Information and communications technology (ICT) underpins competitive economies and contributes positively towards economic recovery and sustained growth.

However, it is important that the correct enabling environments are created to ensure the rapid adoption and effective deployment of ICTs. The ICT4Growth track at this year’s Government Technology (GovTech) 2016 will explore this topic and attempt to find solutions. Importantly, it will also highlight progress made to date through a host of initiatives that are already having a significant positive impact on the lives of citizens.

For the past decade, GovTech has become an essential driver of “e-government” initiatives. Dr. Setumo Mohapi, chief executive officer of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), says this year’s event, with its theme of ICT for Development, Access & Growth, will unpack successful projects, such as the Digital Financial and Economic Inclusion for Youth Platform and the Wits University’s Tshimologong Precinct in Johannesburg.

The latter project was recently launched and will serve as an incubator for “start-ups”, the commercialisation of research and development of high-level digital skills for students, working professionals and, importantly, unemployed youths. Noticeably, this project encourages technology innovation and collaboration between the university’s researchers and students, as well as the private and public sectors, and civil society sectors in Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, government is already harnessing sophisticated digital tools to better communicate with constituents, automate processes and bolster convenience, altering the landscape for citizen engagement for the better. This is mirrored by initiatives, such as the Integrated Justice System, GovChat and mHealth & Wellness Ecosystem, which all lay the foundations of the “e-government” that Dr. Mohapi eventually envisages.

“We may not be there yet, but we are certainly moving in the direction of ‘decentralised’ state service delivery models where integrated government departments serve as efficient ‘one-stop-shops’ for all citizen requirements. Another feature of these models of the future is  the active role that the public plays in enhancing service delivery,” he says.

However, government also realises that accelerated adoption of ICT by all stakeholders hinges on creating a secure environment. As such, GovTech 2016 also aims to find ways that government can protect infrastructure and data to build confidence in the use of ICTs.

The SITA in partnership with the Government IT Officers Council (GITOC) is the main driver of GovTech and can be credited with growing the conference into the leading public sector ICT event in Africa. SITA is proud to be partnering with a number of prominent players in the ICT industry all with the common aim of enabling service delivery through ICT for citizen empowerment. This year’s sponsors include Vodacom, MTN, Microsoft, Gijima, Accenture, Business Connexion, Huawei, Pinnacle, Intel and CEOS.

GovTech 2016 will be held from 30 October to 02 November 2016 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, and will also feature the popular SITA ICT Public Service Awards which are now in their second year and seek to recognize and reward ICT ideas and solutions from the public aimed at making the government services functions better for the benefit of the citizens.