Business Breakfast Explores the Global Tech Landscape

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The Discipline of Information Systems and Technology in the School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, in partnership with the Durban Chamber of Commerce, hosted a business breakfast as a cybersecurity awareness month initiative.

The event, themed: “The Geopolitics of Technology - Exploring the Global Technology Landscape”, brought together experts from India, Kenya, the European Union, and South Africa to discuss the interplay between technological innovation and national security.

The panel facilitated by Professor Manoj Maharaj included Dr Kiru Pillay, Ms Nanjira Sambuli, Dr Nishal Khusial, Ms Chloe Teevan, Mr Lucien Pierce, and Dr Saroj Bhishoyi.

Sambuli, a researcher, policy analyst and strategist, provided an African perspective on tech geopolitics where she noted that as technology emerges, Africa is positioning itself to not only consume but also innovate.

‘We’re not just passive participants; Africa is actively shaping technology’s trajectory, therefore, we must build resilient infrastructure and invest in homegrown tech talent to fortify Africa’s presence in tech geopolitics,’ she said.

This event served as a unique platform to discuss emerging global technology trends and the challenges facing both the tech industry and policymakers. Pillay, Chief Director of Cybersecurity Operations in South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), highlighted the influence of emerging technologies such as AI and space exploration in shaping global treaties.

‘These technologies require nations to balance technological advancements with international security and co-operation, because as technology redefines borders and influence, the stakes in digital diplomacy grow higher, with new challenges emerging around data privacy, cybersecurity, and global stability,’ he stated. He pointed out how tech giants such as Apple - whose market capitalisation surpasses the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of many countries - wield considerable political influence.

‘We are in an era where tech companies are no longer just business entities but also political players,’ he said, alluding to how their reach impacts everything from consumer rights to the privacy policies of entire nations.

Delving into the synergy between technological innovation and governance was Khusial, Chief Technology Officer and Digital Platform Leader, Conlog (Pty) Ltd, who argued that ‘the relationship between “new” technological innovations and regulatory governance is one of constant tension, where both the private sector and governments must adapt quickly to protect user rights, national security, and fair-trade practices.’

His remarks highlighted the challenge for policymakers to stay ahead of innovation and to develop governance models that respond swiftly to technological shifts.

Providing the Europe and India perspective were Tevaan and Bhishoyi, where Teevan examined how the European Union (EU) has taken a strong stance on digital sovereignty and regulating big tech to maintain competitiveness and protect its citizens’ digital rights. She highlighted the EU’s recent actions, such as the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, which have implications well beyond Europe. Bishoyi highlighted India’s aspirations for technological independence, especially in light of pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions.

Pierce, Managing Director at Phukubje Pierce Masithela Attorneys (PPM), whose portfolio focuses on the commercial and regulatory aspects of telecommunications, media, and technology, concluded with a call for stronger national policies to protect South Africa’s digital assets and to invest in local tech talent, ensuring that South Africa maintains control over its technological resources, thus highlighting the importance of digital and technological sovereignty for South Africa, warning against the risk of a “digital land-grab” by foreign powers.

Words: Ayanda Radebe

Photographs: Andile Ndlovu