SMEs are crucial for addressing SA’s socioeconomic challenges, including job creation and economic transformation. To achieve inclusive growth, small businesses need the right conditions to take advantage of the digital economy. This is why I refer to the digital economy as the “great equaliser”.

SA’s digital opportunities are large — and growing. As of 2022, nearly 80% of SA’s population use the internet with estimations that this could grow to 90% by 2027. Accelerated adoption of digital technologies could triple SA’s productivity growth, resulting in up to 1.2-million new jobs by 2030. While these figures are promising, there are obstacles that could hinder the growth of the digital economy and economic development...

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