MTN South Africa has unveiled the Xlerator program, an Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) initiative aimed at increasing the company's procurement expenditure by ZAR 4 billion (approximately US$209 million) over the span of two years, specifically with 51% black-owned Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs).

The Xlerator program has an ambitious goal to double the number of SMMEs on MTN's supplier database and to uplift them by providing support in various areas, including business strategy development, skills enhancement, and improved access to funding.

The program is open to SMMEs that meet specific criteria, including being operational for at least six months, being at least 51% black-owned, having an annual turnover of ZAR 500 million (around US$26 million) or less, and having key positions managed by black executives in their day-to-day operations.

Charles Molapisi - CEO, MTN South Africa

Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN South Africa, emphasized the company's commitment to progress, innovation, and empowerment. He explained that MTN is dedicated to transitioning from a transaction-based supply chain to a values-based one, ensuring that the benefits of a connected world are accessible to everyone while contributing to a better future.

MTN has partnered with South African SME financing startup Payabill as one of the finance partners for the Xlerator program. Payabill, which offers straightforward access to funding for South African SMEs, will collaborate with other selected lenders and banks as part of the program.

Eli Michal, CEO of Payabill, expressed excitement about the partnership with MTN and highlighted Payabill's role in facilitating payments to suppliers across various sectors throughout the country.