US Tech Door Is Open

5G Roll-out: Efforts Underway To Accelerate Technology In SA

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

Although the Trump administration is cutting aid to South Africa, America is open to technology deals with the country.

Efforts are underway to accelerate 5G technology roll-out despite the changes in Washington that precipitated fund cuts to South Africa and other countries.

The US is making moves to assist the country in becoming Africa's leader in information and communication technology (ICT), with the 5G roll-out as its priority.

Experts say technology may be one of the key aspects the US may want to keep due to its competitive significance in the world.

They said 5G was one of the aspects on which the US was trying to compete with China, which was ahead in Africa and elsewhere.

"The US cannot afford to shun South Africa in a technological space. The move may see China and other emerging economies closing that space and thus pushing the US aside," said Dominic Maphaka, North-West University politics and international relations expert and lecturer.