MTN spent $1.2b with black-owned suppliers in 2025 to meet SA local laws target

MTN Group has announced that it has met South Africa’s Level 1 Broad‑Based Black Economic Empowerment (B‑BBEE) status after spending a combined $1.25 billion (R20.4 billion) with black-owned suppliers in 2025, among other initiatives.

Announcing the development on Wednesday, the group noted that it applies to both MTN SA and the Group. The move signals the company’s sustained commitment to addressing economic inequalities and expanding economic participation.

The achievement means that the group has sustained its Level 1 B-BBEE status for the sixth year running, while South Africa is on its seventh year in a row. 

Expressing what MTN stands for in alignment with the B-BBEE, Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, said the achievement reflects the company’s deep connection to the communities it serves. 

“For MTN, long‑term business success and societal progress are deeply interconnected,” he said, noting that “Maintaining a Level 1 B‑BBEE status over many years reflects this.”

The South African B-BBEE rule seeks to address inclusivity in all areas and strengthen long-term resilience amid different groups within the country. As a result, companies operating in South Africa are expected to demonstrate these values in their operation, especially in corporate social responsibility (CSR).

In adherence, the company stressed that its strategic priority is to create shared values by bridging the digital divide, promoting financial inclusion, and supporting economic development. It also involves ensuring equitable connectivity in SA and across Africa. 

This achievement of Level 1 performance reflects that commitment 

“MTN’s sustained Level 1 performance is underpinned by consistent progress across the scorecard, including strong outcomes in the category of ‘Skills Development’, alongside continued momentum in ‘Enterprise and Supplier Development’ and ‘Socio‑Economic Development’,” part of the statement reads. 

Also Read: MTN SA, Vodacom, Telkom, others lost $12m to telecoms theft in 2025, a 189% surge.

How MTN met the Level 1 B-BBEE rule

During the year, MTN revealed that it spent $537 million (R8.8 billion) with 51% Black‑owned suppliers and $708 million (R11.6 billion) with 30% Black women‑owned suppliers. 

This reflects the group’s combined $1.25 billion spend on goods and services, such as network equipment, diesel, marketing, construction, and security firms with SA-owned enterprises. 

“By using our procurement spend, skills programmes and partnerships to enable real economic participation, MTN South Africa is driving impact that extends well beyond compliance,” said South Africa CEO Ferdi Moolman.

As part of its CSR efforts, the group supported 492 learnerships, graduate programmes, and targeted skills interventions. These initiatives focus on digital and technical skills that drive employability, business sustainability, and participation in the digital economy.

Also, the group reached 905,000 learners through its Online School. Through its Foundation, MTN Skills Academy reached 25,023 beneficiaries, consisting of women and youth, to drive entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment.