President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to lead a high-level South African delegation to Silicon Valley in California, United States, as the country looks to strengthen its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, attract investment and secure a greater role in the global technology industry.
The working visit, scheduled for November 15 to 21, will bring together government representatives, business leaders, academics, researchers, technology experts and university students to engage with some of the world’s leading technology companies and institutions.
According to Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the visit is aimed at gaining insight into the global AI ecosystem and informing South Africa’s approach to developing and adopting the technology.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday, Magwenya said the programme would provide an opportunity to learn from countries and institutions at the forefront of AI development.
“The visit will provide an opportunity to learn from countries and institutions at the forefront of AI development, understand the associated risks and challenges, and consider how South Africa can develop an enabling policy, regulatory and skills environment to support responsible AI adoption,” he said.
A key part of the visit will be the Semafor: Silicon Valley and the World engagement on November 16, which will bring together international leaders and experts to discuss technological developments and the future of artificial intelligence.
The delegation will also visit Stanford University, where discussions will focus on AI’s implications for technology, national security, the economy, business and the labour market. The programme includes engagements with venture capital investors, academics and researchers, as well as a visit to a robotics laboratory.
Other scheduled engagements include visits to Google, Alphabet, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks and the Microsoft Experiential Centre.
The discussions will extend beyond technology demonstrations, with South Africa hoping to attract investment into its digital infrastructure and develop a competitive AI ecosystem on the continent.
A major focus will be the South Africa AI Opportunity gathering, held under the theme, “Building the African AI Economy: Infrastructure, Investment and Innovation”.
The engagement will explore the development of data centres, computing capacity, reliable energy supply, investment opportunities and support for local start-ups.
The Presidency said AI could create opportunities to improve productivity, strengthen public services, stimulate economic growth and support the development of new industries and employment opportunities.
Potential applications in South Africa include healthcare, education, criminal justice, public administration and public procurement.
However, the government has also acknowledged the need to address the risks associated with the technology, particularly around data protection, cybersecurity, governance and the future of work.
South Africa is also seeking to protect its digital sovereignty and ensure that it does not become entirely dependent on foreign technology and infrastructure.
In an earlier engagement with university vice-chancellors and national science councils, Ramaphosa stressed the importance of developing the country’s own technological capabilities.
“South Africa must be a producer, not merely a consumer, of emerging technologies,” he said.
He also called for stronger partnerships between government, universities and research institutions to develop the country’s artificial intelligence capabilities.
The visit comes as countries around the world compete to attract investment in AI infrastructure, research and innovation. For South Africa, the challenge will be translating international partnerships and technological developments into local investment, skills development and employment opportunities.
Ramaphosa will be accompanied by ministers responsible for Finance, International Relations and Cooperation, Science, Technology and Innovation, Trade, Industry and Competition, Communications and Digital Technologies, Electricity and Energy, Small Business Development and the Presidency.
The delegation will also include business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, researchers and technical experts.
The Presidency said the visit would promote South Africa as an investment destination while showcasing economic reforms, including Operation Vulindlela, and opportunities within the country’s digital economy.
The broader objective is to position South Africa as a competitive player in the African AI economy while ensuring that technological development contributes to inclusive economic growth.
