The African United Business Confederation (AUBC), in partnership with MTN South Africa, successfully hosted a high-level business roundtable dialogue on satellite broadband, digital inclusion and consumer protection, on July 10.

The discussions and recommendations emerging from the roundtable, hosted under the theme ‘regulatory framework, universal access and consumer protection in satellite broadband and available opportunities, will inform future engagements with policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders and the broader business community.

The roundtable brought together key stakeholders from government, regulatory authorities, telecommunications operators, technology companies, investors, small and medium enterprises, and the broader business community to engage on the future of satellite broadband and its role in accelerating digital inclusion and economic growth in South Africa and across the African continent.

It provided a platform for constructive discussions on the evolving regulatory environment, consumer protection considerations, universal access obligations and the opportunities that emerging satellite broadband technologies present for businesses, communities and underserved areas.

The importance of collaboration between government, regulators, industry and the private sector in ensuring that connectivity solutions contribute meaningfully to bridging the digital divide and supporting inclusive socioeconomic development was highlighted by the parties during the session.

Participants included Independent Communications Authority of South Africa chairperson Mothibi Ramusi; Small Business Development department director-general Thulisile Manzini; and MTN South Africa chief commercial officer Divyesh Joshi.

“Today's engagement demonstrates the power of collaboration in shaping the future of connectivity and digital transformation. As AUBC, we remain committed to providing platforms that bring together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, investors and entrepreneurs to discuss practical solutions that advance economic growth, investment, innovation and digital inclusion,” said AUBC president George Sebulela.

MTN South Africa recognised that meaningful collaboration between industry, regulators, policymakers and business is critical to expanding digital access and unlocking economic opportunity.

“Our partnership with AUBC on this important dialogue reflects a shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion, fostering innovation and ensuring that connectivity serves as a catalyst for hope, dignity and opportunity for communities and businesses across South Africa,” the company said, further acknowledging the valuable support received from some of its partners and sponsors, including Skyco Media and BT Projects whose contributions helped ensure the successful delivery of the event.

The roundtable further reinforced the need to create an enabling policy and regulatory environment that encourages investment, innovation, competition and consumer protection while expanding access to reliable and affordable broadband services.

As an organisation focused on policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement and business development, AUBC will continue to facilitate strategic dialogues that contribute to policy formulation and promote an environment that enables businesses of all sizes to thrive.

Together, AUBC and MTN reaffirm their commitment to advancing digital inclusion, fostering innovation and supporting initiatives that contribute to South Africa's sustainable economic growth and development.