Technology is an ever-evolving world, and how people feel about innovation matters just as much as the tech itself. For South Africans, this relationship with technology has grown steadily more positive over time. But how does this optimism compare to the rest of the world—and what does it tell us about where we’re headed?

This blog dives into recent YouGov Profiles data to explore how attitudes toward technology in South Africa have shifted between 2021 and 2025, and how these views stack up against global trends in both developing and developed markets. From 5G to AI, the findings reveal a digital generation embracing innovation with a healthy dose of curiosity, caution, and confidence.

 

South Africa’s Shifting Technology Mindset (2021 vs 2025)

YouGov Profiles data shows a remarkably consistent—and optimistic—outlook on technology among South Africans in 2025 compared to 2021. Across nearly every metric, support for and belief in the benefits of tech remain high.

5G Adoption and Optimism

  • 86% of South Africans in 2025 agree that “5G improves my digital experience
  • 78% also believe that “having 5G benefits my life in many ways,” 

The takeaway? 5G has firmly embedded itself in the South African tech psyche—not just as a network upgrade, but as a transformative enabler of better digital experiences.

AI and Emerging Tech Are Gaining Trust

  • 68% of respondents in 2025 say, “I think AI is just the next step in evolution,” a sentiment that was already shared by 62% back in 2021, reflecting consistent awareness and optimism.

  • 64% agree that Augmented and Virtual Reality help people experience new things, reinforcing a belief in immersive tech’s role in innovation, a sentiment also shared by 59% in 2021.

This points to an openness toward emerging technologies, especially those that enhance everyday life, creativity, and accessibility.

The Bigger Picture: Stability Over Time

The percentages between 2021 and 2025 across these categories remain relatively stable, with several showing positive movement over time. This steady progression suggests that South Africans’ trust in technology has not only endured but gradually strengthened—providing a dependable foundation that forward-thinking brands can confidently build upon.

 

Global Technoogy Comparison: South Africa vs the Rest of the World

When comparing South Africa’s tech attitudes to other nations (both developed and developing), a few key differences stand out:

1. South Africa Leads on Mobile-First Belief

Mobile penetration and data-driven engagement are central to South Africa’s Mobile-first belief . This contrasts with some developed nations, where there’s a broader spread across desktop, smart home, and wearable tech.

Insight: South African consumers are more likely to view mobile innovations like 5G as essential tools for empowerment, connectivity, and economic opportunity.

2. Developed Markets Are More Sceptical of AI

In countries like Germany, France, and the UK, AI optimism is tempered by concerns around privacy, ethics, and job displacement. Meanwhile, emerging markets like India and South Africa are more likely to view AI as an opportunity for growth.

In South Africa, AI is largely seen as an enabler, not a threat.

3. AR/VR Acceptance Is Higher in South Africa Than Expected

While Western countries may have better access to AR/VR hardware, South Africans show surprisingly high enthusiasm for its possibilities. In developing markets, tech is often embraced as a bridge, not a luxury.

 

What This Means for Brands and Technology Innovators

Whether you’re a fintech startup, telco provider, or smart device brand, South Africa represents a tech-positive, mobile-first market hungry for solutions that enhance real life.

Here are a few strategic takeaways:

Keep It Practical, Not Just Futuristic

South Africans don’t just want bleeding-edge tech—they want tech that works, saves time, and adds value. Solutions should be intuitive and relevant to daily life.

Go Big on Mobile

With 5G seen as a life enhancer, digital products and services need to be optimised for speed and seamless performance across all connected devices. This includes everything from smartphones and wearables to smart home tech, fintech apps, and e-learning platforms.

Educate to Empower

While AI and AR/VR are welcomed, there’s still a need to demystify these technologies. Brands should lead with content that breaks down how emerging tools work, why they matter, and how they’re safe.

Connect Tech to Impact

The general South African population wants to know how technology contributes to broader goals, whether that’s reducing inequality, creating access, or improving education. Tech must have a purpose.

Conclusion

South Africa stands out as a country that not only adopts technology but also believes in it. Between 2021 and 2025, this trust hasn’t wavered. Instead, it has solidified into a readiness to embrace 5G, AI, and immersive technologies as part of daily life.

Compared to other markets, South Africa shows a stronger belief in the human benefits of tech. The challenge for brands is clear: meet this optimism with products and messaging that match the energy, transparent, value-led, and inclusive.

Methodology:

Profiles: Segmentation and media planning tool. With data collected daily, YouGov Profiles gives you the power to build and customise a portrait of your consumers’ world.

Dataset: South Africa: 2025-05-11/ 2021-05-09

Population: South African adults with access to the internet, aged 18+

Sample size: South Africa: 2025 n=1936/ 2021 n=6039