The South African Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has unveiled a comprehensive AI Policy Framework, signalling the nation’s commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for societal and economic benefits. This framework aims to create a robust AI ecosystem by fostering talent, enhancing digital infrastructure, and promoting research and innovation. Ethical considerations are central, with a focus on fairness, transparency, and the mitigation of biases. The policy seeks to align South Africa’s AI developments with global standards, ensuring that AI technologies are leveraged responsibly to address national challenges and drive sector-specific innovations across healthcare, education, finance, and more.
The framework represents a proactive step in setting the stage for future AI regulations and potentially a dedicated AI Act. As the country embraces AI’s transformative potential, the government emphasises the importance of balancing innovation with managing risks such as job displacement, privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas. The framework will undergo formal consultations with stakeholders to finalise it by the end of September 2024.
By laying down these strategic pillars, South Africa aims to ensure that AI accelerates the digital economy and promotes digital inclusion, benefiting all its citizens.
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has also asked for feedback on the framework document via e-mail. The full document can be accessed here in PDF format.
