No. 50741   125 STAATSKOERANT, 31 Mei 2024 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The National Data and Cloud Policy is a framework aimed at efficiently managing and utilizing data through cloud computing technologies. Its primary goals are to enhance government service delivery and foster socio-economic development by promoting data-driven decisionmaking and creating data-based tradable goods and services, thereby supporting an emerging digital economy. Key principles of the policy include: 1.1 Accelerating the rollout of digital infrastructure to ensure fast, secure, and reliable broadband connectivity. 1.2 Ensuring data privacy and security. 1.3 Promoting open data and data interoperability. 1.4 Adopting a cloud-first approach. The policy also underscores the importance of capacity building and skills development to encourage the adoption of cloud technologies and data management practices across all sectors. It aims to create a robust data economy that contributes to the growth of the ICT sector and the overall economy. Aligned with the government’s digital transformation agenda, the policy is expected to catalyze the development of a data-driven ecosystem in the country. Its implementation is anticipated to yield benefits such as improved public service delivery, increased government operational efficiency, better data management, and enhanced innovation and competitiveness in the private sector. Successful implementation will require collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations, and international partners. Adequate funding, stakeholder engagement, and capacitation of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) will be critical for the policy’s success. 2. INTRODUCTION The South African economy, like other economies, is digitising rapidly. This means that citizens and consumers, from both the private and public sectors, will access most of the services on digital platforms through electronic devices. Government and private sector organisations are transforming their service delivery models, shifting them towards digital 5 This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za