South Africa Tables R7.8 Billion Digital Budget to Boost Connectivity and Innovation
In his speech, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies highlighted digital inclusion, skills development, broadband access, and ICT investment as key levers to unlock socio-economic growth.
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has reaffirmed its commitment to bridging South Africa’s digital divide, with the tabling of a transformative R7.8 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year. In his speech, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies highlighted digital inclusion, skills development, broadband access, and ICT investment as key levers to unlock socio-economic growth.
From the grassroots to government, stories of digital innovation are shaping the department’s strategic priorities. Citing the example of two young innovators from Limpopo, Marvel Shibambu and Malunghelo Mathonsi, who developed the NOVAR e-learning platform using a second-hand computer and R700, the Minister emphasized how access to digital tools can unleash the untapped potential of South Africans—especially youth.
“Their story is a powerful real-life example of how digital access can change lives.”
–Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, South Africa.
Major Investments in Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion
Key allocations include:
- R710 million to expand broadband connectivity through the SA Connect programme, focusing on schools, clinics, and rural communities.
- R318 million for NEMISA, to enhance digital skills and media training for young people.
- R173 million for the Universal Service and Access Fund to drive digital inclusion in underserved areas.
- R704 million to support the SABC, including R197 million for Channel Africa to strengthen South Africa’s digital voice across the continent.
The Minister also announced initiatives to expand access to affordable smart devices, calling on private sector partners and original equipment manufacturers to support the rollout of free or discounted devices for learners, students, and township entrepreneurs.
Governance Reforms and Digital Policy Overhaul
The department has introduced stronger governance and accountability measures across its entities and is launching a legislative and policy colloquium to modernize outdated ICT laws. In addition, over 136 government services have been digitized, contributing to South Africa’s climb to 40th globally on the 2024 UN E-Government Index—the highest in Africa.
The sector’s economic significance was underscored by 7.7% annual growth, as reported in the 2025 BMIT ICT Market Overview. Global players such as Microsoft, IBM, Amazon Web Services, and Canal+ are expanding investments in cloud, AI, and media infrastructure in the country.
A Vision for a Connected and Inclusive South Africa
In closing, the Minister stressed that digital development is not merely a technical goal, but a human one—about “expanding freedom, unlocking opportunity, and restoring dignity” through technology. With investments in skills, infrastructure, and reform, the 2025/26 DCDT budget represents a bold step toward building a digitally empowered, economically inclusive nation.
