Today, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, addressed the critical need for a dual approach that intertwines renewable energy with digital infrastructure to secure a prosperous digital future for South Africa and the African continent.
Speaking at One & Only Resort in Cape Town, the Ministerial Forum 2024, themed “Building a Prosperous, Inclusive, and Sustainable Digital & Intelligent Africa,” Malatsi emphasised that Africa’s digital progress hinges on sustainability, inclusivity, and the accessibility of resources.
“We stand at a crossroads where the choices we make will either narrow or deepen divides,” Malatsi remarked.
“Digital transformation must serve as a bridge for inclusion, not a barrier, and this vision requires clean, reliable energy.”
Bridging the divide through inclusive digital transformation
Digital technologies offer unprecedented potential for social inclusion, providing access to work, education, and communication.
Yet, Malatsi noted that millions of Africans remain excluded from this potential due to a lack of access to both digital and energy resources.
“Africa’s digital divide grows as daily life increasingly relies on technology. This digital disconnect cannot be solved without making technology accessible, affordable, and usable for all.”
The minister’s approach calls for a three-pronged strategy, highlighting digital accessibility, skills training, and public trust in technology.
He stressed that digital skills training must be integrated at all levels to empower users, and government and industry must collaborate to address the unique challenges Africa faces in reaching its potential as a digital powerhouse.
Renewable energy as a backbone for digital growth
Africa is poised to become a leader in renewable energy, with an abundance of solar and wind resources. According to Malatsi, this potential can be a catalyst for digital inclusion, as renewable energy sources support essential digital infrastructure, from data centres to broadband networks.
“More than half a billion Africans lack electricity access. If we are serious about digital transformation, we must simultaneously drive renewable energy adoption,” Malatsi said.
“Clean energy is not just an environmental imperative but a socioeconomic one—it is essential to an equitable digital future.”
He pointed to recent initiatives, such as the World Bank’s 2022 programme to promote private investment in distributed renewable energy, as vital steps towards accelerating energy access across Africa.
Malatsi urged the need to power Africa’s emerging digital infrastructure with renewable energy to ensure the continent’s digital economy is both sustainable and resilient.
A vision for a united, inclusive future
Malatsi outlined the African Digital Transformation Strategy as a guide to achieving a digitally connected continent.
The strategy focuses on establishing affordable, reliable infrastructure while promoting digital skills.
But Malatsi clarified that infrastructure alone is insufficient without enabling communities to adopt, trust, and effectively utilise technology.
He further emphasised the role of investment, encouraging both domestic and foreign stakeholders to consider Africa’s unique resources and strategic location as advantages for growing the ICT sector.
“Our goal is to establish South Africa as a regional hub for innovation, ensuring our youth are equipped and our economy thrives.”
A call to act with purpose and urgency
Malatsi concluded his speech by reaffirming that Africa’s digital future rests on the integration of renewable energy and digital infrastructure, urging all stakeholders to drive forward with a unified vision.
“Let’s remember that digital transformation is about more than just technology; it’s about people, empowerment, and equitable opportunities. The revolution must be one that serves all.”
As Africa progresses on its digital journey, Malatsi’s vision places renewable energy at the core of a sustainable, inclusive digital future, one where Africa leads by example.
