McLean Sibanda on what SA can learn from India’s digital space

The India-South Africa Business Summit 2018 is serving as a platform for key leaders and stakeholders from both nations to come together and discuss collaborative opportunities in various sectors. The summit, which aims to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries, is a crucial step towards fostering innovation and growth in South Africa's digital economy. McLean Sibanda, the CEO of The Innovation Hub, shared insights on how South Africa can learn from India's success in the digital space, particularly in the context of the fourth Industrial Revolution. The summit highlighted the need for South Africa to leverage the digital economy and focus on re-industrialization to keep pace with global counterparts. India, with its early adoption of digital technologies and robust infrastructure, presents a valuable model for South Africa to emulate. Sibanda emphasized the importance of equipping the South African workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital age, drawing parallels between the youthful populations of both nations. India's experience in developing a skilled workforce for the digital economy offers valuable lessons for South Africa. Sibanda pointed out that stakeholders such as the government, private sector, educational institutions, and other industry players must collaborate to address the skills gap. Government initiatives in education and training, coupled with private sector engagement in forecasting future skill requirements, are crucial to preparing the youth for the jobs of tomorrow. Moreover, the establishment of broadband infrastructure, such as the Houting Broadband Network, is essential for expanding connectivity and enabling digital transformation in underserved communities. By providing opportunities for practical experience and internships, additional parties can further support the development of digital skills among the South African youth. In conclusion, the India-South Africa Business Summit serves as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and collaboration between the two nations, with a particular focus on leveraging India's expertise in the digital economy to propel South Africa's growth in the fourth Industrial Revolution. By harnessing the collective efforts of key stakeholders and investing in skill development and digital infrastructure, South Africa can position itself as a competitive player in the global digital landscape.