02 February 2026
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The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC welcomes the release of the Q4 2025 Durban Business Confidence Index (DBCI) Report. The DBCI increased to 63.38 index points in quarter 4, marking it the highest since its inception. As organised business, we believe the findings provide a true reflection of the mood of the business community in Durban. This shift reflects the growing confidence in Durban’s economy; however, the need to sustain this confidence remains significant.
The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC commends the municipality for its efforts in creating a safe, vibrant, and inclusive festive season. Both businesses and tourists observed a positive shift in the City’s narrative, which was reflected not only in increased confidence but also in the rise in occupancy rates to 77%. Furthermore, strong safety and security measures were implemented, during the season. Our beaches remained clean and safe, welcoming 6.8 million visitors. The City’s efforts did not go unnoticed, hence the change in mood and business sentiment. Businesses are recognizing the municipality’s commitment to service delivery, which is evident in both the report and the change in overall mood and confidence.
The report illustrated that business confidence increased across all industries. Manufacturing rose by 15.85%, electricity, gas, and water by 11.01%, financial services by 26.38%, transport, storage, and communication by 24.72%, wholesale and retail trade by 3.14%, and community, social, and personal services by 25.86%. Despite prevailing trade restrictions, factors such as the easing of macroeconomic conditions, festive season demand, and improved operating environments contributed to the increase in confidence in the sectors above.
Furthermore, the Quarter 4 report revealed that 66.67% of respondents indicated that, when lodging a complaint regarding poor service, it was unlikely to be resolved in a timely manner, an improvement from 80% in Quarter 3 of 2025. Whilst we acknowledge this progress, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC believes that structural issues such as infrastructure, security, and basic service delivery must be addressed to further strengthen business confidence. From the above, it is evident that when service delivery improves, confidence improves. As organised business, we further believe that the municipality should leverage this data to drive meaningful economic reforms, encourage investment, and bridge the trust deficit between the private and public sectors.
As organised business, we need to focus on the following areas to promote economic growth and further increase confidence in Durban:
- Reducing the Cost and Improving Ease of Doing Business.
- Addressing the Influx of Cheap Imports.
- Address the Challenges at the Port of Durban.
- Fast-Tracking Catalytic Projects.
As organised business, we recognize that collaboration and robust dialogue between the private and public sectors are essential, but we also emphasize the need for more action-oriented solutions. We remain committed to working with government to sustain and grow confidence, while addressing the challenges faced by the business community through our strong advocacy capabilities.
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About the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Founded in 1856, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC is the largest member-based metropolitan chamber in Southern Africa. We represent approximately 3,000 businesses in eThekwini and beyond, ranging from multinationals to corporates and SMMEs. Since 2019, we also represent 54,000 informal sector businesses through their business associations. Policy and advocacy are at the heart of our work and we assist members with securing trade and investment opportunities locally and internationally, providing business advisory services (CIPC, Certificate of Origin, ITC checks, HR consultancy and more) across a broad spectrum of sectors, engaging thought leadership through forum webinars and other networking events, sharing business information through digital platforms, and also sourcing business insights through occasional questionnaires. The Durban Chamber advocates and influences policy decisions that affect the interests of business (tax legislation, import and export regulations and more), offering member benefits and providing information relevant to business decision-making. As a business-based and member-focused organisation, our strategic purpose is to help create a conducive economic and business environment to facilitate and promote economic growth in the region in partnership with key stakeholders.
For more info, contact the Durban Chamber on 031 335 1000 or info@durbanchamber.co.za
Our website is www.durbanchamber.co.za
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Comment attribution: Palesa Phili, CEO, The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Media contacts:
Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Ms Zanele Khomo
Chief Growth Officer
T: +27 31 335 1000
E: khomoz@durbanchamber.co.za
