South African agencies join forces to strengthen digital skills and innovation capacity

New multi-year partnership between TIA and MICT SETA will drive digital learning, empower underrepresented groups, and support startups through internships, bursaries, and 4IR-focused training.

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding to advance digital skills development across South Africa. This collaboration aims to expand access to innovation-driven education while fueling inclusive economic growth.

Representing the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Department of Higher Education and Training respectively, both entities will combine efforts to develop and implement targeted programmes focused on Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies and digital learning. Special emphasis will be placed on creating opportunities for youth, women, and people with disabilities, fostering a more equitable and accessible innovation ecosystem.

“This partnership represents a shift toward inclusive and sustainable skills development,” said TIA Acting CEO Ismail Abdoola. “By integrating skilled interns into TIA-funded startups and National System of Innovation (NSI) partners, we are addressing a core capacity gap. These placements not only boost startup productivity but also serve as potential pathways to permanent employment, laying the groundwork for a stronger digital economy led by competent, tech-savvy entrepreneurs.”

The agreement includes a robust framework for academic and practical engagement. According to MICT SETA CEO Matome Madibana, a key aspect of the MoU involves the creation of bursary schemes and a dedicated Research Chair in Innovation Management for Master’s and PhD students. “By linking education, research and industry, we’re ensuring that the next generation of graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully to innovation-led development,” he noted.

Beyond academic support, the partnership will enable direct industry exposure for young graduates through internships in TIA-supported companies and partner organisations. Simultaneously, aspiring entrepreneurs will receive hands-on 4IR training delivered via accelerators, hackathons, and mentorship programmes. Early-stage innovators will benefit from co-funded incubation support, guiding them from idea validation to commercialisation.

The collaboration also sets out to create job placement opportunities for unemployed youth, in coordination with multiple levels of government. By bridging talent development and enterprise support, the initiative reinforces the role of innovation as a pillar of South Africa’s long-term economic resilience.