> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.startup.africa/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Minister Gazettes New B-BBEE Policy Amendments for Telecoms
- URL: https://www.startup.africa/minister-gazettes-new-b-bbee-policy-amendments-for-telecoms/
- Published: 2025-05-26T10:14:35.000Z
- Updated: 2025-08-12T08:03:10.000Z
- Author: Lungile Msomi
- Tags: Latest

Minister Solly Malatsi of the [Department of Communications and Digital Technologies](https://www.dcdt.gov.za/?ref=startup.africa) (DCDT) issued a [government gazette](https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis%5Fdocument/202505/52712gen3218.pdf?ref=startup.africa) notice on 23 May 2025, outlining proposed amendments to South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) requirements for the telecommunications sector. This policy seeks to facilitate greater foreign investment in broadband structure, particularly satellite internet services.

The policy direction is issued under Section 3 of the [Electronic Communications Act](https://www.gov.za/documents/electronic-communications-act?ref=startup.africa), aims to:

· Encourage investment and innovation in the communications sector.

· Promote competition within the ICT sector.

· Align the Act with other legislation, including the Amended B-BBEE ICT Sector Code.

Through the policy amendment, the DCDT seeks to:

· Bridge the digital divide by expanding broadband access to underserved areas.

· Align with the World Bank's findings that increased broadband penetration can significantly boost GDP in middle-income countries.

· Provide multinational companies with alternative avenues to contribute to South Africa's socio-economic development through equity equivalent investment programmes.

## B-BBEE Equity Equivalent Investment Policy Options

Recognising that international corporations face complex challenges in complying with existing equity ownership requirements, the proposed policy would allow companies to fulfil B-BBEE obligations through alternative mechanisms, such as:

· Investing in local suppliers.

· Creating employment opportunities.

· Supporting small businesses.

The policy shift comes amid renewed interest in the entry of Elon Musk’s [Starlink](https://www.starlink.com/?ref=startup.africa) into the South African market. Starlink, a satellite internet service, has faced regulatory hurdles due to existing B-BBEE rules requiring foreign telecoms firms to cede 30% of local equity to historically disadvantaged groups.