New training equips policymakers with digital tools for smarter governance
The Policy Innovation Lab equips policymakers with digital skills to enhance evidence-based governance. A recent training covered AI, modelling, and citizen-generated data, fostering ethical and responsible decision-making. Participants praised the sessions’ practical approach to advancing data-driven policy insights.
Policy Innovation Lab facilitates meeting with IDOS to boost evidence-based policymaking in South Africa
The Policy Innovation Lab recently hosted a multistakeholder workshop with IDOS, a Germany-based global think tank, to enhance South Africa's policy advisory capacity. They shared strategies for evidence-based policymaking and overcoming challenges. The goal is to build an effective, independent approach supporting inclusive and sustainable development.
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.
UN Summit of the Future adopts Global Digital Compact to shape AI and digital technologies
The recently-adopted Global Digital Compact marks the beginning of a new era of international cooperation on digital technologies and AI. Its success hinges on the active engagement of all stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, civil society and international organisations.
SU’s Policy Lab helps build public sector trust in AI with online catalogue of tools
Stellenbosch University’s Policy Innovation Lab is building public sector trust in AI through a new online catalogue of AI tools. The newly-released searchable catalogue showcases AI applications relevant to South Africa, drawing from the European Union’s best practices to improve service delivery and administration and build public trust.
Dr Gray Manicom represents Lab at Meta LLM community meetup
In August, Meta hosted the Llama Community Meetup at their headquarters in Johannesburg, following the release of Meta’s latest open-source large language model, Llama 3.1. Dr Gray Manicom represented the Policy Innovation Lab at the meeting, and discusses some of the highlights.
New GSMA report highlights AI’s potential economic impact in Africa
The GSMA has released a new report highlighting AI's potential to boost Africa's economy by $2.9 trillion by 2030, significantly advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, it analyzes over 90 use cases in agriculture, food security, energy, and climate action, and examines the maturity of AI ecosystems.
Lab roundtable brings together AI experts and policymakers
A recent roundtable meeting held in Stellenbosch by the Policy Innovation Lab brought together experts from various fields to discuss the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and governance to strengthen policymaking in South Africa.
Policy Innovation Lab releases briefing note on digital transformation in the public sector
The Policy Innovation Lab has released a briefing note proposing a framework for digital transformation in South Africa's public sector.
How AI is impacting policy processes and outcomes in Africa
A look at some of the challenges and opportunities AI presents in the African public sector.
How AI might solve protest issues
We look at recent protests in South Africa and how AI can be used to solve the protester's issues.
Data-fueled government
In the face of COVID-19 many governments sought integrated data solutions. Where to now?
