Specno urges the South African government to finalize a national AI policy, having published a draft for public comment. Daniel Novitzkas points out that other African nations are advancing in AI, while South Africa risks falling behind. With the AI industry projected to boost Africa’s GDP, collaboration between industry and government is essential to address challenges and seize the benefits of technological innovation.
Specno urges the South African government to collaborate closely with industry stakeholders to finalize a comprehensive national policy on artificial intelligence (AI). The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies published a draft National AI Policy Framework for public comment in October of last year, marking a pivotal first step towards shaping a comprehensive policy aimed at promoting infrastructure, digital, economic, and social advancement in South Africa while enhancing the country’s global standing in AI innovation.
Daniel Novitzkas, Chairman at Specno, highlights that despite South Africa being the second largest economy in Africa, countries like Nigeria, Mauritius, and Rwanda are progressing with their own AI strategies. In particular, Rwanda is set to host Africa’s inaugural AI Global Summit in April, underlining the continent’s evolving role in the global AI economy.
With projections indicating that the AI sector could generate $1.2 trillion by 2030, presenting a 5.6% increase in Africa’s GDP, South Africa must act swiftly to leverage the potential benefits of this advancing technology. Novitzkas addressed the challenges hindering the country’s digital technology growth, including a significant digital divide and bureaucratic inertia within governmental institutions.
The global advancement in AI technology highlights the urgency for South Africa to adopt an effective policy framework. According to the draft policy, AI could play a transformative role in key economic sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and public safety, potentially providing numerous job opportunities that could help alleviate unemployment in South Africa.
Moreover, AI has the potential to assist South Africa in addressing current challenges, such as water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. AI-powered sensors could be utilized to detect leaks in water pipelines and predict failures, while machine learning can optimize water usage based on historical data. Additionally, AI technology can analyze satellite images to forecast droughts, aiding agricultural planning.
The private sector in South Africa is also positioned to fully leverage AI technology. Microsoft has pledged to train one million South Africans in AI and cybersecurity by 2026, and MTN has formed a partnership with China Telecom and Huawei to enhance its 5G and AI capabilities.
In conclusion, Novitzkas emphasizes the need for industry experts to play a central role in maximizing the value of AI. He calls upon the government to expedite the policy framework, incorporating input from industry stakeholders in order to ensure South Africa maintains a competitive edge on the continent and continues to establish itself as a key player in the AI landscape.
In conclusion, the call for South Africa to expedite the development of a comprehensive AI policy is crucial for the nation’s future within a rapidly evolving digital landscape. By addressing current technological challenges and leveraging collaborations between government and industry, South Africa can capitalize on the economic benefits of AI. As the country faces pressing issues such as water scarcity and unemployment, timely implementation of AI solutions could foster significant social and economic advancements.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
