Business
SA Leads G20 with Bold Push for Cross-Border ICT in Southern Africa
South Africa is making bold strides in using its G20 presidency to push for cross-border ICT collaboration that can transform the digital landscape of Southern Africa. As the first African country to lead the influential G20 bloc, South Africa is spotlighting affordable connectivity and inclusive digital growth as critical priorities for the region.
Speaking at the 45th annual Southern Africa Telecommunications Association (SATA) conference in Johannesburg, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi emphasized the urgency of regional collaboration.
“At a time when the world seems to be pulling apart, it is encouraging we are choosing to stay connected on connectivity,” Malatsi said.
Breaking Down Barriers to Connectivity
One of the biggest barriers to digital inclusion in the region remains the high cost of access—from internet services to basic digital devices.
In a significant move earlier this month, the South African government scrapped the 9% ad valorem excise duty on smartphones priced under R2,500. Malatsi highlighted this as an example of how policy interventions can make technology more accessible to underserved communities.
“Access to low-cost smartphones and computers helps bridge the digital divide and is a critical first step to digital inclusion,” he noted.
But he also stressed that policy alone is not enough. “It is only through working together, as partners in a shared mission, can we hope to achieve the level of infrastructure investment required.”
G20 Digital Priorities for Africa
As part of its G20 leadership, South Africa is backing the work of the Digital Economy Working Group and Task Force on AI, Data Governance, and Innovation for Sustainable Development. Malatsi shared four key strategic priorities that are shaping South Africa’s global digital agenda:
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Promoting responsible and inclusive AI
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Expanding digital public infrastructure
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Supporting MSME innovation ecosystems
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Advancing universal and meaningful connectivity
“These priorities reflect real challenges and opportunities for Africa,” said Malatsi, calling on conference participants to ensure Africa’s voice remains strong in shaping global digital governance.
Openserve Set to Lead Regional Telecom Vision
The SATA conference was hosted by Openserve, Telkom Group’s wholesale division, which will assume the SATA chairmanship in the 2025/2026 financial year. Telkom Group CEO Serame Taukobong challenged Openserve to accelerate three regional objectives:
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A fully digitally connected fibre ecosystem across SADC
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Affordable and inclusive data roaming tariffs
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A robust and competitive data centre ecosystem in the region
Taukobong, recently appointed to the Local Business Advisory Council of the B20, said business partnerships with governments are essential to transforming Africa’s ICT future.
South Africa’s leadership at the G20 and at events like the SATA conference signals a strong commitment to driving inclusive, cost-effective digital development across the continent. With clear priorities and growing momentum, the hope is that this bold vision translates into real, measurable change for the people of Southern Africa.
{Source: IT Web}
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