Accelerit to manage Accenture's connectivity across South Africa

High-speed internet connectivity provider Accelerit has been tasked with managing Accenture’s connectivity network across South Africa, as the global management consultancy looks to bring greater diversity within its supply chain. Accelerit is a graduate from Accenture’s Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme (ESDP).

ESDP is aimed at promoting greater participation from black-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the South African economy, a goal that Accenture achieves through a number of means. The firm selects SMEs for the programme that are then provided executive training in innovation and agility.

Accenture has been among the most vocal firms when it comes to advocating innovation in the South African economy, and SMEs are crucial to inculcating an innovative and creative culture in the country. The firm also offers mentorship and business development support to these SMEs.

One graduate from the programme is Accelerit, an IT services firm that specialises in wireless networking, fibre internet and high-speed connectivity. The firm was established in 2013, and has since amassed an illustrious clientele, including the likes of Openserve, Liquid Telecom and MTN.

The firm will now manage the connectivity for Accenture across South Africa. Founder and Managing Director at Accelerit Mandla Ngcobo indicated that the firm’s participation in ESDP has been central in opening opportunities across the country, including the latest assignment at Accenture. The latest task is particularly challenging. 

“Considering the scale of Accenture’s network, which includes more than 300 000 clients that they connect with across the country, this will not only constitute our largest project to date, but it will also lead to explosive growth that will elevate our business to completely new heights,” said Ngcobo.

Accenture Global supplier inclusion and diversity and ESDP Lead Zandile Njamela indicated that giving Accelerit the opportunity was a product of its six-pillar approach to promoting inclusivity in the economy, a goal that is becoming increasingly central to the South African business environment.

“On the one hand, we increase access to market for these SMEs by presenting them with commercial opportunities within our own supply chain, as well as that of our clients. On the other hand, in instances where it could add value for our clients’ projects and contribute to high-performance delivery, we also form alliances with these SMEs and other industry partners,” he said.