The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) convened the third G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) meeting from 9 to 11 June 2025 in Polokwane, Limpopo Province.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the importance of forging an inclusive, just, and sustainable digital economy that addresses the needs and aspirations of South Africa, the African continent, and the broader Global South. He also highlighted South Africa’s role as the first African country to hold the G20 presidency, aspiring to use the digital economy as a catalyst for global economic and social transformation.
The third G20 DEWG meeting reiterated South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities in the digital economy, and to this end brought together digital economy and AI experts to reflect on progress made toward the deliverables agreed to during the first and second DEWG meetings in February and April, respectively. The general discussion expanded on the outcomes of the preceding DEWG meetings, continuing to explore key priorities such as digital public infrastructure, digital skilling, cybersecurity, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the digital economy. There was strong emphasis on the “no-harm” principle in digital engagements and maintaining continuity with the outcomes of G20 presidencies of India and Brazil.
The meeting focused on four key themes that align with South Africa’s goal to leverage the digital economy as a backbone for inclusive and sustainable development, particularly for the Global South:
- Connectivity for Inclusive Digital Development: A draft framework was unveiled to promote universal and equitable digital inclusion. Discussions addressed barriers to access, policy innovation, and financing for digital statistics collection to better understand and address connectivity gaps.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): DPI was a key focus, with emphasis on its role in promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government services. The G20 General Principles on the Governance of Digital Identity, developed with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, were highlighted as a mechanism to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9—Provide Legal Identity for All, by 2030. To illustrate DPI’s transformative potential, specific reference was made to the emphasis that the 2023 Indian presidency of the G20 placed on DPI for financial inclusion and universal digital healthcare.
- Digital Innovation Ecosystems for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): the meeting received the report of the two strategic foresight surveys on Shaping the Future of MSMEs and Shaping the African Landscape for Venture Capital. This followed on the workshop that took place in the first session of the DEWG meeting. Discussions were focused on the empowerment of MSMEs and youth through inclusive innovation ecosystems, addressing barriers such as limited access to capital and technology.
- Equitable, Inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI): the meeting received feedback on the outcomes of the virtual workshop on AI and Inequality that took place on 4 and 5 June 2025, which addressed rights-based governance, with a specific focus on challenges like generative AI and deepfakes. In this regard, further discussions were had on the ethical use of AI and regulatory approaches with a view to establishing frameworks to mitigate the risks posed by easily accessible deepfakes.
Additionally, discussions included the draft G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Declaration, aiming to formalise commitments to a shared set of priorities designed to render the digital economy more inclusive, accountable, and conducive to sustainable development. Discussions sought to refine the draft text to achieve consensus on the deliverables, enhancing the collective commitment to a digitally inclusive future, with an emphasis on bridging the digital divide and supporting the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The outcomes of the Limpopo meeting will feed into the G20 Digital Economy Ministers’ Meeting in September 2025, and to this end, delegates agreed on a proposed outline for the conclusion of the text negotiation prior to September, commencing with an inter-sessional meeting at the end of June 2025.
The fourth meeting of the DEWG will take place from 22 to 26 September 2025 in Cape Town and will be followed by the Digital Economy Ministers’ Meeting on 29 September.
