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Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute of South Africa and AI Hubs (University of Johannesburg and Tshwane University of Technology)

https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-khumbudzo-ntshavheni-launches-launch-artificial-intelligence-institute-south
Added by:   National contact point
Added on:   09 Jul 2025
Updated by:   OECD analyst
Updated on:   25 Dec 2025
South Africa is launching the Artificial Intelligence Institute to support digital innovation and skills. It is a partnership between the government and two universities”UJ and TUT”to help prepare the country for the future. This initiative follows expert recommendations to make South Africa a leader in new technologies.

Name in original language

Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Institute of South Africa and AI Hubs (University of Johannesburg and Tshwane University of Technology)

Initiative overview

The initiative has the following objectives:The launch of the AI Institute is realisation of one of the recommendations of the Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (PC4IR) and aims to place South Africa as a leading country in the world on digital technologies. During the 2022/3 Budget Vote Speech, the Minister made a commitment that the AI Institute will be launched this financial year to mark a new era in the country's digital transformation agenda.

Name of responsible organisation (in English)

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies

About the policy initiative

South Africa
South Africa

Organisation:

  • The Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies

Category:

  • AI policy initiatives, programmes and projects

Initiative type:

  • AI Research Centres/Centres of Excellence/Expertise, specialised AI teams, labs

Status:

  • Proposed or under development

Start Year:

  • 2022

Binding:

  • Non-binding

Other relevant urls:

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South Africa National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework

South Africa National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework

The South Africa National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework, published in October 2024 by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, is a first step towards developing a full National AI Policy. It aims to promote AI integration to drive economic growth, enhance societal well-being, and position South Africa as a leader in AI innovation.

Start year: 2024
Country/Organisation: South Africa
National Cloud and Data Policy

National Cloud and Data Policy

South Africa’s National Data and Cloud Policy is a policy framework adopted in 2024 to guide the use of data and cloud computing in the country, with the aim of improving public service delivery, supporting a data‑driven digital economy and strengthening national digital infrastructure.

Start year: 2024
Country/Organisation: South Africa
Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution South Africa

Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution South Africa

The South African hub of the WEF C4IR network advances smart regulation for emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain, through collaboration with government regulators and the technology industry in South Africa.

Start year: 2019
Country/Organisation: South Africa
Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Presidential Commission on Fourth Industrial Revolution consists of leaders from academia, business and civil society.

Start year: 2019
Country/Organisation: South Africa
Consensus Study on the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Genetics and Genomics in South Africa

Consensus Study on the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Genetics and Genomics in South Africa

Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) undertook a consensus study on the ethical, legal and social implications of genetics and genomics work, as they relate to research, health service provision and forensic applications (medical and legal) in South Africa.

Start year: 2016
Country/Organisation: South Africa
Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), South Africa's data protection law, was assented to by Parliament on 19 November 2013, with most provisions commencing on 1 July 2020 and a one-year grace period for compliance ending on 30 June 2021. Its purpose is to protect individuals from harm by safeguarding their personal information, preventing financial and identity theft and upholding privacy as a fundamental human right.

Start year: 2013
Country/Organisation: South Africa
Scientific and Technological R&D Tax Incentive Guidelines

Scientific and Technological R&D Tax Incentive Guidelines

Companies undertaking scientific and technological R&D in the Republic of South Africa can qualify for a 150 per cent tax deduction for the operational R&D expenditure in terms of section 11D of the ITA, if their R&D activities are approved by the Minister of Science and Technology.

Start year: 2006
Country/Organisation: South Africa