AI for Sustainable Development: A Priority in South Africa’s G20 Presidency

During South Africa’s G20 presidency, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted AI’s role in sustainable development and announced the National AI Skilling Initiative to train public servants. He also mentioned the forthcoming cybersecurity bill and the National AI Policy aimed at enhancing innovation. Furthermore, Ramaphosa praised Microsoft’s investment to train one million South Africans in AI by 2026, emphasizing AI’s potential for job creation and economic growth.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable development is a key focus during South Africa’s G20 presidency. He expressed particular enthusiasm for the National AI Skilling Initiative aimed at training public servants in AI applications, as discussed during his address at the Microsoft South Africa Investment Announcement.

Additionally, President Ramaphosa mentioned that the country is in the process of finalizing a cybersecurity bill to safeguard online government services and protect citizens’ digital transactions. He revealed that South Africa is developing a National AI Policy to enhance the nation’s leadership in AI innovation, while also considering the broader implications of AI.

Ramaphosa praised Microsoft’s commitment to investing in South Africa, specifically its initiative to train one million South Africans in AI skills, machine learning, and cybersecurity by 2026. This investment is seen as a strong endorsement of the South African economy since Microsoft has been present in the country since 1992.

Highlighting the transformative potential of AI, Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity of cultivating skilled talent and the potential for AI to generate employment opportunities. He reiterated the commitment to fostering new technologies that will drive growth and industrialization in Africa, stating that he holds high hopes for tangible outcomes from their G20 presidency, including advancements in the global digital economy and equitable AI access for all.

In summary, President Cyril Ramaphosa underscored the significance of AI in sustainable development as a major objective of South Africa’s G20 presidency. The launch of the National AI Skilling Initiative and the focus on cybersecurity highlight South Africa’s commitment to harnessing AI for economic advancement and job creation. The collaboration with Microsoft further signifies the importance placed on developing AI expertise within the nation.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr