- Cisco in collaboration with ForgeX has opened its 8th EDGE Centre in South Africa.
- Located in Johannesburg, it will focus on supporting innovative female-led SMMEs and entrepreneurs.
- The launch forms part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme, which it was been working on together with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT).
Last week Friday Cisco announced the launch of a new EDGE Centre in Johannesburg in partnership with ForgeX.
It is the 8th EDGE Centre launched locally by the networking technology specialists and forms part of the larger Cisco Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme. This is a programme that the company has been working closely on with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) as part of a larger objective to stimulate innovation and support South African SMMEs, particularly those that are female-led.
Via the new EDGE Centre, Cisco will be providing access to its latest connectivity and collaboration technology, as well as resources for training and enablement programs to local businesses with the help of ForgeX too.
Some of the other incubation and support focused initiatives launched by Cisco locally include WomHub, which is the first female-led incubator in South Africa dedicated to promoting gender equality and supporting women in STEM.
Cisco also notes that since the inception of the first EDGE Centre in 2019 in South Africa, they have developed 200 local SMME partnerships and supported in creating 104 jobs.
“The new centre will be equipped with Cisco technology, enabling local businesses to connect with global Cisco experts. Additionally, Cisco Networking Academy, one of the world’s longest-standing IT-skills-to-jobs programs, will offer training opportunities on skills development, digital literacy, and cybersecurity certifications,” the company confirmed in a release to Hypertext.
“Our shared vision with Forge X is to create a new network of certified Cisco partners offering innovative technology solutions to the South African market. This collaboration reflects our goal of supporting South Africa’s digital economy, expected to comprise nearly 20% of GDP by 2028,” added Conrad Steyn, Country Digital Acceleration leader at Cisco South Africa.
The CDA programme remains a key focus for Cisco locally, and its Networking Academy has proved significant when it comes to digital skills development in South Africa. Since its introduction in SAa in 1998, more than 411 000 students have been trained, with 154 000 having been in Cisco’s 2024 fiscal year alone, 61 percent of whom are female.
“This collaboration will enable SMMEs to leverage technology to build sustainable businesses and drive local innovation. Our hands-on approach to business development and Cisco’s extensive expertise creates a robust support structure for entrepreneurs and youth. We are building an inclusive ecosystem where digital and entrepreneurial skills foster economic resilience and community growth,” emphasised Martine Solomon, executive director at Forge X.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive digital future by driving innovation and enabling job creation within South Africa’s dynamic technology landscape. With AI emerging as a crucial driver of economic transformation, it is vital to equip SMMEs with the skills, tools, and knowledge required to harness its potential. By empowering these businesses, we not only accelerate their growth but also contribute to sustainable income generation and long-term economic resilience in the country,” concluded Smangele Nkosi, country leader for Cisco South Africa.
To find out more about the newly launched Cisco ForgeX EDGE Centre, head here.
Header image caption – From left Sade Tomlinson, Cisco CDA SA Project lead; Craig Meyer, director, Innovation and special projects at Department of Communications and Digital Technologies; Dr Gwen Ramokgopa – Ramokgopa Foundation; Middle: Smangele Nkosi, Cisco country leader; Martine Solomon, Forge X, executive director; Natasha Anderson, Forge X, CEO; Right Cynthia A. Griffin, Minister Counsellor for Commercial Affairs for Sub-Saharan Africa; Conrad Steyn, Cisco CDA lead Africa; Charmaine Houvet, Cisco senior director and Government Affairs Africa.
[Image – Provided]
