The KwaZulu-Natal Digital Transformation Summit was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC Durban) on 15 October 2025, where Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli delivered a keynote address outlining the province’s vision to position KwaZulu-Natal as a digitally transformed, innovation-driven, and inclusive economy.

The summit brought together Members of the Executive Council, mayors, traditional leaders, academics, ICT sector leaders, civil society partners, and business executives, including Microsoft South Africa CEO, Mr. Vukani Mngxati, who served as the event’s Platinum Sponsor.

Building a Digitally Transformed KwaZulu-Natal

In his opening address, Premier Ntuli underscored that the province’s future lies in embracing secure, future-proof, and trusted digital technologies. He highlighted that in today’s world, data has become the new engine of economic growth, driving innovation, job creation, and social progress.

“Digital transformation is not a luxury; it is a developmental necessity that must be rooted in ethics, inclusion, and accountability,” Premier Ntuli said.

He stressed that the province’s digital strategy must go beyond technology to address digital equity, ensuring that rural and township communities meaningfully participate in the knowledge-based economy.

KwaZulu-Natal’s Five-Pillar Digital Transformation Strategy

Premier Ntuli reaffirmed government’s commitment to the KwaZulu-Natal Digital Transformation Strategy, guided by five strategic pillars designed to operationalise technology-driven governance and inclusive economic participation:
1. Digital Infrastructure Expansion – to ensure universal broadband access across both urban and rural areas.
2. E-Government Modernisation – to make public services more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centred.
3. Digital Skills Development – to empower people to participate in the digital economy.
4. Innovation Ecosystem Growth – to support start-ups, entrepreneurs, and research-driven industries.
5. Inclusive Digital Access – to ensure no citizen or community is left behind.

Through these pillars, the Provincial Government aims to transform every sector of society — including education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and public administration — using technology as a driver of inclusion and productivity.

Two-Phase Implementation Roadmap

The Premier announced that KwaZulu-Natal’s Digital Transformation Roadmap will be implemented in two key phases:
• Phase One (2025–2027): Focused on digitising social protection systems, linking social grants to employment and training opportunities, improving welfare efficiency, and preventing fraud and exclusion.
• Phase Two (2028–2030): Expanding digital transformation into healthcare, education, and business services, scaling successful solutions across the provincial government.

He noted that this transformation will be achieved through strong partnerships between government, telecom companies, ICT firms, universities, Dube TradePort, and civil society.

Partnerships and Private Sector Collaboration

Premier Ntuli highlighted the importance of rural broadband investment, calling on the private sector to treat connectivity as a public good that reaches schools, clinics, and municipal offices.

He also emphasised the role of innovation hubs such as Dube TradePort and Innovate Durban, describing them as critical enablers of digital skills development, youth employment, and export growth in the tech sector.

Measurable Targets for the Next Five Years

The Premier outlined four measurable outcomes for the province’s digital roadmap:
• Near-universal broadband access to 80–90% of schools, clinics, and government offices.
• 20–40% growth in digital SME employment through incubation and apprenticeship programmes.
• Reduced poverty and inclusion barriers through digitised welfare and skills systems.
• Improved government transparency and efficiency through e-payments, e-permits, and e-procurement systems.

“We must establish KwaZulu-Natal as a national hub for digital skills development — where opportunity meets innovation and every citizen has access to the tools for success,” he added.

Strengthening Partnerships for a Shared Digital Future

Premier Ntuli extended his gratitude to Microsoft South Africa, Telkom, Huawei, Vodacom, and MTN for their partnership and sponsorship of the summit, describing them as “a powerful coalition of technology leaders shaping the province’s digital future.”

He paid special tribute to Mr. Vukani Mngxati, the newly appointed CEO of Microsoft South Africa and a proud son of Umlazi Township, saying his leadership symbolises “local excellence on a global stage.”

Inspiring a Digitally Inclusive Future

Concluding his address, Premier Ntuli reaffirmed that digital transformation cannot be achieved by government alone — it requires the energy, innovation, and collaboration of all sectors.

“Together, let us code, connect, and co-create the digital destiny of KwaZulu-Natal. Together, let us continue inspiring new hope for a better, connected future,” he said.

The KwaZulu-Natal Digital Transformation Summit 2025 stood as a pivotal platform for aligning technology, innovation, and inclusive development — setting the province firmly on course towards becoming a leader in digital transformation and economic renewal.