AEEI is a majority black-owned and black-controlled investment holding company based in South Africa. The Group holds both national and international strategic investments across a broad range of industries, including fishing and brands, technology, events and tourism, health and beauty, biotherapeutics and enterprise development. Its support is strategically focused towards supporting Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) within small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

AEEI is responsible for the appointment of the boards and management structures of all its subsidiary companies. It currently (both directly and indirectly) employs over 2 200 employees and over 11 000 people; predominantly South African, benefit from its investments and associated companies. AEEI is a significant exporter and generates a large portion of income in foreign currency.

The Company has a growing international reputation as a founding member company of the World Economic Forum (WEF) New Champions and Community Global Growth Company (CGGC). AEEI is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Community of Global Growth Companies as well as the Green Growth Action Alliance (G2A2).

As a multi award-winning B-BBEE Group, AEEI is the empowerment partner of choice for a range of small to large businesses, and it enjoys strong partnerships with multinationals such as British Telecommunications South Africa, Saab South Africa, as well as Siemens and Microsoft.

As a business founded on the principles of B-BBEE, AEEI is firmly rooted amongst historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs) and community organisations. These groups form the majority of the Group’s shareholder base. Black ownership of AEEI exceeds 70% and the majority of its economic benefits are enjoyed by black stakeholders. The Company is recognised by its peers as a pioneer in promoting the interests of HDIs and previously marginalised communities.

The Group’s commitment to transformation through employment equity, skills and enterprise development and corporate social investment, makes it a beacon of B-BBEE.