B-BBEE Certificate

“What is a B-BBEE Certificate?”

A B-BBEE certificate is an official document that shows your business’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) level.

It tells others how well your business supports transformation in South Africa (things like Black ownership, employment equity, skills development, and economic inclusion)

Many companies and government departments use this score to decide who they work with.

If you're planning to work with large companies or apply for government contracts, this certificate is essential.

“Do I need a B-BBEE certificate?”

You might need a B-BBEE Certificate if…

  1. You want to apply for government tenders
  2. You're supplying services or products to corporates with B-BBEE procurement policies
  3. You’re looking for funding or partnerships that require a certain B-BBEE level

Even if you’re not currently applying for tenders, having a certificate can open doors to future opportunities and help you grow your business.

“How is my B-BBEE level calculated?”

Your level is based on a B-BBEE scorecard, which looks at five key areas:

  1. Ownership

What percentage of your business is Black-owned?

  1. Management Control

Do Black South Africans hold leadership roles?

  1. Skills Development

Are you investing in training and education?

  1. Enterprise and Supplier Development

Are you supporting Black-owned suppliers or small businesses?

  1. Socio-Economic Development

Are you giving back to communities?

Your score is then used to assign a level from 1 (highest) to 8 (lowest). If you don’t meet the minimum, your business may be marked as non-compliant.

You can calculate your B-BBEE level online.

“What type of certificate do I need for B-BBEE?”

It depends on your company’s annual turnover:

EMEs (Exempt Micro Enterprises)

Businesses with turnover less than R10 million.

You don’t need a full certificate. You can submit a simple B-BBEE affidavit confirming your level.Learn more about B-BBEE affidavits vs certificates here.

QSEs (Qualifying Small Enterprises)

Businesses with a turnover between R10 million and R50 million.

You may need a formal B-BBEE verification from an accredited agency — unless you're 51% or more Black-owned, in which case an affidavit still applies.

Generic Enterprises

Businesses with turnover over R50 million

You must go through a full B-BBEE verification process conducted by a certified verification agency.

“What happens if I don’t have a B-BBEE Certificate?”

Without a valid B-BBEE certificate or affidavit…

  1. You may be disqualified from tenders
  2. You could miss out on corporate procurement opportunities
  3. It may impact your funding, contracts, or partnerships
  4. Your business might appear less competitive in your industry
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