The Responsible Competitiveness Index parallels the World Economic Forum's Growth Competitiveness Index, according to a University of SA (Unisa) statement released on Thursday.
"South Africa compares favourably against its competitive developing economies, with Malaysia placed at 25, Indonesia at 48 and Brazil at 56."
"The closest African counterpart was Botswana, at 41, followed by Namibia at 47 and Lesotho at 71.
"Other major African economies do not fare as well, with Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania ranked 81, 82 and 90 respectively."
The index assesses countries' progress in advancing responsible business practices at the heart of their competitiveness strategies and policies," read the statement.
"It is broad ranging, covering key developments in combating climate change; enhancing labour standards; closing the gender gap; and reducing corruption."
The world's top-rated country was Sweden. The others among the top 10 were Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Britain, Norway, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia and Canada.
Derick de Jongh, director of Unisa's Centre for Corporate Citizenship commented: "This, coupled with South Africa's high ranking on the Responsible Competitiveness Index, illustrates that South African business and policy makers are starting to give responsible business practices priority."
For more information on the State of Responsible Competitiveness 2007, visit www.accountability21.net
Sapa
Steuart has done some 500 talks on South Africa's progress since 1994 and SA's prospects for the future' 
