Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life and drive economic progress in South Africa, as outlined in the government’s National Development Plan.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), a transformative technology, is a key driver of global digital transformation. It offers many new opportunities to break down barriers to human development, enhance social inclusion, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
AI has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life and drive economic progress in South Africa, as outlined in the government’s National Development Plan.
At the open online project launch on the "Development of South Africa's AI Maturity Assessment Framework (MAF)", panellists discussed the need for a MF and the potential outcomes of the assessment, such as: informing holistic policy interventions, guiding investment decisions by both government and private sectors, establishing a baseline for AI maturity, mitigating intersectional inequalities, facilitating robust data governance, and providing recommendations for nurturing an ethical human-centred globally competitive AI ecosystem that balances innovation with safeguarding SA citizens from potential harms.
Panellists
Ms. Deshni Govender – GIZ South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini
Ms. Debra Setsiba – Department of Communication and Digital Technologies
Ms. Shamira Ahmed – Data Economy Policy Hub (DepHUB)
Prof. Jacques Joubert – University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Moderator Dr. Humphrey Brydon – UWC
Further detail on the AIMAF can be found here.