South Africa has launched its Artificial Intelligence Association to accelerate the country’s adoption of AI in the wake of vast and growing interest among South Africans in the AI revolutionary technology, as shown by Google data.
By bringing together professionals from the private, public, academic, startup, and nonprofit sectors, the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) aimed to accelerate the development of ethical AI in the country.
SAAIA aspires to encourage stakeholders to embrace responsible AI for South African residents’ commercial and social benefit, with a major emphasis on economic development, trade, investment, equality, and inclusion. Discover More Here
The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) will advocate for the widespread use of AI in business and society for the betterment of all South Africans, with a particular emphasis on fostering the country’s expanding commercial, financial, political, and social horizons.
Dr Nick Bradshaw, co-founder of AI Media Africa and an expert in workplace collaboration software and cloud platforms, conceived the idea for SAAIA. Analysis of the global and local scene, identification of requirements, and filling in the gaps with research have all contributed to the development of the SAAIA vision. This has shown the difficulties and potential gains that artificial intelligence and similar smart technologies may bring to South African individuals and the economy as a whole.” Our vision is built on evidence and is anchored in accountable, human-centric AI,” it reads.
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The deployment of AI for commercial use
To ensure that no one is left behind, the SAAIA works to include everyone from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. It is crucial that the possibilities offered by AI be accessible to everybody who wants to make use of them. In addition to representing its members’ interests, the organisation hopes to aid national, provincial, and municipal governments in formulating policies by providing analysis and research to assist strategy and decision making.
Also, it hopes to facilitate discussions on inclusion, ethics, regulation, and standards; showcase the best of South African AI Innovation & Research; connect SMMEs to funding to launch new businesses and create new employment opportunities; attract FDI to South Africa as the “4IR gateway” to Africa; and assist African smart technology firms in expanding their business into international markets.
According to SAAIA’s creator, Dr Nick Bradshaw: “Our research has shown that AI and related automation technologies are currently impacting 120+ traditional industries globally AND creating new opportunities and challenges in timescale never seen before.” This transformation is happening far more quickly than any previous industrial revolution. Regulation, economic development, trade, investment, justice, equality, and inclusion are some of the key areas of concentration for the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA), which aims to promote the responsible deployment of AI for commercial and social benefit in South Africa.
The founding Advisory Board members are derived from a diverse range of organisations, including; Michalsons, GIZ, ExploreAI, Cirrus AI, TinyML Foundation, Augmented Startups, Data Economy Policy Hub (DepHUB), Socially Acceptable, mLab, Zindi, Technology Innovation Agency, ecosystem.Ai, Tshwane University of Technology, Western Cape Government and Webber Wentzel.
Joining SAAIA is free; members can access information and opportunities throughout the year.