The Stellenbosch University Policy Innovation Lab brought together policymakers and researchers to strengthen evidence-based policymaking amid growing global uncertainty. Focusing on economic diplomacy, policy brief writing and artificial intelligence, the dialogue highlighted the importance of translating rigorous research into practical, timely and politically informed advice to support South Africa’s international engagement.

A Gates Foundation visit to Stellenbosch highlights how catalytic funding is driving investment, advancing digital public infrastructure, and enabling AI for policymaking. The work supports South-South learning and builds scalable tools and institutional capacity across African governments.

The Policy Innovation Lab participated in the Sustainable Development Goals Initiative II partners' workshop held in Pretoria. The workshop brought together government, academia and civil society partners to advance evidence-informed policymaking and strengthen the use of digital tools and responsible AI in government.

Stellenbosch University’s Policy Innovation Lab led the development of the FemAI Policy Playbook, launched as South Africa confronts gender-based violence as a newly declared national disaster. The Playbook sets out how AI can improve the implementation of South Africa's extensive policy framework aimed at ending gender-based violence.

The recent LMU–SU workshop on interdisciplinarity laid the foundation for translation the institutions' formal partnership into substantive collaboration. Scholars from both institutions compared approaches to interdisciplinary teaching and the role of AI, highlighting clear alignment and identifying opportunities for joint programme development and future research cooperation.

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.

The FemAI webinar, co-hosted by the Policy Innovation Lab, brought together voices from law, policy and technology to explore how AI impacts women and why women must shape it. The session called for more inclusive, transparent and accountable AI across Africa.

The Western Cape government invited the Lab to participate in a academic consultation on their Digital Transformation Plan 2.0.

The Policy Innovation Lab joined a high-level dialogue on AI and human rights with TUM’s IEAI and LMU, supporting and unpacking the implications of the 'Munich Convention on AI, Data and Human Rights'. From Stellenbosch, the Lab's experts highlighted Global South voices and outlined interoperable standards for human rights-based AI governance.

Dr Itai Makone joined policy-focused training in Morocco, hosted by the AAU, to strengthen how research informs public decision-making. The session underscored the value of clear communication, strategic engagement and policy briefs as tools for academic impact.

During a recent series of engagements with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany, the Policy Innovation Lab presented at a workshop hosted by the TUM Think Tank and engaged in mutual learning on policy with and for AI.

James Haw recently represented the Policy Innovation Lab at a FARI-hosted workshop in Brussels, sharing lessons on AI in government and reflecting on the global need for people-centred, adaptive, and collaborative AI governance frameworks.

In July 2025, Tinashe Chikunichawa, Assistant Project Manager at the Policy Innovation Lab, joined doctoral researchers at Venice International University’s PhD Academy to explore sustainability through the lens of urban waste management. Fieldwork in Venice deepened her insights into systems thinking, policy design, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

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.

Supported by SU's Policy Innovation Lab, a recent presidential roundtable addressed high turnover in public service leadership. Through preparatory webinars and participation in the main event, the Lab contributed to discussions on key reforms to professionalise senior roles, aiming for a stable, effective administration shielded from political interference.

Bill Gates recently outlined the Gates Foundation’s priorities for the next two decades. In South Africa, the Policy Innovation Lab, a Foundation grantee, is applying AI to strengthen policymaking. This work helps governments respond more effectively to complex challenges, ultimately supporting more people on a path to opportunity and prosperity.