While there are extensive researches focused on MNCs’ activities in both developed and developing markets, there are limited studies on how MNCs manage their relationships with political actors in emerging countries. This paper aims to contribute new knowledge on how MNCs, trough sustainable development projects, manage their relationships with political actors. Two comparative cases illustrating the application of ICT (Information Communication Technology) projects applied to cities in Brazil are analyzed. The network relationships include the elements of legitimacy, cooperation and knowledge. The study reveals the complexity in the interactions between the actors and indicates that legitimacy and knowledge in the business-political relationships are vital to turn challenges into opportunities. Our study contributes with knowledge not only to the research community but also to practitioners, who thus gain a more systematic understanding of their relationships in the political arena.