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Digitalisation

Digitalisation is the process of converting analogue information and processes into digital formats and integrating digital technologies into business operations, infrastructure and service delivery. It encompasses the adoption of sensors, data analytics, cloud computing, automation and connectivity to optimise performance, improve decision-making and enable real-time monitoring and control. The technology is distinct from digitisation, which refers simply to converting information from physical to digital form, whereas digitalisation involves transforming entire workflows and business models. Key applications include smart grids for electricity distribution, intelligent water management systems, predictive maintenance in manufacturing, and digital twins that create virtual replicas of physical assets. Sectors adopting digitalisation include utilities, mining, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and municipal services, where it enables remote monitoring, automated responses to system failures, and data-driven resource allocation. In the utilities sector, digitalisation supports demand management, fault detection and integration of renewable energy sources, while in industrial settings it underpins Industry 4.0 initiatives that connect machines, supply chains and enterprise systems. The technology has gained particular significance in regions experiencing infrastructure strain, where digital tools can extend asset life, reduce downtime and improve service reliability without requiring large-scale capital investment. Adoption is driven by falling sensor costs, advances in wireless connectivity and the growing availability of cloud-based platforms that allow organisations to scale digital capabilities incrementally. Digitalisation has evolved rapidly since the early twenty-first century, accelerated by the proliferation of the Internet of Things, machine learning algorithms and high-speed mobile networks.

Digitalisation News


Image of sensors used in mine automation
Accurate sensors are key to automation and digitalisation
24th July 2026

Sensors are the foundation for optimal mine automation and digitalisation, asserts Upstream Technology head Michael Curtis, noting: “Sensor technology is the foundational building block of any... 


New SI programme strengthens Schneider Electric’s partner ecosystem across Africa
New SI programme strengthens Schneider Electric’s partner ecosystem across Africa
14th July 2026

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, will soon officially launch its new System Integrator (SI) Programme – SI Energise 2.0 – which will mark a major change in how the company... 


Bridging Generations: Shaping a Multi‑Generational, Future‑Ready Workforce to Drive Growth in Africa
Bridging Generations: Shaping a Multi‑Generational, Future‑Ready Workforce to Drive Growth in Africa
10th July 2026

By: Yewande Ayowole‑Oso - Regional HR West Africa & MEA Senior Talent Programme Lead, and Aurélie Memeliwando, Regional HR Central Region, SSA Talent Leader and MEA Electrifier Project Lead at... 


Uganda’s first refinery has the potential to build a lasting energy ecosystem
Uganda’s first refinery has the potential to build a lasting energy ecosystem
7th July 2026

By: Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Hegazi - Business Development Leader, Energy and Chemicals, Schneider Electric East Africa With Uganda announcing that its estimate of recoverable oil and gas resources has... 


From Paper Trails to Digital Workflows: Babcock Advances Welding Quality Management
29th June 2026

As industrial projects become increasingly data-driven, organisations are under growing pressure to improve traceability, governance and visibility across critical engineering processes. For... 


FLS partners with miners across the full lifecycle of operations
FLS Strengthens Its African Mining Strategy Ahead of Electra Mining Africa 2026
24th June 2026

As mining operations across Africa continue to focus on productivity, improved sustainability and operational efficiency, FLS is strengthening its regional strategy through closer customer... 


Upstream Technology’s non-nuclear DMC sensor delivers reliable, maintenance-free
control of Dense Medium Separation plant density cut points while supporting improved safety and
regulatory compliance.
Upstream Technology says sensors are critical to the future of mining
2nd June 2026

In the race toward smarter, safer and more efficient mines, one technology often sits quietly in the background: sensors. For De Beers’ Upstream Technology, sensors are not just part of the system;... 


An image of AVEVA World Milan 2026
AVEVA supports mining, metals companies to meet increasing demand
1st June 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Mining and metals companies are working to maximise production and ensure they produce high-quality products with the lowest possible environmental impact and at competitive prices, and industrial... 


Innovation, AI and Industrial Resilience Drive MEMSA #MindShift 2026
Innovation, AI and Industrial Resilience Drive MEMSA #MindShift 2026
26th May 2026

By Sue Breckenridge The 2026 MEMSA #MindShift Conference brought together mining executives, OEMs, engineers, researchers, policymakers and thoughtleaders to explore how South Africa’s mining... 


The retail industry’s next smart move must be data driven
The retail industry’s next smart move must be data driven
26th May 2026

By: Charles Coetzee - Buildings & C&SP Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa at Schneider Electric Large-scale retailers operate with notoriously tight margins while managing some of the most... 


 Schneider Electric strengthens Southern Africa Energies & Chemicals focus
Schneider Electric strengthens Southern Africa Energies & Chemicals focus
20th May 2026

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, is reinforcing its commitment to Southern Africa’s energies and chemicals sector’s growth with the appointment of Prevashen Naicker as the... 


MMD Africa business development manager Mark Peeters
MMD, MAGNA showcase high-capacity, digitalised mobile crushing solutions
15th May 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Mineral processing solutions company MMD Group and MAGNA, a Terex Brand, has showcased a strategic drive towards high-capacity mobile crushing solutions, faster mine deployment, hybrid and... 


An image of a train moving on rail tracks
Private sector to spur revitalisation
8th May 2026 By: Trent Roebeck

South Africa’s rail network infrastructure challenges continue to stifle economic competitiveness, sustainability and regional integration, and the network requires a complete revitalisation... 


South Africa’s small businesses starting to lay foundations against global volatility and rising costs
17th April 2026

New research from Xero reveals 84% of small businesses taking strategic shift towards stability and steady growth in 2026 A new report from Xero, the global small business platform, reveals that... 


Enlit Africa 2026: The business of power and the value of compounding impact
17th April 2026

Enlit Africa’s 2026 programme convenes decision-makers from utilities, private sector, government, industry and finance to tackle the business of delivering power across the continent – at a moment... 


Schneider Electric unveils new localised channel programme in Sub-Saharan Africa to accelerate the region’s energy technology transformation
Schneider Electric unveils new localised channel programme in Sub-Saharan Africa to accelerate the region’s energy technology transformation
10th April 2026

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, is launching a new localised channel programme in Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to accelerate its evolution as the region’s leading energy... 


Schneider Electric unveils NExT in Sub-Saharan Africa to accelerate the region’s energy technology transformation
Schneider Electric unveils NExT in Sub-Saharan Africa to accelerate the region’s energy technology transformation
27th March 2026

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, is launching its NExT programme in Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to accelerate its evolution as the region’s leading energy technology partner.... 


An image of one of the water management technologies on offer from Schneider Electric
Modern tech improves water infrastructure, combats scarcity
13th March 2026 By: Trent Roebeck

South Africa’s ongoing water challenges are exacerbated by ageing water infrastructure, owing to failing asset performance and tardy maintenance, in relation to plant efficiency and stable water... 


Magazine cover image
Technology central to overcoming mining’s growth constraints
13th March 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Given the increasing depths and complexity of orebodies, high and volatile energy costs, logistics bottlenecks and growing demand for safer and sustainable operations, the adoption of digital... 


Magazine cover image
Technology central to overcoming mining’s growth constraints
13th March 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Given the increasing depths and complexity of orebodies, high and volatile energy costs, logistics bottlenecks and growing demand for safer and sustainable operations, the adoption of digital... 


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