Advancing the research and application of data science tools to improve policymaking in South Africa.

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

We work alongside policymakers and societal actors to identify high-impact applications of data science tools that could accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in South Africa.

Latest Industry

NEWS

  • Rethinking policymaking in the era of AI: Insights from Meta’s annual open innovation workshop

    In October 2024, Prof. Willem Fourie participated in Meta’s Open Innovation AI Research Community Annual Workshop in London. He discussed the use of large language models to enhance policy advice in South Africa, addressing both their benefits and ethical challenges while emphasising the need for innovative policymaking approaches.

  • Goalkeepers profile: Bontle Tshole

    This month, the Policy Innovation Lab is spotlighting Goalkeeper Bontle Tshole. Discover how this inspiring entrepreneur is transforming health and wellness in South Africa through Baaa Health while empowering young women entrepreneurs with her business incubator, The Luminary.

  • Policy Innovation Lab in dialogue on the changing nature of development aid

    Prof. Willem Fourie participated in a dialogue at ODI on reframing development aid in a post-aid world, addressing the trust deficit, evolving aid narratives, and building equitable partnerships between Northern and Southern actors.

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.