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20 August 2025
Africa Data Centres, a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, has announced it has attained Level One B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) certification — the highest rating under South Africa’s B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice. Notably, it is the first carrier- and cloud-neutral data centre in South Africa to achieve this prestigious status.
“Reaching Level One B-BBEE status is a significant milestone that aligns with our core values and our vision for a more inclusive digital future,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana. “We are incredibly proud of this recognition, which reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering local talent, supporting black-owned suppliers, and uplifting underserved communities.”
This top-tier certification provides Africa Data Centres with substantial advantages, including maximum points toward B-BBEE compliance, a 135% procurement recognition, and an enhanced competitive position within South Africa’s market. Additionally, working with a Level 1 B-BBEE supplier may unlock certain tax incentives and other benefits, further supporting broader economic transformation initiatives.
Awarded by the ratings agency Empowerdex, the certification affirms Africa Data Centres’ dedication to transformation, inclusive growth, and sustainable impact across South Africa’s digital and economic sectors. As a key infrastructure provider central to the country’s digital transformation efforts, the company is recognized for its leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion within the ICT and data centre industries.
The achievement reflects Africa Data Centres’ ongoing investments in local talent and economic participation through enterprise and supplier development, skills training, and employment initiatives. These efforts contribute to job creation and foster greater economic inclusion.
With the largest interconnected, vendor- and cloud-neutral data centre platform on the continent, this Level One B-BBEE status enhances Africa Data Centres’ position as a preferred partner for both public and private sector clients seeking to collaborate with empowered, transformation-driven businesses. It also underscores the company's strategic commitment to advancing inclusive digital and economic transformation in South Africa.
