Tag: Digital Divide

Digital transformation in local government can dramatically improve service delivery, transparency and citizen engagement. This finding comes from research published earlier this year by Nelson Mandela University. The study, “Assessing the impact of digital technologies on service delivery in local government”, published in March 2025, concluded that digital initiatives enhance efficiency, improve citizen participation and increase transparency.

Literacy remains a critical area of progress and concern across Africa. The continent has seen significant gains in literacy over the past two decades, yet much still needs to be done.

South Africa's connectivity landscape tells a tale of two realities. In affluent suburbs, gigabit fibre connections are becoming commonplace. These enable seamless remote work, streaming and digital entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, in townships and informal settlements, home to millions of South Africans, residents struggle with expensive and unreliable mobile data as their primary internet access.

Earlier this year, the South African government launched its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Framework. This is a strategic initiative aimed at harnessing AI for public value and socio-economic advancement. The policy positions AI as a tool to enhance decision-making, improve public services and foster innovation across sectors. However, a recent survey we conducted with Oxford Economics, involving nearly 500 senior government executives across 14 countries, reveals a significant obstacle.

International travel is a mind-expanding privilege, but it is also immensely painful, mainly because of how dependent we are on paperwork. Have the wrong piece of paper, or the wrong credentials on a piece of paper, and a routine process can become a nightmare.

According to the Facts and Figures 2023 report, just 37% of Africa’s population uses the internet, representing a digital divide for hundreds of millions of people. Only a tiny fraction of the continent’s people have access to a high-speed broadband connection at their homes.

The book explores the experiences of transnational migrant families from Africa, including flows into and out of South Africa, and how technology is used to maintain kinship and duties of care from afar. This is the first book to capture the stories of transnational African families and their use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in mediating their experiences of migration and caring across distance.

Property technology (commonly known as proptech) is on the rise globally. The escalating significance of proptech within the industry is underscored by its staggering projected market value - poised to reach $86.5 billion by 2032.

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are changing every industry and sector, including education. If students are to take advantage of AI, it’s essential they are exposed to it early and taught how to harness it. The changing educational landscape, accelerated by the pandemic, offers an opportunity to enhance inclusion and accessibility through AI technology.

The face of retail is evolving, with many retailers realising that in the post-pandemic climate, simply having an online and physical presence is not enough. This is backed by research which shows that multi-channel shoppers spend 82% more per transaction than shoppers who only spend in-store.