Cisco and the South African Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a new phase of the Cisco Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) Program in South Africa. The partnership will focus on economic development, digital skills and talent development, sustainable critical national infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digitisation of government services.
The CDA Program is a global initiative that teams with governments, industry, and academia to connect the unconnected and grow GDP. In South Africa, the program has already trained nearly 260,000 students in IT and digital skills through the Cisco Networking Academy.
Under the new phase of the program, Cisco will expand its network of EDGE Centres in South Africa. EDGE Centres provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) with business mentoring, incubation, and training opportunities. Cisco will also support the DCDT DigiTech programme, which aims to advance the commercialisation of locally developed digital innovations.
In addition, Cisco will continue to work with the DCDT to identify projects that build and improve South Africa’s underlying digital infrastructure and foundational services in key areas such as energy, transportation, healthcare, government services, agriculture, mining, national ports, broadband connectivity, and national cybersecurity.
The partnership will also focus on the digitisation of government services and preparing the public sector workforce for a digital future. Cisco will help to develop architecture blueprints focused on citizen experience, mission critical services, public safety, justice, and cybersecurity. Cisco will also work with the DCDT to help make digital education content available to government employees and officials through the establishment of a Government Digital Academy.
The new phase of the DCDT-Cisco Country Digital Acceleration Program is a significant step towards accelerating South Africa’s digital transformation. By investing in digital skills, infrastructure, and innovation, the partnership will help to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of all South Africans.
This partnership between Cisco and the DCDT is a positive development for South Africa’s digital economy. Cisco is a world leader in networking and IT solutions, and its expertise will be invaluable in helping South Africa to build a modern and resilient digital infrastructure.
The focus on digital skills development is also particularly important. South Africa needs to have a workforce that is equipped to thrive in the digital age. The Cisco Networking Academy is a proven program that has helped to train millions of people around the world in the skills they need to succeed in the IT industry.
The partnership is also likely to have a positive impact on South Africa’s economy. By investing in digital infrastructure and innovation, the partnership will help to create jobs and boost economic growth.
