• Strategy outlines $8.2 billion in investments to achieve universal broadband

• Plan targets fiber, mobile networks, data centers, and last-mile access

• Gaps in affordability and digital skills remain key barriers

South Africa on March 30 unveiled a long-term investment roadmap aimed at expanding digital connectivity by 2035. The plan, developed by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) in partnership with the National Planning Commission (NPC), sets out the financing needs and priorities required to achieve universal broadband access and support a more inclusive digital economy.

The roadmap estimates total investment needs at around 142 billion rand—about $8.2 billion—and is designed to guide both public and private sector efforts.

“This roadmap provides a comprehensive and costed vision of what is required to close the digital divide and achieve universal connectivity by 2035,” said Mark Swilling, a commissioner at the NPC. He added that the document is intended to serve as a common framework to coordinate investments and accelerate the rollout of digital policies.

Investment priorities and delivery models

The strategy identifies several key areas for investment, including expanding fiber-optic networks, strengthening mobile infrastructure, developing data centers, and improving last-mile connectivity. It also outlines three possible investment pathways: a lower-cost mobile-led model, a hybrid approach combining mobile and fiber, and a fiber-focused strategy aimed at maximizing capacity and competitiveness.

The plan stresses the need for diversified financing, including public-private partnerships and blended finance mechanisms.

The roadmap builds on South Africa’s existing policy frameworks, including the National Development Plan (Vision 2030), the SA Connect program, and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050. It comes as the country continues to face disparities in internet access, particularly in rural areas.

The report notes that achieving universal broadband access—with speeds of at least 100 Mbps—will require targeted investments and a mix of technologies.

Beyond infrastructure, the document highlights structural barriers to digital adoption, including high service costs, a shortage of digital skills, and limited institutional capacity. These factors remain major obstacles to achieving what the International Telecommunication Union defines as “meaningful connectivity.”

Samira Njoya