“South Africa’s leaders are converging on AI policy, emphasizing workforce readiness and inclusive growth, as the NEDLAC Annual Summit warns that unmanaged AI adoption could widen inequality. In parallel, Telkom has pledged R100 million to establish a national AI institute, aiming to equip citizens with digital skills and ensure connectivity translates into jobs and opportunity.”
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept in South Africa—it is reshaping industries, service delivery, and the labour market. At the 31st NEDLAC Annual Summit in Pretoria, Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, speaking on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, underscored the urgency of preparing the workforce for AI-driven disruption. The summit’s theme, “Advancing Inclusive Growth and Decent Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, framed AI as both an opportunity and a challenge.
The Policy Battleground
- AI adoption is already delivering productivity gains across sectors, from manufacturing to financial services.
- However, leaders warned that technological progress is not automatically inclusive. Without deliberate policy, AI risks displacing workers, exacerbating unemployment, and widening South Africa’s digital divide.
- South Africa has the highest AI exposure score in sub-Saharan Africa (4.84/10), with disruption classified as imminent within one to three years.
Telkom’s R100 Million AI Institute
- Telkom pledged R100 million to establish the Telkom AI Institute, announced at the ITU’s Partner2Connect Digital Coalition in Geneva.
- The institute aims to equip South Africans with AI and digital skills, ensuring connectivity translates into livelihoods.
- Telkom CEO Serame Taukobong emphasized: “Connectivity without capability only gets South Africa halfway there.”
Risks and Opportunities
- Opportunities: AI can boost productivity, innovation, service delivery, and entrepreneurship.
- Risks: Unmanaged adoption could deepen inequality, displace workers, and widen the digital divide.
- Policy Response: Investment in skills, robust social dialogue, and inclusive frameworks are critical to ensure AI benefits all citizens.
Global Context
South Africa’s AI debate mirrors global concerns: while AI promises efficiency and innovation, countries worldwide are grappling with how to ensure equitable distribution of benefits. The Telkom pledge aligns South Africa with international commitments under the WSIS Forum 2026, which has mobilized $82 billion in global pledges to connect the world.
Conclusion
South Africa stands at a crossroads: AI can either accelerate inclusive growth or deepen inequality. The NEDLAC Summit and Telkom’s AI Institute highlight a dual strategy—policy frameworks to protect workers and investment in skills to empower citizens. The coming years will determine whether South Africa becomes a leader in human-centred AI or struggles with widening divides.
