FASA LAUNCHES 2026 INDUSTRY SURVEY WITH PRINCIPAL SPONSOR GROW FRANCHISING

JOHANNESBURG, 9 November 2026 – South Africa’s franchise sector generated an estimated R999 billion in turnover in 2023, contributing approximately 15% to the country’s GDP. Three years on, how are franchise businesses responding to economic pressures, managing growth and putting their strategic plans into practice? The Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) aims to find out through its newly launched 2026 Annual Industry Survey, supported by principal sponsor, Grow Franchising.

The first comprehensive sector assessment since 2023, the survey will examine the operational challenges, commercial priorities and growth opportunities facing franchise networks across South Africa.

As principal sponsor, Grow Franchising is supporting the collection of credible industry data to help franchisors make informed decisions. The company works with franchise businesses to develop the leadership capabilities, operational structures and systems needed for sustainable growth.

FASA CEO, Freddy Makgato, says the survey will provide a valuable benchmark for an industry that supports an estimated 500,000 jobs (based on 2023 survey results) across South Africa.

“Franchising makes a substantial contribution to the South African economy, and we need a clear understanding of how franchise networks are performing,” says Makgato. “The survey will help us identify which strategies are delivering results, what is holding businesses back and where additional support is needed. We welcome Grow Franchising’s sponsorship of this important research.”

Larry Hodes, CEO of Grow Franchising and a FASA Board member, says research grounded in franchisors’ experiences can help the industry respond to the pressures facing franchise networks.

“Franchisors are making difficult decisions about investment, expansion, operational efficiency and how best to support their franchisees. At Grow Franchising, we see these challenges first-hand. We are supporting this survey because reliable information about what is working, and where businesses are struggling, will help the industry make sound decisions and build stronger franchise systems,” says Hodes.

Under the theme “Implementation of the Franchising System in this Economy”, the survey will assess how franchisors are putting their strategies into practice amid current economic pressures. It will also explore progress on priorities such as new business formats, digital integration and expansion into township and rural markets.

Taking approximately six to eight minutes to complete, the survey asks franchisors about five areas:

• Strategy implementation: Which business plans and growth initiatives have been put into practice?
• Operational priorities: Which projects are receiving the greatest attention and investment?
• Barriers to growth: Which economic, operational or structural challenges are preventing progress?
• Franchisee support: Are head office resources and support structures keeping pace with network needs?
• Lessons learnt: What would franchisors do differently if establishing their systems today?

The findings will help inform discussions and priorities at the FASA Annual Conference, taking place at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, on 24 and 25 February 2027.

The survey is being conducted by research agency Smoke Customer Intelligence. FASA encourages franchisors across the country to participate to help build a representative picture of the sector.

The survey opens on 9 November 2026 and closes on 25 November 2026.

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