MTN keeps top B-BBEE ranking

by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG – IN line with its purpose of delivering digital solutions for Africa’s progress, MTN Group and its major subsidiary, MTN South Africa, have both retained their Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) contributor status in 2025.

This top-tier ranking marks the sixth consecutive year for MTN Group and the seventh for MTN South Africa. It is detailed in MTN’s annual B-BBEE compliance report, compiled by an independent verification agency.

“For MTN, long-term business success and societal progress are deeply interconnected,” said MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita.

“Maintaining a Level 1 B-BBEE status over many years reflects this commitment.”

B-BBEE seeks to address economic inequality, expand participation in the economy and strengthen long-term resilience in South Africa.

Central to MTN’s strategy is its priority to create shared value, which includes advancing digital and financial inclusion, supporting economic development and fostering a more connected and equitable Africa.

MTN’s continued Level 1 performance is supported by consistent progress across key scorecard elements.

This includes strong results in Skills Development, as well as sustained momentum in Enterprise and Supplier Development and Socio-Economic Development.

Transformation at leadership level is also advancing, including within the boards of MTN Group and MTN South Africa.

At the same time, the company’s investment in skills development is aligned with South Africa’s growing need for future-ready capabilities.

In 2025, MTN supported 492 learnerships, graduate programmes and targeted skills initiatives.

These focused primarily on digital and technical competencies aimed at improving employability, strengthening businesses and enabling participation in the digital economy.

Preferential procurement remains a key driver of inclusive growth and a central pillar of MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy.

During 2025, the company spent R8.8 billion with 51% Black-owned suppliers and R11.6 billion with 30% Black women-owned suppliers, leveraging its scale to support enterprise growth, deepen local participation and stimulate economic activity.

“By leveraging our procurement spend, skills programmes and partnerships to enable meaningful economic participation, MTN South Africa is driving impact that goes well beyond compliance,” said MTN South Africa Chief Executive Officer, Ferdi Moolman.

Through the MTN South Africa Foundation, the company continues to deliver measurable impact in education and digital inclusion.

Initiatives such as the MTN Online School, which has reached 905,000 learners, and the MTN Skills Academy, which has benefited 25,023 individuals, place particular emphasis on women and youth, supporting pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and sustained participation in the digital economy.

MTN remains committed to embedding transformation across its entire value chain, ensuring that procurement, skills development, enterprise support and community initiatives are grounded in local realities.

Through this approach, the company aims to drive inclusive growth, strengthen economic resilience and contribute to a more equitable and digitally connected South Africa.

– CAJ News