President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in California in the United States for a working visit to Silicon Valley, where he is expected to engage with some of the world’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies, investors and technology experts.
Ramaphosa is leading a high-level, multi-stakeholder South African delegation to gain insights into the global AI ecosystem and inform the country’s approach to developing, adopting and applying the rapidly evolving technology.
The delegation comprises representatives from government, academia, business, research institutions, technical experts and university students, reflecting South Africa’s commitment to an inclusive and collaborative approach to harnessing the opportunities presented by AI.
The programme includes engagements with leading technology companies, investors, researchers, academics and AI specialists, as well as technology leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
The visit is aimed at learning directly from Silicon Valley, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading technology hubs, about how AI is developed, financed, regulated and deployed, and identifying lessons that South Africa could apply to its own development priorities.
South Africa seeks to strengthen its AI ambitions
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economies, employment, education, healthcare, agriculture and public services.
South Africa is seeking to position itself not merely as a consumer of AI technologies developed elsewhere, but also as a developer and contributor to innovations that address its own economic and social development needs.
The visit is expected to help inform the country’s national approach in several key areas, including:
- AI development and innovation.
- Adoption of AI across government and business.
- Skills development, research and university partnerships.
- Investment in South Africa’s digital economy.
- Responsible, ethical and inclusive use of artificial intelligence.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said ahead of the visit that the programme would include engagements with leading technology companies, investors, researchers, academics and AI experts, alongside technology demonstrations and knowledge exchanges.
“These engagements will provide an opportunity to explore developments in frontier AI, robotics, data infrastructure, cloud computing, digital innovation and the practical application of AI across various sectors,” Magwenya said.
Ramaphosa expected to visit China next year
Magwenya also revealed that Ramaphosa is expected to undertake a similar learning visit to Shanghai, China, when the Asian country hosts the BRICS+ gathering next year.
The planned engagement is expected to provide further opportunities for South Africa to learn from international developments in artificial intelligence and technological innovation.
Further details about the President’s engagements in Silicon Valley are expected to be released by the Presidency during the course of the visit.