Minister Malatsi on Bridging Regulation and Innovation to Shape South Africa’s Digital Future

Regulation as a Catalyst, not a Cage 

Minister Malatsi began with a core message: innovation flourishes best where regulatory certainty exists. The government, he emphasized, must be in “constant conversation” about striking the right balance between ensuring fairness through regulation and stimulating the investment the economy desperately needs. 

“One of the key things is having regulatory certainty because for innovators and potential investors, you’re only going to put your resources and test the boundaries of your innovation in an environment that should be nurturing and not stifling. That requires that as a government we’re in constant conversation about striking the right balance— the right balance between regulatory fairness and stimulating the investment that our economy needs.”
– Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, South Africa  

 

Creating the Conditions for Investment 

Minister Malatsi describes the key question every policymaker wrestle with; how to attract and retain investment. For him, the answer lies in opening South Africa up—through well-structured policy frameworks, by welcoming new market entrants, and by leveraging the country’s existing strengths. 

He pointed to progress in green energy and governance stability as assets that position South Africa as a strong contender on the continent. “We have to leverage that the most,” he said, reminding us that in a competitive Africa, strategic advantage isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. 

Public Interest, Data Protection, and Cyber Resilience 

Data protection might sound dull to some, but to Malatsi, it’s a frontline issue. With technology advancing faster than policy can catch up, ensuring the integrity and sovereignty of data is not optional—it’s foundational. He advocated for a risk-based approach to data security, one that acknowledges the reality of threats and prepares the country to respond swiftly. “There are always going to be attempts to manipulate, intercept, or gain unauthorized access to data,” he said. But the solution is building robust cyber infrastructure, capacity, and ethical frameworks that are resilient enough to respond and recover when breaches occur. 

Collaboration Is the Bedrock 

Malatsi emphasized that no meaningful progress in the ICT sector—or in broader societal transformation—can happen without cross-sectoral collaboration. “Any advance… requires that government, private sector, civil society, academia, and other movements work together towards a common cause,” he stated. It’s a powerful reminder that innovation is not just about tech—it’s about people, partnerships, and purpose. 

The Role of Events Like Africa Tech Week 

Finally, reflecting on the importance of gatherings like Africa Tech Week, Minister Malatsi was unequivocal: such platforms are critical. They allow stakeholders to “keep abreast of developments and emerging new trends” and build the collective intelligence needed to shape responsive and future-ready policies. “We can’t be too fixated on the present and not think a lot about the future,” he concluded.