Cabinet Greenlights Draft National AI Policy for Public Consultation

The move comes amid growing global urgency to establish ethical, regulatory, and economic frameworks for AI, as countries race to leverage its transformative potential.

Cabinet has approved the publication of South Africa’s draft Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy for public comment, marking a significant step toward establishing a national framework to regulate, harness, and scale AI across the economy.

Announcing the decision during a post-Cabinet briefing, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the policy is designed to ensure that the benefits and risks of AI are equitably shared across society, while positioning South Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.

Balancing Innovation with Responsibility

Ntshavheni emphasised that the policy seeks to strike a careful balance between driving innovation and managing risk, particularly as AI technologies rapidly reshape industries, labour markets, and governance systems.

“The policy aims to strengthen government’s ability to regulate and adopt AI responsibly, while encouraging local innovation, supporting job creation and improving access to AI skills,” she said.

The move comes amid growing global urgency to establish ethical, regulatory, and economic frameworks for AI, as countries race to leverage its transformative potential.

Six Pillars to Guide South Africa’s AI Future

The draft policy is built around six core pillars, providing a structured roadmap for AI development and deployment:

1. Capacity and Talent Development

Focused on building a skilled workforce through education, training, and digital literacy to meet rising demand for AI expertise.

2. AI for Inclusive Growth and Job Creation

Leveraging AI to drive economic expansion while ensuring that opportunities are accessible across sectors and communities.

3. Responsible Governance

Establishing regulatory frameworks and institutional capacity to oversee AI development and mitigate risks.

4. Ethical and Inclusive AI

Promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems, while preventing bias and discrimination.

5. Cultural Preservation and International Integration

Ensuring AI reflects local contexts and values while aligning with global standards and fostering international collaboration.

6. Human-Centred Deployment

Prioritising human welfare, rights, and dignity in the design and application of AI technologies.

Phased Approach to Manage Sector-Specific Risks

Recognising that AI adoption varies across industries, the policy proposes a phased implementation strategy, allowing government to tailor regulation and support mechanisms based on sector-specific needs and risk levels.

This approach acknowledges that:

• High-risk sectors (such as healthcare and finance) require stricter oversight

• Emerging sectors may need more flexible, innovation-friendly frameworks

• Public sector adoption must be carefully managed to ensure accountability

Driving Economic Growth in a Digital Era

Government sees AI as a key driver of economic transformation, with the potential to:

• Enhance productivity across industries

• Create new job categories and business models

• Improve service delivery in sectors such as healthcare, education, and public administration

• Strengthen South Africa’s competitiveness in global digital markets

At the same time, the policy aims to address concerns around job displacement, ensuring that workforce transitions are supported through reskilling and upskilling initiatives.

Public Participation to Shape Final Policy

The publication of the draft policy opens the door for broad public consultation, allowing stakeholders—including industry, academia, civil society, and citizens—to contribute to shaping South Africa’s AI future.

This participatory approach is expected to:

• Strengthen policy legitimacy

• Incorporate diverse perspectives

• Identify sector-specific challenges and opportunities

• Build public trust in AI governance

Positioning South Africa in the Global AI Landscape

The policy also reflects South Africa’s ambition to align with international AI governance frameworks while maintaining local relevance and sovereignty.

By integrating global best practices with domestic priorities, government aims to position the country as a responsible and innovative AI hub on the African continent.

A Strategic Step Toward Digital Transformation

Cabinet’s approval of the draft AI policy signals a broader commitment to digital transformation, inclusive growth, and future-ready governance.

As AI continues to reshape economies worldwide, South Africa’s approach—grounded in ethics, inclusion, and innovation—will be critical in determining how the technology impacts society.