As South Africa marks 30 years of democracy this Heritage Month, it’s a chance to not only reflect on the nation’s rich history but also its digital journey. Over the years, the country has consistently worked towards building a more equitable and inclusive society. Smangele Nkosi, GM of Cisco South Africa highlights the company’s support of this transformation through numerous education and skills development initiatives.

A long tradition of investment in South Africa

“We are more than a technology provider in South Africa,” explains Nkosi. “One of our most important contributions to advancing the country’s digital evolution is our IT skills-to-jobs programme, Cisco Networking Academy. In South Africa, where youth unemployment reaches a staggering 45.5% and 35.7% among women, the academy has played a crucial role in empowering these groups through technology skills.”

Since the inception of Cisco Networking Academy in 1998, more than 411,000 South African students have been trained, including 154,000 in the 2024 fiscal year alone, with women representing 53%.

Cisco Networking Academy aligns with the national goal of reducing unemployment among youth and women by fostering digital skills, says Nkosi. “Not only is education the foundation of a thriving digital economy, in South Africa it is a key pillar of transforming our society. By equipping South Africans with the right training, we are opening doors to opportunity and providing young people with valuable expertise that will make them more employable in the future.”

Additionally, the company collaborates with TVET providers through the Department of Higher Education and Training. Cisco Networking Academy courses are now part of the National Certificate (Vocational) Level 2–3: Life skills, Computer Literacy and IT essentials are offered by over public and private TVETs across 270 campuses, with lecturers trained to deliver the course materials.

An Inclusive Future for All: Bridging Urban and Rural Communities

To expand digital skills training in rural areas, Cisco, in collaboration with the government, non-profit organisations, and the National Library of South Africa (NLSA), has launched digital learning hubs in remote areas across the country. These hubs provide underserved communities with access to free training through the Cisco Networking Academy programmes.

Earlier this year, 41 individuals from the Lindamahle Innovation Centre in Eastern Cape excelled in the Networking Academy courses, achieving a 100% pass rate and 96% cum laude achievement rate, despite the challenging socio-economic conditions faced by rural youth.

Delivering Growth through Country Digital Acceleration

The company’s commitment to supporting socio-economic growth through digitization extends beyond the classroom. Last year Cisco signed a new phase of its Country Digital Acceleration initiative with the Department of Communication and Technology.

This initiative partners with key government institutions and focuses on four core pillars: Economic Development, Digital Skills and Talent Development, Sustainable and Secure National Infrastructure, and the Digitisation of Public Services. The aim is to help accelerate South Africa's digitisation, create new jobs, stimulate innovation, and contribute to the nation’s GDP growth.

The CDA programme now includes a total of six active EDGE centres, following the inauguration of three new centres in South Africa last year. Among these new centres is WomHub, the first female-led incubator, which is an ecosystem builder dedicated to advancing gender equality and supporting women in STEM. EDGE, which stands for “Experience, Design, GTM (Go to Market), and Earn,” provides access to connectivity, collaboration technology, and valuable tools and resources for local innovators and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the EDGE Centre in Mafikeng stands not only as a testament to Cisco's commitment to innovation and economic development but also as a beacon of opportunity for the North West province addressing agriculture.

Collectively, these centres have already developed in excess of 200 local SMME partnerships, created 104 jobs, and facilitated employment opportunities for graduates from the associated programmes.

"Our journey in South Africa has become closely connected to the nation's digital transformation, and we are proud of the contributions made to date," Nkosi says. "Looking ahead, we are committed to working alongside South Africa to build a digitally inclusive society. Together, we are shaping a culture where technology creates opportunities for everyone.