Kiwis rank among world’s most entrepreneurial minds, study

A new global study from digital financial services provider Remitly has ranked the world’s most entrepreneurially-minded nations, and New Zealand has landed in the top 10.

Drawing on the renowned “Grit Scale” developed by psychologist Angela Duckworth, the study surveyed over 7,000 people across 26 countries to assess their levels of perseverance and passion for long-term goals, two key traits seen as indicative of an entrepreneurial mindset.

South Africa claimed the top spot with an average grit score of 46.18 out of 60, followed by the United Kingdom (42.54) and Ireland (42.17). New Zealand ranked seventh with a score of 40.62, ahead of countries like Brazil, Greece, Germany, and Australia.

The United States, long seen as a global leader in entrepreneurship, came in at sixth with a score of 40.96.

Ryan Riley, VP of Marketing for EMEA and APAC at Remitly, says the findings show that entrepreneurship often starts with mindset.

“You need grit, determination and the belief that you can create something better, even when the odds are against you. When challenges arise, it’s having that unshakable mindset that helps see you through,” says Riley.

He adds that while grit alone doesn’t guarantee success, it provides a solid foundation.

“Whether you’re starting a side hustle or scaling a business, that inner drive can be the difference between an idea and a legacy.”

According to the report, the high grit scores in countries like South Africa, the UK, and Ireland reflect strong cultures of innovation and resilience. In South Africa, for instance, growing start-up ecosystems in Johannesburg and Cape Town are helping to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs. In the UK and Ireland, a mix of tradition, tenacity, and innovation supports the drive to create and grow businesses.

New Zealand’s seventh-place ranking points to a high level of individual resilience and entrepreneurial ambition, attributes that align with its thriving small business sector and history of grassroots innovation.

The study forms part of Remitly’s broader efforts to understand the cultural drivers behind entrepreneurship and global migration.