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.

AI has the potential to transform policymaking – in Africa and beyond.

That’s why the Policy Innovation Lab at Stellenbosch University’s School for Data Science and Computational Thinking has built an AI platform for African policymakers.

We filmed this video in the mountains around Stellenbosch to show how AI systems and their impacts are ultimately concrete and tangible. With the beta launch of the platform, selected South African policy entities now have secure access to a suite of tools that simplify how policy is developed, analysed and communicated. The platform allows users to:

  • Summarise complex policy documents in seconds
  • Compare policies across countries or timeframes
  • Track media trends and narrative shifts
  • Generate evidence-based policy briefs instantly

Latest

NEWS

  • Goalkeepers profile: Matlhogonolo Ledwaba

    This month, the Policy Innovation Lab is spotlighting Goalkeeper Matlhogonolo Ledwaba. Through Plant to Plate, an initiative of The Bread Box Bakery & Studio, she uses cooking, baking, and hydroponic gardening to teach children and communities about nutrition, food production, and small enterprise. By turning a beloved local bakery into a hub for learning and innovation, Matlhogonolo is helping families improve household food security, opening pathways for youth and women to earn an income, and advancing progress toward Zero Hunger and other SDGs in her community.

  • Update to our catalogue of AI public sector use cases

    Find out about the latest update to our Catalogue of AI tools used by governments worldwide.

  • Leading with Ubuntu: Rethinking leadership in contemporary organisations

    Goalkeepers South Africa met online on 1 December for the ninth session of the series hosted by Stellenbosch University’s Policy Innovation Lab. Led by Dr Ofentse Theledi, the discussion showed how Ubuntu can guide everyday leadership and strengthen efforts to localise the SDGs across sectors and communities.

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.

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