Southern Africa and the digital challenge: how the G20 can influence a digital turnaround in the region

Abstract

The economies of southern Africa all face significant development challenges, not helped by the fact that many of these countries are ill-prepared for the demands of the rapidly advancing digital era. Given its heterogeneous membership and therefore sensitivity towards the awkward dynamic between traditional and new technologies, the G20 is well placed to assist southern Africa in leveraging the power of the digital economy and making the transition into the future. This article provides an overview of Southern Africa's digital readiness and offers a number of practical recommendations on how the G20 might help the region effect a digital turnaround.