The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) convened the second G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) meeting from 7 to 9 April 2025 in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Province.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, delivered the keynote address and noted that as the first African country to hold the G20 presidency, South Africa embraced this responsibility not only on its own behalf but also on behalf of the African continent and the broader Global South. The Minister further noted that the digital economy is no longer just a sector but rather the backbone of modern society, a catalyst for development, and a key driver of economic and social transformation and that as such, South Africa intends to leverage its G20 presidency to ensure that the digital revolution delivers tangible progress for everyone in every corner of the globe. [Read the full version of the Minister’s speech here https://g20.org/g20-media/minister-solly-malatsi-during-the-opening-ceremony-of-the-second-g20-meeting-of-the-digital-economy-working-group/)
The meeting enjoyed the support of the Provincial Government of the Eastern Cape, with a message of support delivered by Premier Oscar Mabuyane on behalf of the province. The meeting was chaired by Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Director-General at the DCDT.
The DEWG meeting continued discussions on South Africa’s G20 DEWG priorities and deliverables as presented at the first DEWG meeting held in February 2025. Plenary sessions were held on:
- connectivity for inclusive digital development;
- digital innovation ecosystems and unleashing the potential of micro, medium enterprises;
- transformation with digital public infrastructure; and
- equitable, inclusive, and just artificial intelligence.
In general, there was a broad expression of support for South Africa’s G20 presidency and the proposed priorities. All delegations noted their concurrence with the “no-harm” principle in relation to engagements in the digital space.
While there was no opposition to the specific South African G20 presidency priorities, differing and constructive approaches to addressing the deliverables were proposed for consideration.
Delegations recognised and welcomed the commitment of the South African G20 presidency to establish continuity from the outcomes of the Indian and Brazilian G20 presidencies and further urged that we continue to utilise previously agreed upon or consensus language.
The third meeting of the DEWG will take place from 9 to 11 June 2025 in Limpopo. The outcomes of the DEWG meeting will inform the discussions at the G20 Communications Ministers’ Meeting later in the year and will also be reflected in the Ministerial Declaration.
