platforms have opened up new markets for them, while 81% of online adults say the platforms have helped them feel part of their community.
From spaza shops in Soweto to design studios in Cape Town, these are not passive users — they are business owners who have made Meta’s platforms central to their survival and growth. Across South Africa’s townships, informal traders are using WhatsApp Business to manage orders, coordinate with suppliers, and reach customers beyond their immediate streets — representing a pattern of where digital tools help informal businesses operate with the efficiency of formal ones.
