CEOs' 2026 outlook: AI, rate cuts and cautious optimism

As the calendar turns to 2026, South Africa enters the new year with hints of a firmer footing, along with reminders of how fragile the recovery remains. Business Maverick chatted to a few of the minds at the very top - leading business CEOs - to find out their thoughts about the year ahead

- By Neesa Moodley, Kara le Roux and Lindsey Schutters

People head towards the entrance of the JSE in Johannesburg's Sandton district. The index ticked off the landmark achievement of reaching the 100,000-point level in July and has sustainably remained above it since then.

(Photo: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Nedbank CEO Jason Quinn expresses the view that he is "cautiously optimistic about economic prospects for 2026, as well as improving banking sector profitability".

This sentiment is backed by forecasts of improving GDP growth, which Quinn says will be “supported by structural reforms and strong collaboration, including public-private partnerships, particularly in the infrastructure space”.

Nedbank expects GDP growth of 1.4% this year, rising slightly to an average of 1.5% in 2026.

Looking ahead, Quinn notes that banking profitability should be supported by non-interest income and strong capital levels.