AI: A leapfrog opportunity for South African economic growth

The publication of SA’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework marks a crucial, proactive step forward. These initiatives highlight the government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for AI adoption while addressing its deployment's ethical, social, and economic implications.

AI has the power to transform various sectors of the South African economy. In the marketing sectors I work in AI is transformative. This technology enhances targeting and personalisation, boosts efficiencies, and improves productivity. It is already creating new business models and revenue streams.

By leveraging AI-powered tools, businesses can gain deeper insights into consumer behaviour, tailor their messaging to specific audiences, and automate routine tasks. Marketing is becoming increasingly complex, but AI frees up valuable time for strategic thinking and creativity.

AI improves society

Beyond marketing, AI's potential extends to critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. In healthcare AI improves diagnostics, enables personalised medicine, and enhances patient care.

In education, AI personalises learning experiences, provides intelligent tutoring systems, and bridges the gap between skills and job opportunities. AI is already optimising crop yields, improving resource management, and enhancing food security.

South Africa currently holds the 69th position in Tortoise Media’s Global AI Index, the first benchmark of nations that ranks the level of implementation, innovation and investment in AI in 83 countries worldwide. South Africa was 55th in the index in 2023. Our has dropped by 14 positions within the last year.

The benchmark rates the international AI landscape across talent, infrastructure, operating environment, research, development, commercial ventures and government strategy. Underpinned by 122 indicators, The Global AI Index used data from 24 different public and private data sources, and 83 governments.

A technological revolution

South Africa has promising potential for growth with AI, but so much more can be done to improve our gearing to take advantage of this technological revolution. The successful integration of AI into the South African economy demands a layered approach by industry, our government and all stakeholders who want to take this country forward.

We need to create an enabling environment for AI adoption. This means investing in infrastructure like high-speed internet and cloud computing services. Investors and businesses need incentives to invest in AI technologies. Collaboration should be actively encouraged so that public-private partnerships foster AI innovation to ensure SA remains globally competitive.

To move forward and leapfrog growth we must invest in human capital. The development of AI literacy and skills needs to be prioritised across all levels of education and training. By equipping our workforce with the necessary skills, we can ensure that South Africans are not only consumers of AI but also creators and innovators.

Importantly together with government, industry and all stakeholders must address the ethical and social implications of AI. Data governance, algorithmic transparency, and fairness should be at the forefront of our AI policy framework. By establishing clear guidelines and regulatory oversight, we can build trust in AI technologies and ensure that their benefits are equitably distributed across society.

Transformative power

The journey towards an AI-powered future will not be without its challenges. Job displacement, algorithmic bias, and data privacy concerns are all issues that need to be addressed proactively. If we do this right, we will be able to create more jobs than ever before while generating wealth for our nation. By embracing AI responsibly and ethically, South Africa can harness its transformative power to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future.

As an advocate for digital transformation in SA and Africa, I've long believed in our potential to harness technology for economic growth and social progress. Today, I am more convinced than ever that AI represents a game-changing opportunity for South Africa.

South Africa, with its rich human capital and entrepreneurial spirit, is well-positioned to embrace AI. But to fully unlock its potential, we need a strategic and coordinated approach that addresses the ethical, social, and economic implications of its deployment. But without an enabling environment, we will not be able to take advantage of the massive economic and social growth opportunities that AI promises.

By working together government and that business sector can ensure we don’t get left behind. By moving forward together we can use AI not just as a technology, but as a tool that can empower SA and Africa to achieve our collective aspirations. Working together, we can ensure that AI serves as a catalyst for positive change, driving South Africa towards a brighter, better future.