MTN South Africa launches MTN Xlerator a catalyst for inclusive economic growth
Date: 2023-09-08
MTN South Africa has launched the MTN Xlerator program to accelerate its commitment to Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD). This initiative is
poised to reshape local supply chains, stimulate economic growth, and champion
inclusivity in the South African business landscape.
In a
LinkedIn post on Friday, MTN South Africa highlighted the pivotal role of MTN
Xlerator in ramping up procurement and development spending in key areas to
expedite and maximize outcomes. The telecom giant aims to bolster supply chain
resilience through increased supplier diversity, strength, collaboration, and
adaptability in the face of ever-changing operating conditions and challenging
economic climates.
The MTN
Xlerator program has set ambitious targets to enhance procurement spending and
the development of local suppliers. Among its key objectives is the commitment
to allocate procurement spending of R50 million or more to 50 black-owned
suppliers, up from 13 in 2021. Additionally, MTN South Africa plans to increase
the number of active Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs) in its supply chain
from 70 to 140 and expand the pool of Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs) from 66
to 120. Importantly, MTN is also committed to broadening and diversifying the
supply chain, with a goal of increasing the number of black-owned women
suppliers from 65 to 120.
MTN's Total
Measured Procurement Spend (TMPS) has witnessed remarkable growth, surging from
approximately R26 billion in 2018 to over R44 billion in just five years.
Impressively, R17 billion of this spending was directed towards entities that
are at least 30% Black Women-Owned during the 2022 financial year.
Charles
Molapisi, the CEO of MTN South Africa, expressed his enthusiasm for the MTN
Xlerator program and its potential to make a profound impact on South Africa's
economic landscape. He also highlighted the urgent need for greater
inclusivity, recognizing that many talented individuals with innovative ideas
are often left without access to support for their businesses. As a brand born
during South Africa's democratic dawn, MTN believes it has a critical
responsibility to drive positive change and make a tangible difference in the
lives of South African
By: Kanto Okanta
