TL;DR:
- The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) is launching in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
- SAAIA aims to promote responsible AI adoption for commercial and societal benefit in South Africa.
- Driven by economic growth, trade, investment, equality, and inclusivity, SAAIA brings together stakeholders from various sectors.
- SAAIA’s mission is to be the industry voice, provide analysis and research, assist governments in policy making, unite buyers and suppliers, and support SMMEs.
- It seeks to attract foreign direct investment, facilitate international market access for African tech companies, and showcase South African AI innovation.
- SAAIA emphasizes inclusion, ethics, regulation, standards, and knowledge sharing for all stakeholders.
- Individual membership is free, offering resources and discounts for AI Expo Africa.
Main AI News:
South Africa, known for its burgeoning technological landscape, is taking a significant step towards embracing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI). The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) will be officially launched on July 19, 2023, in partnership with the esteemed Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), a prominent hub for AI innovation in South Africa.
SAAIA’s primary mission is to promote the adoption of responsible AI practices, fostering both commercial and societal benefits for the citizens of South Africa. By uniting professionals across various sectors, including commercial, government, academia, start-ups, and NGOs, SAAIA aims to encourage stakeholders to harness the power of AI while prioritizing economic growth, trade, investment, equality, and inclusivity.
Dr. Nick Bradshaw, the visionary founder of SAAIA, emphasizes the association’s commitment to analyzing both global and local landscapes, identifying needs, and conducting extensive research. This comprehensive approach has shed light on the challenges and opportunities that AI and related smart technologies can bring to South Africa, benefitting citizens and bolstering the wider economy.
According to SAAIA’s research, AI and automation technologies are already making waves across 120+ traditional industries worldwide, simultaneously creating new opportunities and challenges at an unprecedented pace. The speed of this disruption surpasses that of any previous industrial revolution. Consequently, SAAIA strives to guide stakeholders in adopting responsible AI, focusing on vital aspects such as regulation, economic growth, trade, investment, fairness, equality, and inclusivity.
To achieve its goals, SAAIA pledges to engage individuals and organizations, catering to both novices and experts, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transformative era of AI. It staunchly believes that the benefits presented by artificial intelligence should be accessible to all, rather than limited to a select few. Therefore, SAAIA’s mission rests on ten key objectives that underpin its activities:
- Serving as the voice of the industry.
- Providing analysis and research to inform strategy and decision-making processes.
- Assisting national, provincial, and local governments in policymaking.
- Facilitating collaboration between buyers and suppliers to bolster economic growth.
- Connecting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to funding, thus promoting the creation of new companies and job opportunities.
- Attracting foreign direct investment to South Africa, positioning it as the gateway to Africa’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
- Assisting African smart tech companies in accessing international markets.
- Showcasing the best of South African AI innovation and research.
- Promoting debate on inclusion, ethics, regulation, and standards within the AI ecosystem.
- Sharing best practices and educational resources for the benefit of all stakeholders.
SAAIA’s founding partners and Advisory Board members represent diverse domains and possess a shared passion for the adoption of responsible AI. Noteworthy participants include the national Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (DCDT), the AI Institute of South Africa, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Johannesburg, Google, Western Cape Government, Gauteng Tourism Authority, MICT SETA, Anza Capital, Michalsons, GIZ, Izwe.ai, ExploreAI, Cirrus AI, TinyML Foundation, Augmented Startups, Data Economy Policy Hub, Socially Acceptable, mLab, Zindi, the Technology Innovation Agency, ecosystem.Ai, and Webber Wentzel.
The launch of SAAIA aligns perfectly with the current landscape, as affirmed by Prof Anish Kurien, the Acting Director of the TUT AI Hub. The AI Institute, launched by the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (DCDT), has already established two AI Hubs—one at the University of Johannesburg and another at TUT. These initiatives aim to capitalize on emerging digital technologies on a global scale, emphasizing the need for research and development that caters to the country’s development needs.
Furthermore, the establishment of the AI Institute emphasizes the importance of training society in AI-based technologies, with a focus on creating a positive social impact. Achieving this ambitious goal requires collaboration among various stakeholders, all dedicated to the ethical utilization of AI. TUT proudly joins forces with AI Media to host the launch of the AI Association, emphasizing its commitment to driving societal impact through AI adoption.
Individuals can join SAAIA free of charge, gaining access to valuable resources, insights, and news throughout the year. Additionally, members enjoy exclusive discounts to attend the association’s flagship annual event, AI Expo Africa, scheduled to take place from November 2-3 at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Conclusion:
The launch of South Africa’s SAAIA and its partnership with TUT signal a significant development in the country’s AI landscape. With a focus on responsible AI adoption, the association aims to drive economic growth, inclusivity, and societal benefits. By bringing together stakeholders and addressing key objectives, SAAIA creates a conducive environment for AI innovation and investment in South Africa. This initiative highlights the country’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the global AI market and positioning itself as an attractive destination for AI-related ventures.
