South Africa ICT Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The South African ICT market is a significant and rapidly growing sector, characterized by its technological leadership in mobile software, security software, and online banking services. As a developed and sophisticated industry, it plays a crucial role in the country's economy and serves as a regional hub for neighboring nations. The market's expansion is driven by the increasing penetration of ICT goods and services across the African continent, supported by advancements in cloud computing and data center infrastructure. Despite challenges in providing basic services, South Africa is at the forefront of smart city technologies in Africa. The government's initiatives to support the ICT Small, Medium, and Micro-Enterprises sector further contribute to the market's growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in the market, reflecting the broader global shifts towards a digital economy.

Market Size of South Africa ICT Industry

South Africa ICT Market Summary
Study Period 2022 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Market Size (2024) USD 36.81 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 53.85 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 7.90 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

South Africa ICT Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

South Africa ICT Market Analysis

The South Africa ICT Market size is estimated at USD 36.81 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 53.85 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.90% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

  • South Africa's ICT and electronics industry, a notable GDP contributor, boasts a roster of global players like IBM, Microsoft, and Dell, who have established strong footholds in the nation. Notably, South Africa serves as a pivotal regional hub and supply center for neighboring countries.
  • South African ICT goods and services are making significant inroads into the rapidly expanding African market. In fact, a majority of the continent's new telecommunications networks, both fixed and wireless, have been spearheaded by South African firms or local arms of international corporations.
  • As internet providers increase and bandwidth, security, and broadband prices improve, cloud computing is gaining prominence. This shift is being further bolstered by upgrades to data center infrastructure. Notably, since 2016, approximately 60% of major South African businesses have integrated cloud computing into their operations.
  • While South Africa leads in smart city technologies in Africa, there is a pressing need to ensure all citizens have access to basic services. Once fundamental needs like housing, water, and power are addressed, cities can focus on enhancing residents' lives through digital advancements.
  • The IT industry, and specifically start-ups, are experiencing a boom in South Africa. The government's ICT Small, Medium, and Micro-Enterprises (SMME) Development Strategy aims to foster the growth of other businesss through initiatives like incubation, networking, and capacity-building, all backed by government funding.
  • While the COVID-19 pandemic brought most activities to a halt, South Africa felt its significant impact. However, the nation is on a path to recovery. The pandemic catalyzed unprecedented changes for customers, governments, and organizations, reshaping both global and local ICT market dynamics. With the digital economy's rise and the increasing globalization of economic systems, the South African ICT industry is witnessing substantial growth.

South Africa ICT Industry Segmentation

Information and communication technologies (ICT) encompass a wide array of communication technologies, including wireless networks, the internet, computers, cell phones, software, videoconferencing, middleware, social networking, and various media applications. These technologies empower users to store, access, transmit, retrieve, and manipulate information in digital formats.

The South African ICT market is segmented by type into hardware, software, IT services, and telecommunication services. By size of the enterprise, the market is segmented into small and medium enterprises and large enterprises. By industry vertical, the market is segmented into BFSI, IT and telecom, government, retail and e-commerce, manufacturing, energy and utilities, and other industry verticals). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.

By Type
Hardware
Software
IT Services
Telecommunication Services
By Size of Enterprise
Small and Medium Enterprises
Large Enterprises
By Industry Vertical
BFSI
IT and Telecom
Government
Retail and E-commerce
Manufacturing
Energy and Utilities
Other Industry Verticals
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South Africa ICT Market Size Summary

The South African ICT market is a significant player in Africa, showcasing technological leadership in mobile software, security software, and online banking services. The industry is well-developed and sophisticated, contributing substantially to the country's GDP. Major global companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Intel have established subsidiaries in South Africa, making it a regional hub and supply base for neighboring countries. The market is experiencing growth driven by the expansion of telecommunications networks and the increasing importance of cloud computing, supported by improved data center infrastructure and enhanced internet services. South Africa is also at the forefront of smart city technologies in Africa, although challenges remain in providing basic services to its urban population. The government's ICT Small, Medium, and Micro-Enterprises Development Strategy aims to foster growth in the sector through incubation, networking, and capacity-building initiatives.

The rollout of 5G infrastructure and services is a key focus for South Africa, with the government aiming to extend coverage to rural and underserved areas. The recent broadband spectrum auction has facilitated the expansion of 5G networks, enabling network operators to enhance their services. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation, with a significant shift towards online banking and digital payments, reflecting a broader trend towards a digital economy. The financial services sector has prioritized digital innovation, with cloud-based services and system integration being pivotal areas of investment. The market is characterized by fragmentation, with numerous players striving to advance technology and expand their presence. Collaborations and strategic partnerships are common as companies like Telkom and Vodacom introduce new services and solutions, further driving the growth of the ICT market in South Africa.

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South Africa ICT Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET INSIGHTS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Industry Stakeholder Analysis

    3. 1.3 Industry Attractiveness-Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers

      3. 1.3.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Type

      1. 2.1.1 Hardware

      2. 2.1.2 Software

      3. 2.1.3 IT Services

      4. 2.1.4 Telecommunication Services

    2. 2.2 By Size of Enterprise

      1. 2.2.1 Small and Medium Enterprises

      2. 2.2.2 Large Enterprises

    3. 2.3 By Industry Vertical

      1. 2.3.1 BFSI

      2. 2.3.2 IT and Telecom

      3. 2.3.3 Government

      4. 2.3.4 Retail and E-commerce

      5. 2.3.5 Manufacturing

      6. 2.3.6 Energy and Utilities

      7. 2.3.7 Other Industry Verticals

South Africa ICT Market Size FAQs

The South Africa ICT Market size is expected to reach USD 36.81 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 7.90% to reach USD 53.85 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the South Africa ICT Market size is expected to reach USD 36.81 billion.

South Africa ICT Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)