Africa Data Centres, a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, has achieved a major milestone after being awarded a Level One B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) certification in South Africa. This is the highest rating under the country’s B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice and marks the first time a carrier- and cloud-neutral data centre has reached this level.
The certification, confirmed by ratings agency Empowerdex, positions Africa Data Centres as a leading player in the push for inclusive economic transformation. It also reinforces its role as a backbone of South Africa’s digital economy, where data centres serve as critical infrastructure for businesses, government, and digital services.
Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana, said the achievement reflects the company’s values and long-term vision. “Achieving Level One B-BBEE status is a key milestone for our business in South Africa, reflecting our core values and our commitment to a more inclusive digital future,” Suleman said. He added that the recognition strengthens the firm’s dedication to empowering local talent, supporting black-owned suppliers, and uplifting underserved communities.
For clients and partners, the Level One certification brings tangible benefits. These include maximum points for B-BBEE compliance, 135% procurement recognition, and better competitive positioning in South Africa’s market. Businesses that collaborate with Level One suppliers may also enjoy tax-related advantages, making Africa Data Centres a more attractive option for both private and public sector projects.
Industry analysts note that such a rating is more than symbolic. It helps companies like Africa Data Centres attract new partnerships while also contributing to South Africa’s economic transformation agenda. By ensuring that black-owned suppliers and entrepreneurs are part of its value chain, the company is actively supporting inclusive growth.
Beyond compliance, Africa Data Centres has been investing in programmes that target job creation, skills development, and enterprise support. The company’s initiatives are designed to ensure that South Africa’s digital economy is not only driven by technology but also by empowerment and participation from historically disadvantaged communities.
As the operator of the continent’s largest interconnected and vendor-neutral data centre platform, Africa Data Centres’ new status strengthens its competitive edge at a time when demand for digital services is rapidly expanding. With governments, banks, telecoms, and tech firms relying heavily on cloud and data hosting, partnerships with inclusive providers are becoming increasingly important.
This development also speaks to broader continental trends. Across Africa, digital infrastructure is growing quickly, but questions around equity and inclusion remain. For South Africa, where B-BBEE policies were designed to address economic imbalances, recognition of companies like Africa Data Centres highlights the link between technological progress and social transformation.
The recognition is expected to encourage other players in the ICT and infrastructure sectors to deepen their commitment to inclusive practices. For Cassava Technologies, which has roots across Africa, the Level One status not only boosts its reputation in South Africa but may also set a benchmark for how multinational firms can align their operations with local empowerment frameworks.
Ultimately, Africa Data Centres’ achievement underscores the fact that digital transformation is not just about faster internet speeds or advanced platforms. It is also about who participates, who benefits, and how technology can support wider economic and social change.
