The digital economy is reshaping how services are traded across borders. Digitally delivered services are creating new opportunities for firms to access international markets, collaborate across borders and participate in higher-value services trade.

The International Economic Partnership (IEP) Programme invites policy makers, regulators, researchers, business representatives and industry bodies to a public-private dialogue on UK-SA digital services trade opportunities. The dialogue will explore how South Africa and the United Kingdom can collaborate to deepen bilateral digital services trade and investment, reduce practical trade frictions, and unlock opportunities for digitally delivered services.

The digital economy is reshaping how services are traded across borders. Digitally delivered services are creating new opportunities for firms to access international markets, collaborate across borders and participate in higher-value services trade.

Key questions the dialogue will cover:

• How can South Africa and the UK strengthen collaboration on digital services trade and investment?
• What regulatory, operational and infrastructure barriers are limiting crossborder digital services trade?
• What reforms or support measures would help firms enter and scale in international markets?
• What practical next steps can government and business take together

Date: 6 August 2026
Time: 09:00 – 13:00 SAST
Venue: Business Leadership South Africa, 61 Katherine Street, Sandton, SA
Virtual: Via MS TEAMS