Why South Africa needs an urgent ICT policy reform to leapfrog into global digital leadership

HAVING recently participated in the Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), I left with one burning realisation: South Africa's digital future depends on how quickly and boldly we reform our ICT policy landscape.

- LUVO GREY

The IGF discussions revealed a sobering geopolitical reality: ICT infrastructure is no longer just about connectivity or convenience; it has become a strategic asset, a tool of control, and, in many ways, a modern currency in the global power play.

Subsea cables, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, radio frequency spectrum, and hyperscale data centres are now at the heart of geopolitical influence. The Global North is rapidly consolidating control over these digital arteries, ensuring that data traffic, internet governance decisions, and emerging technologies remain within their sphere of influence.

Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, is heavily dependent on foreign-owned undersea cables and satellite services.

Over 80% of South Africa’s internet traffic is still routed internationally. Global content companies and Big Tech are increasingly dominating African digital spaces, often without contributing adequately to local economies. Without intentional ICT policy reform, South Africa risks remaining a digital consumer in a world where ownership equals power.

South Africa's ICT history is complex.

Under apartheid, ICT infrastructure was an exclusive domain, designed to serve a minority and reinforce state surveillance.

Post-1994, South Africa made significant strides:

■ The Electronic Communications Act,

■ The Broadband Policy (SA Connect),

■ The establishment of regulatory bodies like Icasa and ZADNA.

These were critical steps towards inclusivity and access. However, ICT policy in South Africa has not evolved at the pace required by technological advancements.

Globally, ICT policy cycles average five years or less. In contrast, several key South African ICT laws remain over 15 years old.