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SA delegation heads to Silicon Valley on 15 November to study AI

A government delegation will visit Silicon Valley from 15 to 21 November to learn about artificial intelligence and look for investment and research partnerships.

By Central Admin2 min read

South Africa is sending a high-level delegation to Silicon Valley in California for a week-long visit from 15 to 21 November, according to SAnews. The group is led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande will be part of it.

What the trip is meant to achieve

The government says the visit is meant to deepen the country’s understanding of the worldwide artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation landscape. What the delegation learns is also expected to shape how South Africa develops and uses AI across government, industry and society.

Among the topics on the agenda are:

  • cyber security;
  • the use of AI and its effect on social and economic development;
  • possible investment in South Africa and collaboration with local partners.

Nzimande said the digital economy is a central pillar of the country’s ten-year science and innovation plan, which runs from 2022 to 2032. He added that AI is one of his department’s strategic priorities and that it is investing heavily in groundwork to build local capability.

In his view, engaging with Silicon Valley gives South Africa a chance to “strengthen national AI capabilities” and widen international research links. He also said it could help build a competitive and inclusive home-grown AI sector.

Who is travelling

Besides the minister, the ministry’s delegation will include senior officials from the ministry and the department, as well as the department’s Director-General. Chief executives and other representatives from several public science bodies will also go:

  • the Human Sciences Research Council;
  • the Technology Innovation Agency;
  • the National Research Foundation;
  • the National Advisory Council on Innovation.

The chairperson of the board of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research will join them, along with experts, academics, small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups.

What this means for South Africans

The trip is about planning and relationship-building, and the announcement does not mention any specific deals, funding amounts or job numbers. Any investment or partnership would only emerge from talks during or after the visit.

The inclusion of small businesses and start-ups in the group suggests that local entrepreneurs could be among those looking for contacts abroad. How AI is adopted across government and the wider economy will in time affect services and the kinds of skills employers look for. For now, readers can expect more detail about outcomes once the delegation returns.

This story is based on reporting by SAnews.

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