The Pending B Corp status is designed to give start-ups and smaller companies time to prepare for the rigorous process of full B Corp Certification.
Taking this step signals to current and future investors that a company measures and manages its social and environmental performance with the best tools available. It also demonstrates strong governance as the company must adopt a legal framework to protect its mission and brand equity.
Becoming a Pending B Corp is not the same as becoming a Certified B Corp. Pending B Corp status is finite; after being in operation* for a period of time determined by B Lab Africa, a company must go through the full verification process with B Lab. However, the Pending B Corp status can give companies a head start by taking these initial steps.
Note that this process will vary depending on region and company size. Contact B Lab Africa for more information.
The legal accountability requirement means you must incorporate stakeholder governance into the legal structure of your startup. This means that your company is legally accountable to people — your workers, customers, clients, and the communities in which you operate — and the planet.
Note: Companies in African countries without a legal framework are not eligible for Pending B Corp status.
By completing the B Impact Assessment, you’ll learn about B Corp standards and identify the right policies and practices to put in place as your company grows. Your prospective B Impact Assessment will not be verified by B Lab and you will not receive a verified score while you are a Pending B Corp. If you choose to continue on your pathway to become a Certified B Corp after one year of operations, please complete an updated assessment reporting on your company’s implemented practices where we can verify practices for full B Corp certification.
B Lab will provide you with a contractual agreement that outlines more details about Pending B Corp status. Fees for Pending B Corp are determined by B Lab Africa.
Our mission is to accelerate a shift in how business is done in Africa. To redefine business success as not just for profit but also for a purpose. To encourage businesses to work for a positive impact for all stakeholders: workers, customers, community and the environment