Responsible AI for transformative policymaking in South Africa

Illustration depicting the use of data science tools for policymaking in South Africa

We advance responsible AI to transform policymaking and drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. By working with The Presidency of South Africa and with the support of the Gates Foundation and GIZ we do so through research, capacity building, AI tool development and practical knowledge products.

Latest

NEWS

  • Reflections from Deep Learning IndabaX South Africa 2025

    Tino Muzondidya, Master’s student and Research Assistant at the Policy Innovation Lab, recently volunteered at Deep Learning IndabaX South Africa, deepening his expertise in ethical AI and data science while actively contributing to Africa’s dynamic machine learning community.

  • Lessons from civic tech review of citizen-generated data tool

    Lessons from a civic tech review of our citizen-generated data tool reveal the ethical, financial, and design trade-offs in deploying AI for policymaking. Our WhatsApp chatbot captures feedback to inform smarter, more responsive governance in South Africa.

  • Improving South Africa’s policy advice system: Lessons from Brazil, India and Kenya

    The Policy Innovation Lab hosted a Roundtable in Pretoria where our experts presented digital tools and best practices for policy advisory systems in Brazil, India, Kenya, and South Africa. Attendees included government, academia, and civil society.

The

GOALKEEPERS

Public engagement initiatives collect and share inspirational stories of policy innovation at all levels of society. We do this primarily through hosting the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers South Africa network.

The

Sustainable Development Goals

Multistakeholder dialogues identify opportunities for policy innovation that align with South Africa’s SDG priorities and address pressing societal challenges.