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The Minister of Communication and Digital Technology, Solly Malatsi says the digital economy is no longer just a sector, but the backbone of modern society, a catalyst for development, and a key driver of economic and social transformation.
On Monday, Malatsi delivered the keynote address at a meeting of G20’s digital economy working group task force on Artificial Intelligence in Gqeberha.
The ministry said these meetings are a precursor to the main G20 summit in November.
The series of meetings at the Boardwalk in Gqeberha will run through to Friday the 11th.
Malatsi told delegates that the presidency was determined to place the Global South at the center of shaping a "just" digital future.
“Our priorities resonate strongly with those championed by previous G20 presidencies of fellow developing nations – Indonesia, India, and Brazil.”
According to Malatsi, this will be done by focusing on four key pillars, namely: bridging the digital divide with meaningful connectivity, building inclusive digital infrastructure, nurturing innovation ecosystems for local development, and championing ethical AI that respects our diverse languages and cultures.
“Meaningful connectivity to the internet has become a necessity, not a luxury. Yet the stark reality is that billions of people remain unconnected in today’s world.”
He added that infrastructure alone was no longer enough and that the real barriers were economic, educational and linguistic, which require immediate attention.
Malatsi said connectivity alone does not guarantee empowerment.
“It must be underpinned by inclusive and secure systems that deliver essential services— what we term Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).”
This includes platforms for e-government, digital identity, electronic payments, public broadband, and open digital goods.
“These are the core infrastructure of modern governance and service delivery. Recognizing this, South Africa and the G20 have identified DPI as a strategic priority for advancing inclusion and enabling innovation,” the minister said.
Malatsi elaborated on the third point, which is to nurture innovation ecosystems for local development, and said: “South Africa believes strongly in cultivating inclusive innovation ecosystems where micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups can thrive and where new ideas from all segments of society can flourish.”
He said these MSMEs are the engine of creativity and resilience.
“We propose that G20 members share strategies on supporting start-ups and MSMEs – from startup financing initiatives to innovation hubs and tech parks, from simplifying regulatory burdens to providing mentorship networks.”
And finally, Malatsi called for the governance of Artificial Intelligence in an inclusive, ethical manner.
“We must investigate how AI can help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. How can it improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance?”
He also said it must be investigated how AI can be prevented from causing harm through bias, misinformation or concentration of power.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane also attended the meeting and added that the government should come up with solutions that make it possible for workable outcomes to be achieved.
“We are looking for social partnerships that will allow us to be able to work towards solutions.”
“We are focused on the G20 to find what will make us stronger instead of dividing us. Let us train each other, support each other, and learn from each other. As we have identified the digital economy as a growth frontier.”
