Leveraging AI to optimise South Africa’s policy advice system

This project aims to enchance South Africa’s policy advice system by integrating AI and digital tools to improve coordination, monitoring and evaluation of policies, linked to the SDGs. It involves identifying policy gaps, supporting institutional adoption of digital solutions, and strengthening government readiness for digital transformation.

Improving the implementation and co-ordination of digital transformation in the public sector

This project supports AI-driven digital transformation in South Africa’s public sector. It prototypes, catalogues and implements fit-for-purpose digital tools, assesses the state of digital transformation in the country, and provides evidence-based recommendations to advance government-wide digital initiatives. The project identifies and tracks priority digital transformation projects and collaborates with provincial, municipal and regional Centres of Government across South Africa and the SADC region to strengthen digital governance in the public sector.

Rethinking policymaking for frontier AI systems

This project examines how policymaking processes must evolve to address the unique challenges posed by advanced AI systems. We lead the AI and public policy working group within Meta’s Open Innovation AI Community, convening global experts to explore regulatory frameworks for frontier technologies. Key outputs include peer-reviewed articles on best practices, toolkits for policy design and actionable recommendations tailored to both South Africa and international contexts.

Supporting inclusive, equitable and just AI in the G20

This project supports South Africa’s G20 presidency by advancing the priority of equitable, inclusive and just AI. We have planned dialogues and intend to develop knowledge products to tackle key issues related to AI in the G20. Drawing on global best practices, we also intend to identify strategies and frameworks to help countries adopt AI ethically. Deliverables also include reports, peer-reviewed research and guidelines to for MSMEs and researchers.

Creating an AI platform to improve policy advice systems

This project focuses on developing a centralised AI platform tailored to the needs of South Africa’s public sector, enabling secure and efficient deployment of AI tools for policymaking. We aim to create a unified platform that enhances privacy, data security and usability. The platform will integrate tools for automating policy briefs, summarising policy documents and analysing citizen-generated data, ensuring streamlined and consistent access to advanced AI capabilities.

Exploring open-source AI infrastructure for transformative policymaking

This project investigates the potential of open-source AI platforms to support responsible and impactful policymaking. By examining the scalability, security and ethical implications of open source systems, we aim to develop frameworks for their integration into public sector decision-making.

Designing and delivering AI capacity building for policymakers

Training and capacity building are central to our mission. This project develops and delivers programmes to equip public policy professionals with the skills to use AI responsibly and effectively in policymaking. Activities include training interventions on AI tools and governance. Key outputs, in addition to training interventions, include training manuals, research on training impacts and a curriculum designed and delivered with partners.