South Africa, Oct. 16 -- South Africa has recorded a 5%, or $218bn, growth in brand value - going up on spot in the 2019 Brand Finance Nation Brands ranking.

The latest Brand Finance Nation Brands report found that the South African economy managed to defy the odds - facing increased political and economic instability - revealing a slight uplift in GDP in the second quarter of 2019, largely attributable to the boost in the mining, manufacturing and electricity sectors.

South Africa's Brand Strength Index (BSI) score is also improving, now at 64.9 out of 100 with a corresponding AA- brand strength rating. As the 'gateway to Africa', South Africa can rely on its relative sophistication and ease of doing business, in comparison to its neig...