Business

Major South African bank ranks higher than Samsung, Nike, and Chanel as one of the best companies in the world

Jonathan Hoyle

 ·8 Oct 2026

12 South African companies have been listed as the best places to work globally, according to a new Forbes ranking, with Nedbank placing the highest in the country.

The Forbes World’s Best Employers index ranks hundreds of international businesses to identify the best places to work.

The rankings survey thousands of employees and base the list on several metrics, including salary, career advancement opportunities, and work-life balance.

In total, 900 companies from around the world were included in the list, with 12 being based in South Africa.

The highest-ranked South African company was Nedbank, which ranked 26th globally, up from 49th in 2025.

This placement put the South African company higher than groups such as Samsung, Chanel, and Marriott International.

The banking giant, which was founded in 1888, said the ranking reaffirmed its place as one of the best employers in Africa.

Nedbank’s executive head of organisation effectiveness, Andee Uren, said the placement in Forbes’ ranking was a “significant achievement” for the company.

“Being recognised as Africa’s leading banking and financial services employer is a significant achievement for Nedbank and a testament to the exceptional people who bring our purpose and values to life every day,” she said.

“Ranking among the top employers globally demonstrates that organisations from Africa can compete with the very best in the world”.

Uren noted that the company’s placement in the global rankings was important, as it reflected its efforts to create a positive work environment.

“We are committed to creating an environment where employees feel empowered to innovate, grow and make a meaningful impact.”

Nedbank was not the only South African bank on the list; Standard Bank, Absa, FirstRand, Investec, and Sanlam were also mentioned.

Outside of banking, companies such as MTN, Sasol, and Mediclinic were ranked, demonstrating representation from several South African business sectors.

South African Airways (SAA) also made the list, as the only state-owned company recognised in the rankings.

South African companies named in the World’s Best Employers list by Forbes

Not the first win

For some companies, Forbes’ ranking is not the first international recognition they have received for being among the best employers.

Sanlam was previously listed as the best South African employer in a Time magazine list, ranking 388th globally out of 1,000 businesses.

At the time, Sanlam CEO Paul Hanratty said the global ranking was a proud moment for the company.

“We are proud to see Sanlam acknowledged on this global stage,” he said. “The recognition reflects the commitment of our people and the trust our clients place in us.”

In the Forbes index, Sanlam ranked 470th globally and 9th in South Africa, and was one of only four companies named in both lists, alongside Absa, MTN, and Standard Bank

Globally, the Forbes World’s Best Employers list named Microsoft as the best overall company to work for.

The top ten was dominated by American technology companies such as Apple, Alphabet, and Nvidia, which have all taken centre-stage for their rapid growth in recent years.

Other international companies in the top ten included Shopify, a Canadian software company; the Japanese technology giant Sony; and Lego from Denmark.

The list is not comprehensive, with businesses analysed by Forbes only if they have over 1,000 employees and an international presence.

To create the index, Forbes said it surveyed over 300,000 employees worldwide, gathering data on numerous companies.