The Eastern Cape presently has an underdeveloped Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.  In terms of the growth of the province by way of commercial and manufacturing operations, there is significant development potential and opportunity in the provincial ICT sector for investment and business operations. 

The Eastern Cape Information Technology Initiative (ECITI), is a provincial multi-faceted programme focused on providing support to SMMEs in ICT and related industries.  This body is currently at the forefront of the ICT sector in the province and is supported by provincial government in line with provincial growth and development strategies.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Technology Hub, situated in Port Elizabeth and initiated and championed by ECDC in conjunction with ECITI, is the implementation arm of the provincial ICT strategy in terms of providing for the incubation, growth and development of Eastern Cape's SMMEs in the ICT sector.  The hub is made up of representatives from all the major commercial and manufacturing sectors in the province, has the backing of provincial government and is at the forefront of the provincial ICT strategy.

Opportunities in the provincial ICT and electronics software sector include:

• Software research and development - with its strong tertiary education institutions, the province provides a solid foundation for investment in research and development of niche software for global markets.
• Technology Park - opportunities exist for the investment in, and development of, a technology park that will act as a technology incubator for the Eastern Cape. It is envisaged that this initiative could form part of a private/public partnership between government and the private sector and offer intensive support to SMME's and entrepreneurs wishing to enter the ICT sector. At least two of the provinces five universities have expressed an interest in being part of such an initiative.
• Telecommunications - opportunities exist for the supply and maintenance of telecomms systems in support of call centres and BPO&O operations in the province.