Artificial Intelligence

The South African Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has published a national policy framework, taking a significant step toward positioning the nation as a leader in artificial intelligence.&nbsp;
According to local media, this move is a crucial “first step” in <a href="https://techcentral.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/South-Africa-National-AI-Policy-Framework.pdf" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">developing</a> a comprehensive national AI policy for South Africa. The department is now seeking feedback from the information and communication technology (ICT) industry and other stakeholders to refine the policy.
<h3 id="the-framework-and-its-goals">The framework and its goals</h3>
Once finalized, the AI policy will serve as the “foundational basis” for creating AI regulations and potentially an AI Act in South Africa, according to the DCDT. The framework document outlines strategic focus pillars essential for AI policy development.&nbsp;
It aims to foster a robust AI ecosystem through coordinated efforts in research and development, talent cultivation and infrastructure enhancement.
This policy framework’s publication follows the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) approving the “Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy” on Aug. 9. The strategy <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/african-union-approves-ai-adoption" rel="null" target="null">promotes AI adoption </a>in both public and private sectors among AU member states, reflecting a broader continental commitment to AI advancement.
South Africa’s policy framework falls into the implementation period that prioritizes laying the groundwork by establishing governance frameworks, developing national AI strategies, mobilizing resources and enhancing capacities within the AU.
<h3 id="international-benchmarking">International benchmarking</h3>
The department revealed that extensive international benchmarking was conducted in developing the policy framework, ensuring that the framework aligns with global best practices and strategic focuses observed in other countries.
Related: <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/stablecoin-retail-cbdc-sandboxes-south-african-payments-roadmap" rel="" target="_self">Stablecoin, retail CBDC sandboxes are on South African payments roadmap</a>
The department intends to hold formal consultations with stakeholders and aims to conclude these discussions by the end of September. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the framework document via email.
Across Africa, countries are increasingly adopting AI strategies. As of July, six African countries — Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda, and Senegal — had developed stand-alone AI strategies.&nbsp;
Other nations, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, have made significant progress in <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/how-nigeria-stepped-up-its-ai-game-in-2023" rel="null" target="null">defining AI policies</a> and establishing<a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/nigeria-ai-blockchain-research-centers" rel="null" target="null"> institutions to drive AI development.</a>
However, Nigeria has <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/nigeria-initiative-ai-blockchain-training" rel="null" target="null">taken the lead so far</a> with more actions and programs facilitating the adoption of AI. The Nigerian government launched a government-led initiative to train 1,000 Nigerians annually on various cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and blockchain.
Magazine: <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/magazine/?s=AI#:~:text=Features%20Longevity%20expert%3A%20AI%20will%20help%20us%20become%20%E2%80%98biologically%20immortal%E2%80%99%20from%202030" rel="null" target="null">Longevity expert: AI will help us become ‘biologically immortal’ from 2030</a>

South Africa’s new AI framework sets foundation for tech leadership

Table of Contents

Cointelegraph

Other articles published on Aug 16, 2024

Binance US Spotlights XRP After Ripple Court Victory: Is an XRP ETF on the Horizon?

Wazirx Completes Maintenance: Still Open on Trade Levels, All Balances Restored

Stocks to Watch Today: Alphabet, Warner Bros. Discovery, and AMD

Cryptocurrency Market Recovers After Black Monday

Donald Trump’s $1M Ether Stash: Here’s What His Election Filings Reveal

Bitget Wallet users surge to over 30 Million

Join our free newsletter for daily crypto updates!