Seacom South Africa, including all its subsidiaries, has officially achieved Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Level 1 certification for the financial period ending 31 December 2024.

“Level 1 B-BBEE certification is a significant milestone for Seacom because it underscores our unwavering commitment to building an inclusive, sustainable, and transformative digital economy in South Africa,” says Soraya Bagus, Seacom group chief: people and culture. “It affirms our longstanding dedication to contributing meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic development while strengthening our position as a trusted and empowering partner in the ICT sector.”

Seacom made efforts to achieve it Level 1 certification by investing in training, mentorship, and skills programmes with a focus on black professionals, as well as supporting SMEs and black-owned suppliers through enterprise and supplier development initiatives – contributing nearly half of its B-BBEE points in this category.

“We are especially proud of our contribution to the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, which not only helps young people access opportunities but also ensures we are actively shaping the next generation of leaders in our sector,” states Bagus.

Seacom’s absorption of unemployed youth on our youth learnership programs contributed directly tackling South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis – one of the most pressing challenges facing the country today.

For clients and partners, Seacom’s Level 1 contributor status brings tangible business benefits. With 135% procurement recognition, companies working with Seacom can enhance their own corporate social responsibility credentials and strengthen their commitment to inclusive supply chains.

Beyond the numbers, however, the certification signals Seacom’s role as a partner that aligns growth with transformation. By embedding empowerment practices into its business strategy, the company delivers ICT services that not only connect people and businesses but also expand opportunity and inclusion across the value chain.

“Transformation is at the heart of sustainable business growth in South Africa,” says Bagus. “By achieving Level 1 status, Seacom demonstrates that we are not just an ICT provider but a partner invested in the long-term success of our clients and the communities we serve. This milestone reflects our determination to help build a stronger, more inclusive ICT ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”