Specno Urges Swift Development of Comprehensive AI Policy in South…

Specno urges the South African government to expedite the national AI policy finalization for economic growth. Despite being a leading economy, South Africa lags behind countries like Nigeria and Rwanda in AI development. The AI sector is projected to significantly boost Africa’s GDP and offer employment opportunities, demanding timely policy implementation to leverage these advancements effectively.

Specno has urged the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies in South Africa to expedite the completion of a national policy on artificial intelligence (AI). In October of the previous year, the Department released a draft National AI Policy Framework for public comment, marking an essential step towards establishing a comprehensive policy to enhance the country’s infrastructure, economy, and social growth in the AI sector.

Daniel Novitzkas, Chairman at Specno, highlighted that despite South Africa’s position as Africa’s second-largest economy, other nations such as Nigeria, Mauritius, and Rwanda are advancing more rapidly in developing AI strategies. Notably, Rwanda is set to host Africa’s first AI Global Summit, focused on the continent’s role in the global AI economy.

The expected growth of the AI industry in Africa, projected to generate $1.2 trillion by 2030 and contribute a 5.6% increase in GDP, necessitates South Africa’s swift adaptation to harness the benefits of AI. Novitzkas pointed out that the draft policy acknowledges significant challenges hindering South Africa’s digital technology growth, including a persistent digital divide and systemic bureaucratic resistance to change.

AI technology presents solutions to various social and economic demands, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and public safety. The adoption of AI could create numerous job opportunities, potentially alleviating the country’s unemployment crisis.

Additionally, Novitzkas emphasized that AI has the potential to address pressing challenges in South Africa, such as water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. AI-driven sensors could efficiently monitor water infrastructure, prevent leaks, and forecast agricultural droughts, facilitating proactive planning.

The private sector in South Africa is poised to embrace AI technologies. For instance, Microsoft aims to train one million South Africans in AI and cybersecurity by 2026, while MTN collaborates with China Telecom and Huawei to boost its AI services and cloud capabilities.

In conclusion, while the advancement of AI is still in its nascent stages, the active involvement of industry experts is crucial for maximizing its potential. Novitzkas asserts the importance of the government swiftly implementing a policy framework with input from industry stakeholders to maintain South Africa’s competitive edge in the AI landscape across Africa.

In summary, Specno’s call for an accelerated AI policy framework underscores the urgency for South Africa to harness AI technologies. The nation must address existing challenges while recognizing the potential for job creation and innovation in key sectors. By collaborating with industry stakeholders, the South African government can ensure competitive positioning within the global AI economy and facilitate the country’s growth in this critical technological space.

Original Source: www.zawya.com