PrimeXBT reveals key insights into the modern South African trader at ProFX Expo Africa 2026

PrimeXBT joined trading and financial industry leaders in Cape Town for ProFX Expo Africa 2026, held on 20–21 August, with Kearabilwe Nonyana, PrimeXBT’s VIP Account Manager, taking the stage to explore one of the region’s most important trends: the evolution of the modern South African trader.

Speaking on 20 August in a session titled “Understanding the Modern South African Trader”, Kearabilwe looked beyond the growth of the market itself to examine who is trading today, what is driving participation, and what it takes for traders to progress from first-time market participants to more experienced, long-term investors.

Here are four key takeaways from his presentation.

1. South Africa leads the continent

South Africa has established itself as one of Africa’s leading retail FX markets, with more than 190,000 active retail FX and CFD traders and continued market growth forecast in the years ahead.

The market benefits from several forces working together, including greater financial inclusion, widespread smartphone adoption, currency volatility and a growing segment of experienced traders with more capital to deploy.

Regulation is another important part of the picture. FSCA oversight gives South Africa a well-established regulatory framework, making compliance and licensing important signals of trust for local traders.

2. The trader profile has changed

The growth story is not simply about more people entering the market. The profile of the trader is changing too.

Today’s South African trader is typically young and mobile-first, with smartphones often serving as the primary gateway to the markets. Trading is also frequently pursued as a supplementary source of income rather than a full-time career, while female participation has expanded.

How traders discover the markets has changed as well. WhatsApp, YouTube, social media and online trading communities now play an important role in how people find brokers, access education and exchange ideas.

3. The real opportunity is the trader journey

One of the central themes of Kearabilwe’s presentation was that bringing traders into the market is only the beginning. Easy access does not necessarily translate into sustainable participation, particularly when new traders start with limited capital and experience.

This makes structured onboarding, education and risk-management guidance important in helping traders develop beyond their first deposit and early trades.

Their priorities can also change as they progress. Newer traders may focus on accessibility and education, while experienced and higher-volume traders can place greater value on pricing, execution, deeper liquidity and personalised support.

For brokers, the opportunity lies in supporting that journey, giving traders the conditions and resources they need as their experience, and activity develop.

4. Trust turns participation into loyalty

Long-term trader relationships are built on more than market access.

Kearabilwe highlighted several elements that can help turn trading activity into lasting engagement: education, localised trust, transparent rewards, human relationships and community.

Together, these factors can help traders move from initial participation towards a more established relationship with their broker, while giving experienced clients access to the level of service and support that better reflects their needs.

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Supporting the next generation of South African traders

As South African traders become more informed, experienced and selective, PrimeXBT is well positioned to meet their evolving needs at every stage of their trading journey.

As an FSCA-regulated broker in South Africa, PrimeXBT combines a trusted local presence with competitive trading conditions, access to global markets and platforms designed for different levels of experience.

Education and market insights help newer traders build their knowledge, while more experienced traders can access advanced tools and greater flexibility as their strategies develop. For those trading at higher volumes, PrimeXBT’s VIP Tiers program and Rewards Center provide additional benefits and greater value from their activity.