Cyril Ramaphosa emphasizes AI for sustainable development in South Africa’s G20 presidency, highlighting the National AI Skilling Initiative for public servants and a National AI Policy. He praises Microsoft’s investment in training one million South Africans in AI by 2026 and stresses the need for skilled talent. Ramaphosa expects tangible outcomes from the presidency to enhance the global digital economy.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has articulated that harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable development is a critical focus during South Africa’s G20 presidency. He expressed enthusiasm regarding the recently launched National AI Skilling Initiative aimed at equipping public servants with essential AI competencies, during his speech at the Microsoft South Africa Investment Announcement.
In his address, Ramaphosa outlined the government’s efforts to finalize a cybersecurity bill designed to enhance the security of online government services and safeguard citizens’ digital financial transactions. Furthermore, South Africa is advancing a National AI Policy that aims to position the nation as a leader in AI innovation while addressing the broader social implications of AI technology.
Ramaphosa commended Microsoft’s significant investments in South Africa, particularly their initiative to educate one million South Africans in AI skills, machine learning, and cybersecurity by the year 2026. He posited that Microsoft’s enduring presence in the nation since 1992 represents a significant endorsement of South Africa’s economy.
Highlighting AI’s transformative potential, Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity for skilled talent and the technology’s ability to generate employment opportunities. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to leveraging new technologies to spur Africa’s growth and development, asserting high hopes that South Africa’s G20 presidency would yield substantial results towards enhancing the global digital economy and leveling the AI playing field for all nations.
In summary, President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in sustainable development during South Africa’s G20 presidency. With the launch of initiatives aimed at skill development and cybersecurity, South Africa is positioning itself as a leader in AI innovation. The commitment to training a million South Africans reflects the nation’s aspirational goals for harnessing technology for economic growth and job creation.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
