South Africa, April 24 -- South Africa has made meaningful progress in expanding digital access. Connectivity has improved, smartphones are widespread, and AI is rapidly reshaping how people learn, work and participate in the economy.

This progress matters, because access is the foundation of a modern digital economy. But access on its own is no longer enough. The next step, and the real opportunity, lies in enabling more South Africans not just to connect, but to continuously build the skills needed to stay relevant in a fast-changing, AI-driven world.

As access has expanded, a new challenge has come into focus. More people are connected than ever before, but far fewer are fully participating in digital-first industries. This is not a ...