Johannesburg: As the first African nation to host the G20 Summit, South Africa embraces this historic role with a commitment to amplify the voices of the Global South on the world stage. The nation has placed digital transformation, which is reshaping the global economy, as a key priority to uplift the Global South and advance financial and economic cooperation, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.
According to South African Government News Agency, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi emphasized at the G20 Digital Economy Working Group that connectivity is essential for economic participation, education, innovation, and growth. His statement underscores South Africa’s belief that bridging the digital divide is crucial to unlocking shared prosperity and ensuring that no one is left behind in the global digital economy.
Despite the global shift towards a digital future, approximately 2.6 billion people globally remain without internet access as of 2023. This statistic highlights the urgent need to close the digital gap to achieve the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The disparity is particularly pronounced in the Global South, where many face exclusion, marginalization, and poverty, especially among women, youth, and rural populations.
As President of the G20 summit, South Africa calls for immediate and coordinated G20 action on four key pillars: affordable and meaningful connectivity, robust digital public infrastructure, digital upskilling and education focused on empowering women and youth, and an ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence framework. The Digital Economy Working Group plays a central role in coordinating these efforts, facilitating global collaboration and partnerships.
The group has partnered with organizations such as the African Union, International Telecommunications Union, and the United Nations Development Programme to launch the Global Call for Digital Public Infrastructure Innovations. This initiative encourages nations to share solutions on digital ID systems, e-health, e-learning, and digital literacy, promoting regional cooperation.
To address the digital divide, South Africa has developed the Universal and Equitable Digital Inclusion Framework during its G20 presidency. This guide assists governments in designing policies to promote digital inclusion globally. Additionally, in collaboration with UNESCO, South Africa has developed the Toolkit to Reduce Inequalities Connected to Artificial Intelligence, helping manage risks like algorithmic bias while promoting inclusive AI adoption.
South Africa envisions a future where digital transformation connects cultures, languages, communities, and nations. The nation is investing in digital innovation ecosystems to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises, fostering local innovation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
Sustainable financing is crucial for enacting this digital agenda. South Africa advocates for blended funding models combining public investment, private sector partnerships, and technological innovation. Digital technologies have the potential to drive inclusive development and empower citizens, making public infrastructure and technology investments vital.
Sandile Nene, Acting Deputy Director-General for Content Processing and Dissemination in the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), emphasizes the commitment to bridge the digital divide, investing in technologies that uplift lives and drive innovation, building an inclusive digital future and economy for all.