tThe 18th ICT Summit was a huge success at the East London International Convention Centre, uniting industry leaders, government officials and technology innovators, and illustrated the future of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in South Africa and beyond.
With a strong opening address, Eastern Cape Premier Oskarmabuyane set the bold tone for the summit, highlighting the urgent need for innovation and inclusiveness in the state's digital transformation journey.
Communications and Technology Deputy Minister Mondri Gangbele reiterated this call and outlined a national strategy aimed at improving connectivity and promoting technological advances. He highlighted the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in promoting digital inclusion across the country.
Emphasizing its commitment to policy reform, Mbrero Sogoni, Director of the Eastern Cape Government, confirmed his efforts to improve ICT accessibility in underserved communities.
One of the outstanding moments at the summit came from award-winning designer Magadla Ngxokolo. “In the future, we'll see clothing sewn together with technology and redefine interactions with apparel and design,” he predicted.
Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of Communication & Technology Association, worked on the evolving ICT policy framework and called for stakeholders' cooperation to ensure a more equitable and digital South Africa.
The discussion also revolved around the impact of ICT on the media, the future of e-commerce, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, blockchain and IoT.
Eastern Cape authorities highlighted the need to expand digital access to rural communities. This is a strong resonance among the participants at the summit. The event concluded with new commitments from both the public and private sectors to leverage technology for meaningful change.
The 18th ICT Summit reaffirmed the fast-growing role of the Eastern Cape as a hub for innovation and promoted a collaborative environment for ideas that promise to reconstruct the digital landscape of South Africa.
