The Black Entrepreneurs Alliance has welcomed the gazetted amendments to South Africa's BBBEE Codes of Good Practice. Effective from January 2026, these amendments aim to enhance economic inclusion. Refilwe Monageng, CEO of the Black Economic Alliance, views this development as a breakthrough for black entrepreneurs who have faced systemic barriers to funding and market access.
The amendments introduce the aggregation of funding and procurement opportunities. This change aligns with the Black Entrepreneurs Alliance's long-standing advocacy efforts. Monageng stated that this move will enable black-owned businesses to compete and thrive in the economy. The amendments signal a renewed commitment to practical participation in the mainstream economy.
A key amendment is the introduction of a Transformation Fund. Contributions to this fund will drive empowerment objectives and offer an alternative to existing Enterprise and Supplier Development contributions. The revised codes also set aggressive procurement targets. These include a 25% target for procurement from 100% black-owned enterprises, with specific targets for black women-owned businesses and other designated groups.
The preferential procurement framework now focuses on 100% black-owned suppliers. Bonus points will be awarded to suppliers from black-designated groups. This change aims to reinforce efforts to deepen inclusive participation in the economy. The Black Entrepreneurs Alliance has welcomed these developments but emphasises that more decisive interventions are required.
The Black Entrepreneurs Alliance is calling for equitable access to mainstream markets. This will ensure that black-owned businesses can compete fairly. The organisation also proposes credit amnesty to support entrepreneurs with limited access to finance. A tax amnesty has been suggested to help emerging businesses stabilise and grow.
According to the Black Entrepreneurs Alliance, these measures will strengthen the impact of the amended BBBEE Codes. The goal is to contribute towards building a more inclusive and transformed economy. The organisation believes that these changes will create a more equitable economy.
The Black Entrepreneurs Alliance's advocacy efforts have led to significant changes in South Africa's economic transformation landscape. The amendments to the BBBEE Codes of Good Practice mark a decisive breakthrough for black entrepreneurs. The organisation will continue to push for deeper economic inclusion and equitable access to mainstream markets.
Key points
- Introduction of a Transformation Fund to drive empowerment objectives.
- Aggressive procurement targets, including 25% from 100% black-owned enterprises.
- Preferential procurement framework focuses on 100% black-owned suppliers.
