الرقمنة وتحدياتها في أفريقيا: دراسة حالة جنوب أفريقيا

Abstract EN

Digital technology has changed the speed of operation in the economy, in a way that the Internet and other digital devices have become an important economic resource for the country, therefore the study aims to identify the challenges facing the South Africa government in its pursuit for achieving a digital and connected society by 2030.

The study dealt with digitization for both concept and content points of view, as it reviewed its various definitions, the three waves of digitization, touched upon the latest measurement indicator, and the state's readiness to embrace digital technologies.

Then examined how the decision maker seizes the digitization opportunities.

The study also dealt with some features of digitization within the continent, with a focusing on South Africa by tracking policies to enhance the digital transformation of government and society, highlighting the most important challenges, and the extent of the contribution of digital technology to the country's economy.

The study found that digital transformation is not onetime process, but rather it continues in the form of waves driven by technological developments and the diffusion of innovations.

The study also found that the transformation to the digital world is part of the economic reform process, enhances financial inclusion, and help in reducing corruption practices.

The study concludes that communications infrastructure in South Africa is an important driver of economic growth, yet there is still a need for advanced infrastructure by encouraging increased investment through public-private partnerships in order to provide easy access to broadband and/or new technologies.

On the other hand, efforts to digitize South Africa may be accompanied by other types of reform