South Africa is exploring ways to strengthen its role in global digital connectivity, with Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi highlighting the country’s potential to become a submarine-cable and digital-infrastructure hub.

Speaking at GovTech 2026 in Durban on 21 September, Malatsi said he had met with officials from Operation Vulindlela and the Digital Council to discuss the opportunity. He pointed to South Africa’s geographic position as a possible gateway linking Africa with Europe, Asia, Latin America and Australia.

The minister also said that at least 98% of households are connected to the internet, while acknowledging that the cost of access remains a barrier for many. He called for digital transformation efforts to move from setting out a vision to delivering measurable results.

The proposed hub concept is still being explored. If advanced, it could attract investment in connectivity infrastructure and support digital services and related economic activity.