Africa Data Centres, a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has announced that it has achieved a Level One B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) certification. This is the highest rating under South Africa’s B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice. Africa Data Centres is the first carrier- and cloud-neutral data centre in the country to attain this prestigious status.
“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,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana. “We are extremely proud of this recognition, and we remain deeply committed to empowering local talent, supporting black-owned suppliers, and uplifting underserved communities.”
Africa Data Centre’s Level 1 B-BBEE status also offers significant benefits to clients and partners, including maximum points towards B-BBEE compliance, 135% procurement recognition, and a stronger competitive position when doing business within South Africa. In addition, working with a Level 1 supplier may provide access to certain tax advantages and other benefits, supporting economic transformation initiatives.
Awarded by ratings agency Empowerdex, this certification is a powerful affirmation of Africa Data Centres’ commitment to transformation, inclusive growth, and long-term sustainable impact across South Africa’s digital and economic landscape. As a leading provider of the infrastructure that is central to the country’s digital transformation efforts, the company is recognised for leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion within the ICT and infrastructure sectors.
This top rating also underscores Africa Data Centres’ ongoing investment in South Africa’s people and economy. Through its enterprise and supplier development programmes, skills development initiatives, and hiring practices, the company is actively contributing to job creation and economic participation.
Operating the continent’s largest interconnected, vendor- and cloud-neutral data centre platform, the newly acquired Level One B-BBEE status strengthens its position as a preferred partner for both public and private sector clients seeking to collaborate with empowered businesses. This represents a strategic advantage for the company while simultaneously underscoring its commitment to inclusive digital and economic transformation in South Africa.
Africa Fact: Malian sailors got to America in 1311 AD, 181 years before Columbus. An Egyptian scholar, Ibn Fadl Al-Umari, published on this sometime around 1342. In the tenth chapter of his book, there is an account of two large maritime voyages ordered by the predecessor of Mansa Musa, a king who inherited the Malian throne in 1312. This mariner king is not named by Al-Umari, but modern writers identify him as Mansa Abubakari II.
Africa Fact: On a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 AD, a Malian ruler, Mansa Musa, brought so much money with him that his visit resulted in the collapse of gold prices in Egypt and Arabia. It took twelve years for the economies of the region to normalise.
emerald goddess
Fun South African Fact: Water is not all there is to drink in this thirsty country! South Africa’s Cape Winelands have around 560 wineries and 4 400 primary producers. Included in the Cape Winelands region is Route 62, considered the longest wine route in the world. That alone is good reason to visit South Africa if you haven’t yet been!
Pepper Legs
Braai – a barbecue [brr-rye] Also known as a barbecue where steak, lamb chops and of course ‘boerewors’ is cooked on a grid over wood and flames. Add some salads, rolls and ‘melktert’ for dessert and you are set for a traditional South African braai.