South Africa’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector is in urgent need of regulatory and policy updates to stay in step with the rapid advances in technology, according to Mothibi Ramusi, the newly appointed chair of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). Speaking to SAT, Ramusi highlighted the critical need for legislative reforms as innovations such as satellite internet and artificial intelligence increasingly challenge existing frameworks.
As governments and regulators worldwide face mounting pressure to revise their oversight models in response to emerging technologies, South Africa’s ICASA is working on a five-year strategy plan to guide the future of the country’s ICT landscape. Ramusi emphasised that one of his primary objectives was to ensure the regulator evolves in tandem with technological developments.
“Our current legislative frameworks are hindering the country’s ability to leapfrog into the future,” said Ramusi on the sidelines of the Africa Tech conference held earlier this week. “The first priority is to overhaul the entire ICT framework. This includes reviewing the policy, the ICASA Act, and related legislation such as the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act.”
Central to these reforms is the amendment of the Electronic Communications Act, a bill that has long been under discussion but has yet to be signed into law. Key provisions of the proposed bill include regulations for mobile virtual networks and measures that would allow spectrum sharing, which would enhance access to mobile services across the country.
In addition, ICASA is taking steps to address the growing demand for satellite internet providers, such as Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The regulator has initiated an inquiry into the licensing framework for these providers to establish clear regulations for their operations within South Africa. Submissions for public comment on the draft framework closed this week, and ICASA plans to analyse the feedback before launching further public consultations.
“We are aware that infrastructure expansion alone is not sufficient,” Ramusi explained. “In many areas, terrestrial infrastructure may not be a viable option, and satellite technology becomes essential. South Africa is embracing this additional layer of infrastructure to enable rapid deployment.”
South Africa is among the first African nations where Starlink attempted to launch satellite internet, but regulatory barriers have hindered its full rollout. One significant obstacle has been the country’s requirement for foreign-owned companies to sell a 30% stake to historically disadvantaged groups in order to operate within its borders.
As the country navigates these challenges, the need for an updated ICT regulatory framework has never been more pressing. The revisions are expected to unlock new opportunities for connectivity, enabling South Africa to better compete in the global digital economy.
This call for a regulatory overhaul underscores South Africa’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the evolving ICT sector and reflects a broader trend across the continent towards adapting policies to embrace the latest technological advancements.
