As a “Digital Swing State,” South Africa’s approach to digital sovereignty is unique. This chapter analyzes South Africa’s involvement in international processes relevant to digital sovereignty and critically assesses its national policy and regulatory response to the digital economy, focusing on online content regulation, cybercrime, and data policy. Attention is given also to the challenges faced by South Africa, such as cyber vulnerabilities, institutional failures in implementing digital policies, and the struggle to protect citizens’ rights in the digital space. South Africa’s emerging digital sovereignty posture is analyzed through the lens of securitization and development, revealing a complex balance between leveraging digital transformation for socioeconomic development and addressing cybersecurity threats. The chapter reveals while developmental aspirations inform South Africa’s digital policy to reap the benefits of digitalization, they are also increasingly influenced by securitization trends to protect national digital assets and avoid loss of control. The chapter recommends for South Africa to balance its securitization agenda with respect for human rights, calling for proportionate, legitimate, and human-centric policies. The aim is to achieve a positive digital sovereignty agenda that respects human rights and promotes human security, as enshrined in the 1996 Constitution, while effectively implementing digital policies for socioeconomic development.

Chapter 4 provides an overview of demand-side and supply-side drivers using literature and the Global Innovation Index indicators to explain a country’s ability to prepare for innovation. Supply-side drivers look at factors such as R&D development, the skills of a workforce, and the environment to foster innovative thinking and services. Demand drivers are the primary sources of innovative activity that can range depending on the country; some examples are entrepreneurs, governments, firms, or academia. After reviewing both drivers, the challenges and risks of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Africa are addressed. The chapter concludes with seven disadvantages and risks and explains how key opportunities will be discussed in the next chapter.