Cape town: As South Africans prepare to listen and watch the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on 12 February 2026 at 7 pm, the country does so at a time marked by positive developments including the strengthening of the rand, consecutive quarters of economic growth, and consistent power supply from Eskom.
According to South African Government News Agency, the immediate task is to sustain these positive developments, which are the result of a multistakeholder approach aimed at building an inclusive economy. One of the most significant indicators of renewed confidence has been reflected in the country's economy. South Africa's sovereign credit rating upgrade from 'BB-' to 'BB', the first in nearly two decades, signals sound financial policies, advanced structural reforms, and a stable political environment.
This development carries real benefits for the country and its citizens, such as reduced borrowing costs, increased investor confidence, and greater capacity for the government to direct resources toward infrastructure and social development. This milestone stands as evidence that reforms are beginning to deliver results.
Progress is also reinforced by South Africa's removal from the Financial Action Task Force greylist and the European Union's list of High-Risk third-country jurisdictions. Achieved through enhanced oversight and tackling deficiencies, this outcome underscores a renewed national commitment to transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the financial system. It has fortified South Africa's standing in global markets and reaffirmed the country's commitment to international standards of governance and compliance.
Moreover, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been extended until the end of the year and will provide relief on South African products exported to the United States of America and also accelerate the nation's economic outlook on the global front. AGOA restores certainty for exporters and investors alike through providing duty-free entry for more than 1800 South African products in the United States.
By supporting key sectors such as the automotive, agriculture, and manufacturing industries, AGOA not only protects jobs and enhances competitiveness but also supports broader efforts to advance inclusive economic growth and development.
The economy is also starting to show growth, which has been evident across broader financial indicators. A strengthening rand, easing inflationary pressures, and consecutive quarters of economic growth point to an economy that is gaining momentum. These gains reflect not only government intervention but also the resilience and contribution of workers, businesses, and communities who continue to invest in South Africa's future, even amidst global uncertainty.
Furthermore, one of the biggest contributors to South Africa's growing economy, the tourism sector, welcomed 10,498,506 international arrivals between January and December 2025, a 17.6 percent increase compared to 2024. This surge reaffirms the country's status as a premier global destination and the beating heart of tourism on the African continent.
Progress is also being made in stabilizing electricity power supply, with 238 consecutive days without an interrupted power supply in the financial year, and only 26 hours of load shedding recorded in April and May 2025. The Energy Availability Factor stood at 64.55 percent at the end of January 2026, reflecting the progress of Eskom's intensive maintenance, operational improvements, and strategic interventions.
Gender-Based Violence and Femicide have been classified as a national disaster to enable faster mobilization of resources, strengthened coordination, and expanded support for survivors. These measures reflect a commitment to building a safer, more caring society.
As South Africans prepare for the State of the Nation Address, these developments offer renewed hope and provide motivation to continue building a better nation for everyone. Progress is possible when leadership, institutions, and citizens work together with shared purpose. While challenges remain, the highlights of the past year point to a country steadily regaining momentum and moving forward with resolve, responsibility, and confidence in its collective future.