The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) to roll out collaborative learning programmes aimed at strengthening digital skills and advancing economic growth across South Africa. The signing ceremony took place on 23 June 2025 at Gallagher House, Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand at MICT SETA offices.
This MOU sets in motion a multi-year strategic partnership that will see TIA and MICT SETA jointly design and implement targeted digital and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills programmes. These initiatives aim to broaden access to innovation driven learning, improve employment readiness among youth, and strengthen South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI).
Rooted in the shared mandate of both organisations to drive socio-economic impact through skills development and innovation, the agreement supports national priorities outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) and the Decadal Plan. It formalises a joint commitment to building a future-ready workforce while addressing systemic challenges such as unemployment and digital exclusion.
At the heart of the collaboration is a focus on delivering co-funded learning, incubation, and innovation programmes tailored to South Africa’s rapidly evolving job market. These programmes aim to equip youth, women, and persons living with disabilities with 4IR-aligned skills and opportunities for meaningful participation in the digital economy.,
“The partnership reflects an inclusive approach to skills development, recognising the need for equity and access in the innovation ecosystem. By placing skilled interns within TIA investee companies and NSI partners, we can address the challenges of capacity within our start-ups who need additional personnel to successfully deliver on their projects. These placements will also create opportunities for permanent employment of interns within these SMMEs. This will also enable us to increase the rate of start-up formation in the digital economy space led by competent founders equipped with the relevant skills,” says Ismail Abdoola, Acting CEO of TIA.
“A key feature of the MOU is the development of bursary schemes and the establishment of a Research Chair for Master’s and PhD students, dedicated to Innovation Management within the NSI. This initiative will strengthen the country’s research capabilities and create a pipeline of highly skilled graduates ready to contribute to innovation-led growth. By linking education, research, and industry, the partnership positions practical training and academic inquiry as key enablers of workforce development and economic advancement,” says MICT SETA CEO, Matome Madibana.
Graduates will benefit from internship placements within TIA supported investments, programmes, and partners to gain vital workplace experience increasing their employability. Emerging entrepreneurs will receive 4IR-related training through hackathons, accelerators, and mentorship driven business development initiatives.
Co-funded incubation programmes will further support early-stage innovators through ideation, business development, mentorship, and commercialisation. To broaden access, placement opportunities will also be created for unemployed youth in partnership with all spheres of government.
To complement these efforts, the MOU outlines a shared vision to expand access to innovation infrastructure. This includes the establishment of Digital Hubs and 4IR incubation centres through partnerships with local and international co-funders, accelerators, and industry stakeholders. These platforms will enhance access to science, engineering, and technology (SET) infrastructure and promote the integration of ICT start-ups into corporate supply chains via strategic engagement platforms. Additionally, TIA will support the commercialisation of innovations and prototypes emerging from these initiatives, helping bridge the gap between ideas and market adoption.
“This partnership represents a coordinated and action-oriented approach to delivering on South Africa’s innovation and skills development agenda. It aligns with TIA’s vision to embed the quadruple helix model of innovation in the NSI, fostering collaboration between Industry, government, academia, and civil society. In this way, we can maximise the benefits of pooling all our resources and capabilities in a manner that accelerates the drive to a digital economy that emphases transformation and inclusive growth. As TIA invite other partners to collaborate with us and strengthen our efforts to address the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality,” said Mr Loyiso Tyira, Board Chairperson of TIA.
As the country continues to respond to increasing demand for digital literacy and technology-driven solutions, this collaboration is set to prepare the next generation of South Africans to thrive in the future of work.
Together, TIA and MICT SETA are advancing national priorities through a robust platform for skills development, innovation commercialisation, and enterprise support, building a stronger, more inclusive digital economy for South Africa.
