Launch of African Digital Transformation Centre ‘catalyst for Africa’s digital future’

Deputy Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Mondli Gungubele. Picture: Communications Department. Deputy Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Mondli Gungubele has described the launch of the African Digital Transformation Centre (ADTC) as a “catalyst for Africa’s digital future.” Gungubele officially launched the ADTC at The Innovation Hub in Pretoria on Friday.

The launch marks a major milestone in South Africa’s efforts to accelerate digital innovation and support technology-driven entrepreneurship. As the world uses technology and artificial intelligence (AI) across industries, including health, law enforcement, infrastructure, development, education, and climatology, South Africa seems to be lagging in adopting these technologies. Gungubele said the ADTC will serve as a continental platform to nurture digital entrepreneurs, strengthen the ICT small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) ecosystem, and drive inclusive economic growth through technology.

“Today, we do not simply open a building. We light a beacon of innovation, ambition, and Africa’s determination to shape its own digital future.” The Centre will provide ICT SMEs and digital entrepreneurs with access to world-class facilities, business development support, mentorship networks, funding pathways, and market linkages both locally and internationally. South Africa is positioning itself as a regional digital innovation hub, supported by national policy initiatives such as the Digital Economy Masterplan, the Fourth Industrial Revolution roadmap, and the draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework. “These efforts align with the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030, which seeks to harness digital technologies to transform Africa’s economies and societies,” said Gungubele.