As discussions with stakeholders continue, their feedback will play a key role in building a strong AI policy.
The South African Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has released a national policy framework, marking a big step toward making the country a leader in artificial intelligence.
Local reports highlight this as an important “first step” in creating a full AI policy for South Africa. The department is now gathering input from the ICT industry and other stakeholders to fine-tune the policy.
How South Africa AI policy aims to boost technology
The department said that when the AI policy is finished, it will help create rules for AI and maybe even an AI law in South Africa. The policy focuses on important things needed to build a strong AI system.
It wants to make a great environment for AI by supporting research, training people, and improving technology. This will help make a digital world where everyone in South Africa can be included.
This policy comes after the African Union approved a big plan for AI on August 9. This plan encourages using AI in both public and private areas across Africa.
South Africa’s policy is part of a bigger effort to set up rules, create national AI plans, and strengthen resources and skills across the continent.
The department worked with experts from around the world to make sure the new AI policy fits with the best ideas and practices used in other countries.
They plan to talk with different groups about the policy and finish these talks by the end of September. People can share their thoughts on the policy by sending an email.
More and more African countries are starting to use AI. By July, six countries—Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda, and Senegal—had their own AI plans.
Other countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda are also making progress with AI policies and building organizations to support AI.
Nigeria is leading the way with many actions to promote AI. They’ve started a program to train 1,000 people each year in new technologies, including AI and blockchain.
