B-BBEE & ESD funding

Explore applied AI programmes aligned to B-BBEE and ESD objectives.

AgentAligned designs and delivers applied AI programmes around real operational needs. An eligible corporate sponsor may support a qualifying Enterprise or Supplier Development beneficiary through a programme that combines practical implementation, capability transfer and measurable outcomes. Eligibility and recognition depend on the applicable B-BBEE code and independent verification.

Corporate sponsor or measured entity

Support an eligible supplier or enterprise with practical AI capability built around an identified operating need and the resilience, visibility or efficiency of the wider value chain.

What the programme brings

  • A programme tied to a validated operating need
  • Clear objectives, responsibilities, milestones and measures
  • Evidence gathered throughout delivery
  • Capability transfer through training and documented processes

Explore sponsor fit

Eligible business or potential ESD beneficiary

Address a real workflow bottleneck through structured system design, implementation, team participation and a measurable handover plan.

What the programme brings

  • Reduced capital barrier where support is approved
  • Applied capability built around existing operations
  • Staff training and documented ways of working
  • A production system with clear internal ownership

Explore beneficiary fit

What an applied AI capability programme can include

Each programme is shaped around the beneficiary’s operating environment. For examples of the workflows these programmes are built around, see our use cases.

01

Workflow diagnostic and baseline

Define the operating problem, current process, baseline and measurable outcome.

02

System design and implementation

Design, test and implement an applied AI workflow suited to the beneficiary’s real operating environment.

03

Governance and human control

Define data access, accountability, approvals, safeguards and the role of people in the workflow.

04

Training, handover and evidence

Train the team, document the operating model, transfer ownership and gather evidence throughout delivery.

Process

Check eligibility before designing the programme.

  1. Step 1Confirm the applicable framework. Confirm the relevant generic or sector code, beneficiary eligibility, proposed treatment and evidence requirements with the sponsor’s qualified B-BBEE adviser and verification agency.
  2. Step 2Define the operating need. Establish the workflow problem, baseline, intended capability and measurable outcomes.
  3. Step 3Agree the programme structure. Confirm sponsor, beneficiary, delivery, governance, commercial and legal responsibilities.
  4. Step 4Build and transfer capability. Design, test and implement the system, train the team and document the operating model.
  5. Step 5Measure and prepare evidence. Track the agreed outcomes and maintain an evidence pack for the sponsor’s normal verification process.

Legal and governance support

Where required, legal assistance is available through our qualified legal counsel, Lynn Moustache. This support sits alongside programme design and delivery but remains separate from B-BBEE advisory and independent verification.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ESD-aligned applied AI programme?

It is a structured programme built around a real operating need, combining applied AI system design, implementation, governance, team training and measurable outcomes. Whether the programme qualifies for B-BBEE recognition depends on the applicable code, beneficiary eligibility and independent verification.

Who can participate?

Potential sponsor and beneficiary eligibility depends on the applicable generic or sector code, the beneficiary’s status and the proposed programme structure. Eligibility should be confirmed before programme design begins.

Can AgentAligned guarantee B-BBEE recognition?

No. AgentAligned can design, deliver, measure and document the programme, but final recognition is determined through the sponsor’s normal B-BBEE advisory and verification process.

What legal support is available?

Where required, legal assistance is available through AgentAligned’s qualified legal counsel, Lynn Moustache. Legal support is separate from B-BBEE verification and does not guarantee recognition.

AgentAligned designs and delivers applied AI capability programmes. Legal assistance is available through our qualified legal counsel, Lynn Moustache. B-BBEE eligibility, the treatment of programme expenditure and any recognition claimed must be confirmed under the applicable code by the sponsor’s qualified B-BBEE adviser and SANAS-accredited verification agency. Neither programme delivery nor legal support guarantees B-BBEE recognition. For data-protection questions, see our POPIA and sovereign AI guidance.

  • Content reviewed: 19 August 2026
  • Legal wording review (Lynn Moustache): pending
  • B-BBEE position confirmation: pending