National AI Summit to share the contents of draft National AI Plan as South Ramps up its focus on Artificial Intelligence
The advancement in Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a technology has created a breeding storm and necessitates that each sovereign country to have a deep look at its propensity, impact and pitfalls towards its citizens and needed governance systems. The draft National AI Plan approaches the computing system in a logical flow that would provide impetus for adoption and provision of direction to all stakeholders.
National AI Strategy Summit 2024
The DCDT Minister, Honourable Minister Gungubele has convened a National AI Summit to share the contents of draft National AI Plan with key stakeholders and the ICT industry. This is a pre-policy process that is intended to collate the inputs and incorporate them into the draft plan before it being taken through the Cabinet System for release for public comments. The Summit was held at the AI Institute Hub at UoJ.
National AI Strategy Summit 2024
During his welcome speech, Minister Gungubele’s Keynote Address at the National AI Government Summit 5 April 2024 the Minister stated “The Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa (AIISA) has started to focus on ensuring the key economic sectors are first to leverage AI capabilities. We launched the first AI Hub in UJ focused on Manufacturing because of the size of its contribution to GDP which is close to 14%. We then launched the second AI Hub in TUT focusing mainly on Automotive Sector because of the vastness of vehicle production and assembling in the South Africa. We are also launching the CUT AI Hub focused on Agriculture and Farming as a notable sector. Before the end of May, we plan to launch the AI Hub focused on Defence and Military capabilities at our Military Academy, Saldanha, West Coast of the Western Cape.”
Members of the newly created South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) an industry body focused on promoting the advancement of responsible AI in South Africa stated attended and exhibited at the event.
Dr Nick Bradshaw, Founder and Director of SAAIA who chaired one of the panels, stated, “This event was another great step forward in creating a robust national strategy and fostering collaboration across the local and regional AI Ecosystem in South Africa. AI is impacting every sector of the economy and society so its key we act now to develop a National Strategy that embraces the speed of innovation and yet at the same time we encourage and educate all stakeholders in the adoption of responsible AI for the commercial and societal benefit of the citizens of South Africa. We have to make sure we have a primary focus on economic growth, trade, investment, equality and inclusivity for all if everyone is to see the benefits of this rapidly exploding / cross cutting mega trend.”
Members of the newly created South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) attended the event and showcased at the exhibition
Learn more about SAAIA – The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) is an industry body focused on promoting the advancement of responsible AI in South Africa by uniting practitioners across Commercial, Government, Academic, Startup and NGO sectors >>> https://saaiassociation.co.za
Click here to access the Discussion Document
Click here to access the National AI Government Summit Programme
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