ACCESS

According to International Monetary Fund (IMF), integration into global markets offers the potential for more rapid economic growth, the creation of better-paid jobs, and poverty reduction. One of the biggest drivers of market integration is technology.  According to the World Economic Forum, each additional 10% of Internet penetration can lead to a 1.2% increase in per capita GDP growth in emerging economies.

The Association’s goal is to promote ‘Access’ to communities, both in terms of access to information through supporting internet provisioning and through access to markets. The Association is well placed to help promote internet access as its infrastructure already crosses community areas that are difficult to reach with existing internet infrastructure. Additionally, through its close ties with the mining industry and its own procurement teams the Association has the opportunity to assist emerging businesses with market access and advice.

Background Image credit: Brand South Africa