S. Africa to build digital hubs to boost innovation, entrepreneurship

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The South Africa government will establish ten digital hubs across the country to bridge the digital divide among township residents and equip the youths with skills and knowledge to prepare them for the fourth industrial revolution, said a senior government official on Friday.

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Nomalungelo Gina on Friday said the digital hubs would be built inside the state-owned industrial parks. They will focus on creating a central meeting point for technology, innovation and creative businesses in the areas surrounding the industrial parks.

She stated that these will assist start-up accelerator programs, business incubators and training programs.

"The digital hubs seek to provide young people with skills and access to e-learning opportunities, basic business development support and business intelligence in order to encourage them to pursue entrepreneurship," said Gina.

She said the government would like to prioritize the creation of digital hubs as part of its efforts to skill the country's youth and reduce youth unemployment.