Speech by Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies,at the Ministerial Forum 2024: Building a prosperous, Inclusive and Sustainable Digital & Intelligent Africa 11 November 2024
Programme Director, Distinguished guests, Industry leaders, and Esteemed colleagues.
It is a privilege to stand before you today to address a subject that is crucial not only to the future of South Africa but to the broader African continent and the world at large—driving inclusive digital services using renewable energy and digital infrastructure. As we stand at the crossroads of a digital revolution, we must consider not only the opportunities but also the challenges that come with this transformation. Digital technologies hold the potential to either divide or unite, to create barriers or build bridges.It is imperative that we embrace digital transformation in a way that promotes social inclusion and leaves no one behind. This is what we mean by digital inclusio —ensuring that every person, irrespective of their background, geographic location, or socio- economic status, has the opportunity to access and benefit from the digital world.
Digital Technologies and Social Inclusion
Let me start by framing this discussion around what digital inclusion truly means. Digital technologies are now an essential facilitator of social inclusion. They allow for the delivery of real- time services that enable individuals to learn, work, and live without being subject to physical or social barriers. However, for many disadvantaged groups across Africa, access to these technologies remains a significant challenge. The rapid digitalization of our daily lives—work, education, and even social interaction—has opened up new opportunities. But it has also introduced new barriers. The digital divide is growing, with millions of people lacking access to the tools, infrastructure, and skills necessary to thrive in a digitally connected world. We must address these gaps and ensure that
digital technologies become a means for empowerment, not exclusion. This will require a multifaceted approach—expanding access to digital infrastructure, enhancing skills, and ensuring that technology adoption is sustainable and inclusive. Today, we are presented with an opportunity to explore how we can leverage renewable energy and robust digital infrastructure to accelerate this process and position South Africa and Africa as global leaders in digital transformation.
The Role of Renewable Energy in Digital Transformation
Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the world in renewable energy production. The continent is blessed with an abundance of solar and wind energy resources. The potential of solar power alone is vast—studies indicate that Africa receives more than 2,500 hours of sunlight annually, offering an unprecedented opportunity to harness solar energy. Wind energy, too, is abundant, with winds blowing intermittently across much of our landmass. However, we cannot ignore the reality that Africa remains one of the least electrified regions in the world.
More than half a billion people in Africa still lack access to reliable electricity, and projections suggest that unless current electrification efforts are tripled, many of these people will remain without power by 2030. Only eight African countries are expected to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, and in some parts of the continent, full electrification could take over 100 years. This is where innovation and collaboration come into play. In 2022, the World Bank launched an initiative aimed at accelerating electrification across the continent by promoting private investment in distributed renewable energy systems. This initiative is vital to ensuring that no one is left behind as we move forward in our digital transformation. As Africa embraces distributed renewable energy, we must ensure that our digital infrastructure is powered by clean, sustainable energy sources. The need for a sustainable and inclusive digital infrastructure cannot be overstated. As the digital economy grows, so too does the demand for data centers, cloud technologies, and the energy that powers them.
These facilities, which form the backbone of our digital economy, must be powered by renewable energy to ensure that our digital transformation is both sustainable and equitable. In South Africa, we have already taken significant steps to address these challenges. Through the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), we have launched initiatives aimed at expanding broadband access and ensuring that every South African has the opportunity to connect to the digital world. But we know that connectivity alone is not enough. We must ensure that the energy powering these technologies is clean, renewable, and reliable. This is the foundation of a truly inclusive digital economy.
The African Digital Transformation Strategy
The African Digital Transformation Strategy, which aims to transform our continent into a digitally connected and inclusive society, is central to our vision. This strategy outlines key areas of focus, including the need for affordable, accessible, and reliable digital infrastructure, as well as the promotion of digital skills among our people. However, the challenge is not just about infrastructure and access. It is also about ensuring that citizens are equipped with the skills necessary to use digital technologies effectively. Digital literacy is at the heart of digital inclusion. It is not enough to simply provide access to technology; we must also ensure that our people are digitally literate, that they can navigate the digital world with confidence, and that they understand how to leverage these tools for their own personal and professional growth.
The Critical Factors for Digital Inclusion
There are several critical factors that must be addressed to ensure that digital inclusion becomes a reality for all. These include:
1. Digital Accessibility: This refers to the ability to access the components of digital technologies, such as hardware, software, and information. It encompasses factors like availability, connectivity, affordability, and the physical infrastructure that supports digital access.
2. Digital Skills: Digital literacy is the foundation of inclusion. It is the ability to find, evaluate, and use information through digital tools and platforms. This includes computer literacy, which is the ability to use devices and software, as well as information and media literacy, which is the ability to critically assess and utilize online content.
3. Digital Acceptance: Digital acceptance is a key dimension of digital inclusion. It refers to the attitudes and perceptions of individuals towards technology. Are they aware of its potential? Do they trust it? Do they see it as a useful tool for their lives? In addressing these factors, we are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable society— one where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.
The Role of Investment in ICT
For South Africa and the broader African continent to succeed in this digital transformation, we must attract investment—both domestic and international—into ICT. The potential for growth in the digital economy is immense, and South Africa is well- positioned to be a leader in this space. Our strategic location, our growing ICT sector, and our commitment to renewable energy make us an ideal partner for investors looking to capitalize on Africa's burgeoning digital market.
We are committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, through regulatory reforms, incentives, and initiatives that support the growth of the digital economy. Our vision is to make South Africa a hub for innovation and digital services, driving economic growth and creating jobs, especially for our youth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the digital future of South Africa and Africa depends on our ability to integrate renewable energy with digital infrastructure. It is through this synergy that we can ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to the benefits of digital technologies. We must continue to drive forward with a sense of urgency and purpose, leveraging our unique resources, investing in digital infrastructure, and equipping our people with the skills they need to succeed. As we embark on this journey, let us remember that digital transformation is not just about technology—it is about people. It is about empowering individuals, communities, and nations to achieve their full potential.
Let us work together to ensure that the digital revolution is one of inclusion, sustainability, and opportunity for all.
Thank you
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