Being connected is no longer about having internet access. It is about how that access enables people. It unlocks new ways to learn, work and build businesses, says Charlene Abrey, Executive for Technology Development and Innovation at Openserve Across Africa.
Fintech helps small companies grow, online lessons help students reach their goals, doctors can treat patients from a distance, and local innovators discover smart ways to solve everyday problems. Connectivity has become part of daily life. I like to think of it as digital oxygen. We cannot see it, but it keeps everything alive and growing.
This year's Southern Africa Telecommunications Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) puts the impact of connectivity in the spotlight and will focus on how Africa's digital growth can help build a better and more prosperous future for everyone. The event brings together people from across Academia, telecommunications, and technology industries to share ideas and explore new possibilities.
Its 2025 theme, "Africa’s Ascent: Towards a Sustainable and Resilient Future enabled by secure Next-Generation Infrastructure, Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence", is a timely reminder that Africa's growth depends on strong, safe and inclusive digital foundations.
When a student in a rural village can join a class online, or a small business can reach new customers via digital platforms, that's real inclusion in action. Every connection strengthens our ability to share knowledge, create opportunity and build a society that works for everyone.
Connectivity also supports more flexible ways to work and build livelihoods, whether from home or while on the move. It helps close gaps in access to jobs, education and information, creating new ways for people to take part in the economy. By making it easier to work remotely, access services online and share resources more efficiently, connectivity reduces travel, saves energy and supports more sustainable ways of living. It helps protect the environment, strengthen communities and grow the economy, all at the same time.
Africa is home to more than 1.4-billion people, yet only about 38% were online in 2024. The global average was close to 68%. This shows both how far we have come and how far we still need to go. South Africa is ahead of most of the continent, but our work is far from finished.
A connected Africa is a stronger Africa. Unlocking innovation, improving access to education and healthcare, and creating greater opportunities for people to build better lives.
Why Security and Strength Matter
As Africa becomes more connected, we also face new risks. As technology becomes deeply integrated into in our daily lives, it also brings new challenges such as cybercrime. To build trust in the systems that connect us, we must ensure they are safe, secure and dependable.
It is not enough to connect more people. We must connect them securely. At Openserve, we believe that progress and protection must go hand in hand. A secure network gives people confidence to work, study and do business online. It also gives companies and communities the stability they need to grow.
Openserve's Role in Building South Africa's Digital Backbone
Openserve has always operated with the belief that reliable connectivity has the power to change lives. As one of South Africa's open-access Fibre network operators, we play a key role in helping people and businesses stay connected.
Our network supports internet service providers (ISPs), businesses and government services that help keep the country running. Through continued investment in Fibre and cloud-ready infrastructure, we are scaling our network to make high-speed internet available to more South Africans than ever before. Demonstrating this commitment, we recently invested more than R2-billion to modernise and expand our network so that more people can access fast, dependable internet.
Openserve is also collaborating with its partners across government and industry to close the digital divide and bring connectivity to places that need it most. Whether it is helping to connect schools online or improve network access in growing communities, every project we deliver helps South Africans take part in the global digital economy.
We work closely with Telkom and other partners across the ICT space to keep strengthening South Africa's digital backbone. Through strategic public-private partnerships and the establishment of innovation hubs, we are collaboratively driving initiatives to empower individuals and communities by fostering digital skills, promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to digital connectivity.
Looking ahead: A Shared Journey
Africa's digital future hinges on our ability to harness technology to address challenges and accelerate progress. The fusion of fibre, cloud, AI and next-generation innovations is not just changing how we live and work, it is shaping a future of limitless possibilities for every community. These technologies are enabling businesses to run more efficiently, making cities operate smarter and creating new ways for people to learn, connect and collaborate in ways never thought possible before.
The road ahead requires teamwork. Building a sustainable digital future is not something one organisation can do alone. It needs all of us working together, including government, regulators, business, communities and individuals, to make sure everyone benefits from progress.
At Openserve, we are ready to play our part. We will keep investing in secure, dependable and inclusive connectivity that helps people thrive. When we strengthen our networks, we strengthen our society.
Africa's rise depends on the strength of its connections. These connections open doors, grow communities and power a better future for all.
For more information, visit www.openserve.co.za. You can also follow Openserve on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on X.
*Image courtesy of contributor