Excellence in Digital Government Training Programme

Empowering Leaders for a Future-Ready Digital Africa

The Link Centre (University of the Witwatersrand), in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and supported by the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, successfully hosted the Excellence in Digital Government Training Programme from the 18th –22nd of August 2025 at the Southern Sun, Rosebank, Johannesburg.

The five-day face-to-face programme hosted in South Africa brought together government officials, regulators, experts, and practitioners from 20 countries from across the globe to strengthen skills for driving digital transformation in governance.

Programme Highlights.

• Digital Transformation of Government

Participants explored the key forces shaping the digital era: datafication, disruption, the digital economy, and platform dynamics. The session, facilitated by Associate Professor Ntsibane Ntlatlapa (Link Centre) and Mr Emil Iuga (ITU Academy), provided a strong foundation for the week’s programme.

The training was further enriched by insights from Prof. Raymond Onuoha, Professor Luci Abrahams, and Postdoctoral Researcher, Katleho Mokoena, who examined how digital innovation is reshaping public administration, highlighting both the opportunities and the challenges it presents for governance in the digital age.

• Administrative Perspective

Led by Prof. Raymond Onuoha, this session examined how digital innovation is transforming public administration. Discussions highlighted:

• The efficiency, transparency, and accountability gains of digital tools.

• The shift from paper-based to data-driven service delivery.

• The role of platforms and channels in citizen-centered service provision.

• Data-Led Governance & Interoperability

A central theme of the programme was the importance of data-driven policymaking and interoperability. Participants learned how these elements form the backbone of responsive, transparent, and future-fit digital government systems.

Key takeaways included:

• Digital transformation is as much cultural and administrative as it is technical.

• Data and interoperability are the twin pillars of sustainable digital government.

• A phased, whole-of-government approach is essential for success.

• Leaders must drive horizontal integration and evidence-based policymaking.

The programme underscored that digital government is not just about adopting new technologies, but about building inclusive, citizen-centered governance that responds effectively to societal needs.

Through interactive lectures, case studies, and GovStack practical sessions, participants gained both strategic insight and hands-on skills. Successful attendees received an official ITU Certificate.

The final day of the training was highlighted by a message of support was delivered by Mr Kgosi Motsoane, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to strengthening digital transformation across the continent.

The Excellence in Digital Government Training Programme marked an important step in preparing leaders across Africa to champion digital transformation in governance. By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building, the programme contributes to building an inclusive, future-ready digital society.

As Wits Enterprise, we were honored to coordinate the programme and engage with such inspiring thought leaders in digital government development. This experience reflects our continued commitment to excellence in delivering transformative programmes that empower leaders across the continent.

Written by Simple Malatjie