Specno has urged the South African government to expedite the finalization of a national AI policy framework. The need for action is underscored by the potential of AI to drive economic growth and tackle social challenges. With competitive pressures from other African nations, Swift policy development and stakeholder collaboration are vital for South Africa’s position in the AI landscape.
Specno urges the South African government to collaborate closely with industry stakeholders to finalize a comprehensive national artificial intelligence (AI) policy. In October 2022, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies released a draft National AI Policy Framework for public feedback, marking a pivotal step towards establishing a robust policy to facilitate infrastructure and socio-economic growth, enhancing South Africa’s global standing in AI innovation.
Despite being Africa’s second-largest economy, South Africa lags behind other nations like Nigeria, Mauritius, and Rwanda in AI development. Rwanda is set to host Africa’s first AI Global Summit in April, demonstrating a rising commitment among African nations to adopt AI strategies and policies. “According to the Institute for Security Studies…,” explained Daniel Novitzkas, Chairman at Specno, indicating the urgency for South Africa to accelerate its efforts in this domain.
The projected growth of the AI industry in Africa is estimated to yield $1.2 trillion by 2030, contributing a significant 5.6% GDP rise across the continent. South Africa must promptly adapt to effectively harness this burgeoning technological advancement. The draft policy outlines existing challenges hindering digital growth, such as the digital divide and historical inequalities, alongside bureaucratic hurdles in government.
As AI grows globally, South Africa must rapidly adopt a framework to maximize innovation benefits. Potential applications in critical sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and public safety can tackle social challenges and create new job opportunities to alleviate unemployment. Novitzkas emphasized that, “AI… can also go a long way in future proofing South Africa…,” advocating for integrating AI solutions to address pressing issues like water scarcity and optimizing agricultural practices.
The private sector shows readiness to implement AI technology. Microsoft plans to train one million South Africans in AI and cybersecurity by 2026, while MTN has partnered with China Telecom and Huawei to bolster its AI and cloud services capabilities. Novitzkas concluded by stressing the necessity for the government to expedite the policy framework, incorporating industry input to ensure South Africa remains competitive in the African AI landscape.
In conclusion, Specno’s call for a collaborative approach between the South African government and industry stakeholders emphasizes the importance of finalizing a comprehensive AI policy. Given the significant potential of AI to enhance socio-economic growth and address pressing challenges, it is crucial for South Africa to keep pace with global advancements. Immediate action is needed to harness AI’s capabilities effectively and maintain competitiveness within the African continent.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
