These are South Africa’s best agencies to work for, according to Scopen

According to the Best Agency to Work For South Africa 2025/26 report by Scopen, satisfaction levels among agency professionals remain high across the industry, with only a small proportion indicating they are considering a move.

Ogilvy tops the creative agencies. Source: Supplied.

The rankings, which identify the most attractive creative and media agencies to work for in South Africa, are based on feedback from more than 230 professionals across both agency types.

The findings point to a sector where workplace sentiment is shaped strongly by respect, pride and credibility, alongside practical considerations such as work-life balance and benefits.

Top creative agencies

#1 Ogilvy
#2 Machine
#3 Joe Public
#4 TBWA\
#5 99C
#6 VML
#7 Accenture Song
#7 Halo
#9 Promise
#10 M&CSAATCHI

Top media agencies

#1 Carat South Africa
#2 CONNECT
#3 The MediaShop
#4 dentsu South Africa
#5 OMD South Africa
#6 PHD South Africa
#7 Publicis Media
#8 Meta Media
#9 WPP Media
#10 Starcom South Africa

Research consultancy Scopen has turned gratitude into action with the launch of a new bursary initiative linked to its flagship Agency Scope study in South Africa. Pictured: Khensani Nobanda CMO Nedbank, Omolemo Sehole bursary recipient, Johanna McDowell Scopenn Africa partner, Cesar Vacchiano CEO Scopen global (Image supplied)

Scopen Africa awards R90,000 inaugural bursaries

7 Apr 2026

Top independent creative agencies

In South Africa´s independent agencies ranking, Joe Public consolidates its position as the undisputed leader, holding first place in all three editions, and with a clear advantage over the rest. Behind it, 99C climbs to second place (from ninth in 2024), while Accenture Song remains in the top three. Promise maintains its consistency within the top four. The Odd Number and Avatar stay within the top ten, while new players such as M&CSaatchi, Halo, Brave Group, and Bananas emerge.