South Africa’s Digital Leap: Shaping the Global Investing Landscape

South Africa is outpacing expectations in digital investing. Amundi gives the country a Digital Investor Global Index (DIGI) score of 65/100, above the global average of 63. This confirms that digital platforms have shifted from niche to norm in how South Africans invest and seek advice.

“South Africa’s strong performance on the global index shows that our investors are not just keeping pace – they are setting the tone for how digital investing evolves,” says René Basson, Head of Brand and Marketing at Satrix. “The appetite for digital solutions is undeniable, and it’s changing the way people build wealth.”

Amundi’s Decoding Digital Investments 2025 report findings reveal that 78% of local investors now hold investments on digital platforms, with 45% of their portfolios digitalised – closing in on the global average of 50%. Moreover, 77% of respondents use digital sources to guide their investment decisions, exceeding the global benchmark of 73%. Crucially, 71% would recommend their platform to friends or family, compared to just 49% globally.

Why Adoption is Strong – and Why Barriers Persist

Basson notes that South Africa’s unique challenges have become catalysts for innovation.
“Limited fixed-line infrastructure pushed us towards mobile-first solutions, and high mobile penetration created a digitally ready base,” she explains. “South Africans are problem-solvers – our young, tech-savvy population embraces change quickly, and this has driven rapid transformation.”

However, Basson says that digital access alone doesn’t guarantee wealth creation. Several barriers hold investors back:

• Low financial literacy – many investors may lack the knowledge or confidence needed to start investing.
• Economic pressures – high living costs and unemployment make consistent investing challenging.
• High data costs – despite mobile penetration, expensive connectivity limits digital engagement. 
• Platform complexity – some users perceive investing platforms and apps as intimidating, discouraging them from getting started.
• Abandonment triggers – concerns about fees and performance information are the top reasons investors leave digital platforms.

Community Trust and Digital Momentum

In South Africa, community culture amplifies digital adoption. Referrals from friends and family carry significant weight, especially in a low-literacy environment. According to the Amundi report, 71% of South Africans have recommended a platform or app to a loved one – the global average is 49%, so local digital advocacy is high.

“At Satrix, we’ve seen first-hand how word-of-mouth drives adoption,” says Basson. “Referrals remain one of the strongest catalysts for growth. Since launching SatrixNOW in 2015, we’ve focused on removing barriers – no investment minimums, no paper-heavy processes, and full transparency of fees. That approach has paid off, with adoption spiking during COVID-19 and continuing as investors seek easy, intuitive solutions.”

Advice in the Digital Age – A Double-Edged Sword

Amundi’s research also highlights that 77% of South Africans rely on digital sources – from blogs and websites to social media – more than their global peers. While this has accelerated adoption, it also carries risks. 

“Digital advice is a double-edged sword,” warns Basson. “It empowers investors with access to information, but it also exposes them to hype and unverified content. Many decisions are being driven by influencers rather than research. The answer lies in credible platforms and trusted education to help investors distinguish signal from noise.”

Turning Access Into Impact

South Africa’s digital maturity signals a bright future, but Basson stresses the need for a behavioural shift to turn access into lasting impact.

“We need to move beyond access and focus on behaviour,” she says. “That means embedding financial education at every stage – from schools to workplaces – and designing platforms that make disciplined investing effortless. Investors need tools that nudge them towards good habits, like goal tracking and personalised insights.”

She adds, “South Africa’s digital edge gives us a unique advantage. If we pair this with financial planning and a culture that celebrates long-term thinking, we can transform early adoption into lasting prosperity. We’re not just catching up to global markets – we’re shaping what the future of investing looks like.”

Disclaimer

Satrix Investments (Pty) Ltd is an approved FSP in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS). The information does not constitute advice as contemplated in FAIS. Use or rely on this information at your own risk. Consult your Financial Adviser before making an investment decision. Satrix Managers (RF) (Pty) Ltd (Satrix) is a registered and approved Manager in Collective Investment Schemes in Securities and an authorised financial services provider in terms of the FAIS. While every effort has been made to ensure the reasonableness and accuracy of the information contained in this document (“the information”), the FSPs, their shareholders, subsidiaries, clients, agents, officers and employees do not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or suitability of the information and shall not be held responsible and disclaim all liability for any loss, liability and damage whatsoever suffered as a result of or which may be attributable, directly or indirectly, to any use of or reliance upon the information.