Vodacom maintains Level 1 B-BBEE status, strengthening its transformation leadership

Vodacom Group and Vodacom South Africa have once again secured Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) contributor status for the sixth and seventh consecutive year, respectively. This reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to inclusive economic growth and transformation in South Africa and is reflective of Vodacom’s continued efforts to advance meaningful participation by black South Africans in the mainstream economy, in alignment with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment policy framework.

Vodacom’s B-BBEE ratings were assessed in accordance with the Amended ICT Sector Codes of Good Practice (gazetted on 7 November 2016), across the seven elements of the scorecard. These components are: Ownership, Management Control, Employment Equity, Skills Development, Preferential Procurement, Supplier and Enterprise Development and Socio-Economic Development

In the latest verification, Vodacom Group and its subsidiaries achieved a record score of 127.07 (up from 122.50 in 2024), marking its highest-ever performance since attaining Level 1 status. Vodacom South Africa, including 10 subsidiaries, achieved a score of 126.84, up from 124.29 last year. Notably, this is the first time IoT.nxt - a key subsidiary - has achieved a Level 1 B-BBEE rating.

Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, commented:

“We are incredibly proud of these results, which highlight how we have successfully embedded B-BBEE in our operations and culture. As a company with deep roots in South Africa, transformation is part of our DNA. From the outset, we have been intentional about ensuring that our sector and economy are inclusive and reflective of the country’s diversity. These results are a testament to our unwavering commitment to transformation and inclusive growth.”

Key highlights from the 2025 assessment include:

• Black Ownership increased to 36.49% (up from 35.53% in 2024)
• Black Women Ownership rose to 18.68% (up from 17.59%)
• IoT.nxt progressed from Level 2 to Level 1

“These positive outcomes were achieved despite a challenging economic climate. They underscore our resilience and the effectiveness of our transformation strategy, which is built on the pillars of inclusivity, equality and diversity. We remain committed to driving systemic change and making a tangible impact in the communities we serve,” concludes Joosub.