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.

At the Policy Innovation Lab, we asked: What if the magnificent landscapes that surround us – Stellenbosch’s mountains, rivers and fynbos – could teach us something about artificial intelligence and policymaking? In this video, AI isn’t represented by machines or code, but by the very natural systems that shape our daily lives.

As you watch, look closely: Can you spot where AI appears not as data or devices, but as patterns and flows in the natural world?

Latest

NEWS

  • Evidence-based recommendations for the G20’s Anti-Corruption Working Group

    The Policy Innovation Lab is offering evidence-based recommendations to the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group on strengthening institutional integrity, enhancing asset recovery through AI, promoting inclusive policymaking, and protecting whistleblowers. The report highlights best practices from Brazil, South Africa, India and Kenya to promote transparency, accountability and collaboration in global anti-corruption efforts.

  • Creating a legislative catalogue for digital ID in South Africa

    The Policy Innovation Lab is supporting South Africa’s digital transformation by developing an AI-assisted legislative catalogue for the country’s envisioned digital ID system. This tool maps the complex legal framework governing digital ID, helping policymakers identify gaps and conflicts to ensure the system’s development is coherent, compliant and future-ready.

  • Synthesising G20 messages on AI, DPI and digital transformation

    Over the past four years, the G20 has developed an increasingly coherent digital governance framework through policy innovation in digital transformation, Digital Public Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence. A synthesis by the Policy Innovation Lab, TUM Think Tank and Harvard’s Global Network analyses over 200 G20 documents, with final reports to be released in late 2025.

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.