Access Divide
Connectivity, devices, digital infrastructure, affordability and onboarding.
South Africa 2026
Digital Inclusion Summit South Africa
From Awareness to Access to Adoption
Building an inclusive digital future for all South Africans.
9 September 2026Date
Sandton, JohannesburgVenue
One DayOne Mission
◎Access
Devices, connectivity, infrastructure and affordability.
✦Capability
Digital skills, AI readiness and productive confidence.
↗Value
Jobs, income, entrepreneurship and economic participation.
◌Inclusion
Language, representation, accessibility and participation.
Why this summit matters
Digital access is not enough. South Africa needs meaningful digital participation.
South Africa is rapidly digitising across the economy, public services, education, entrepreneurship and finance. Yet many people still face barriers that prevent them from turning digital access into opportunity.
The Digital Inclusion Summit brings together government, industry, technology partners, development agencies, civil society, innovators and youth to shape practical solutions for a more inclusive digital future.
Core framework
The Four Layers of Digital Poverty
Productive Capability Divide
Digital literacy, skills, confidence, safety and future readiness.
Value Divide
Converting access and capability into jobs, income, enterprise and opportunity.
Cultural Divide
Language, representation, accessibility, trust and inclusive digital content.
One auditorium. One day. One shared agenda.
Draft Summit Agenda
Registration and Exhibition
Networking and Innovation Showcase
Opening and Welcome
Setting the summit context.
IDC Opening Address
Digital Economy in SA.
Government Keynote
South Africa’s digital future: Digital Transformation Roadmap?
Unpacking the Digital Divide
Access, capability, value creation and cultural inclusion.
Panel 1: Digital Safety, Exploitation and Cyber Harm
Digital Risks and mitigation
Panel 2: Overcoming Access Barriers
Connectivity, devices, affordability and usable access
Panel 3:Bridging the Skills Gap
Moving from Product to Productive
Panel 4: Converting Access and SKills into Value
New opportunities for unlocking earning in the Creative, platform and data economy
YouthForce
A platform economy Warmware case study.
Lunch Break
Refreshments, Networking, partner stands and showcase
Panel 5: Representation and Inclusivity in a Digital World
Gender, Disability and Cultural Exclusion
Panel 6: Digital Public Infrastructure
Inclusive DPI, digital services and last-mile adoption
Youth and Social Innovation Showcase
Presentations by Youth and Social Innovators
Panel 7:Integrating Impact
Driving collaboration and integration
Keynote Presentation
Closing
AwarenessUnderstanding risks and opportunities
AccessDevices, connectivity and digital services
AdoptionProductive use that creates value
ImpactInclusive growth and stronger communities
Partners
A collaborative platform for South Africa’s digital inclusion agenda.
Headline Sponsor
Convened by
Key NGO Partner
Participating Partners
Google
Canva
GIZ
Partner opportunity
Help build a digitally inclusive South Africa.
We invite partners to support the summit through sponsorship, thought leadership, knowledge products, youth participation, exhibitions, stream presentations and post-summit collaboration.
Be part of the movement.
Register your interest to attend, sponsor or participate in the programme.
Register Your Interest