by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – ENABLING more small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa to adopt cloud computing could contribute R185,9 billion (US$10,1 billion) to the country’s economy by 2030.
This is according to recent research, which also indicates SMMEs could create 142 000 jobs, reduce carbon emissions by approximately 4,74 million metric tonnes and decrease cyber security incidents by 34,2 percent.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) commissioned the study conducted by Access Partnership.
“The role of SMMEs is important for economic growth and the development of the South African economy,” Yunus Hoosen, Chief Executive Officer of Invest SA at Department of Trade and Industry and Competition (DTIC), said.
He welcomed the report, especially the recommendations pertaining to the government.
Hoosen said the DTIC would continue to work with the mentioned other government departments and role players such as AWS to boost small businesses and create jobs in the digital technology, innovation and digital transformation space.
Cloud adoption is to enable SMMEs to become more resilient to cyber attacks.
By migrating to the cloud, South African SMMEs could avert over 88 800 security incidents between 2023-2030, according to the study.
“As well as providing secure, affordable, and reliable IT infrastructure, cloud computing is democratising access to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, thereby enabling South Africa’s SMMEs to use them to grow their businesses,” said Amrote Abdella, general manager, AWS Sub-Saharan Africa.
– CAJ News