If you're applying for tenders, supplying corporates, or trying to unlock funding, you've probably been asked for a BBBEE certificate. Here's what it actually is, and which version your business needs.
A BBBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) certificate shows your business's level of compliance with South Africa's economic transformation policy — covering ownership, management control, skills development, and more. Government departments and large corporates use it to decide who they do business with.
It depends on your annual turnover:
Even if you're not chasing tenders right now, having your BBBEE status sorted keeps the door open for opportunities that come up later.
An EME affidavit can typically be issued same-day once your details are confirmed. A full SANAS verification for larger turnover businesses takes longer, depending on the complexity of your scorecard.
BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) is the underlying policy; BBBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) is the legislated framework that implements it. In practice, the terms are used interchangeably.
Not legally — but without one, you can't tender for most government contracts or supply many large corporates.
Browse our compliance services, or chat with us on WhatsApp and we'll help you choose the right BBBEE option for your turnover.