The first round of consultations for the review of the ICT Sector Code is now underway, with the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Sector Council inviting interested stakeholders to submit written comments by May 20.

The Council has also published an updated Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) Framework, aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency and effectiveness of the EEIP approval process within the ICT sector.

The review of the ICT Sector Code adopts a two-step consultation process, starting with obtaining insights from stakeholders on key areas of concern within the current code; the challenges being experienced and gaps identified; the data to support and illustrate the challenges to support evidence-based policymaking; and proposed remedies.

The formal review of the 2016 ICT Sector Code aims to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in advancing transformation within the sector.

Following receipt of written comments, the Council will hold a hybrid event to engage with stakeholders on written comments, following which it will develop a draft amended Code inviting comments ahead of finalising the draft Amended Code.

Further details, including the date of the engagement, will be communicated in due course.

In addition, the Council has updated the EEIP Framework, outlining a three-stage EEIP approval process which will see the BBBEE ICT Sector Council evaluating applications and making recommendations based on sector transformation priorities to submit to the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) for review.

Following this, the DCDT will consider the recommendations and make its own recommendations to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, which will then consider the final recommendation for approval, amendment or rejection of the EEIP application.

The updated EEIP Framework provides clear guidance on required application information; explanations for each information requirement; defined processes and timelines for application consideration; and provisions for the treatment of confidential information.

“The framework is designed to assist applicants in preparing complete and compliant submissions, thereby avoiding delays in processing. The Council cautions that incomplete applications may result in extended timelines, as processing will be paused pending the submission of outstanding information,” the Council further explained.

“Applicants are strongly encouraged to engage with the Council during the planning stages of their EEIP proposals to improve the likelihood of successful approval.”

The framework also introduces provisions for ongoing compliance monitoring, which will contribute to building a robust evidence base to support meaningful and sustainable transformation in the ICT sector.