As South Africa’s G20 Presidency approaches its culminating Summit in November, and its handover to the United States in 2026, Global South players must consider how we can sustain multilateral partnerships and build digital common resources, specifically in the realm of AI policy.
African AI Policy has the potential to unleash major benefits, but without human-rights-centred governance practices and shared resources, its harms could exacerbate existing inequalities on the continent. As the AI for Africa Initiative launches at the AI for Africa Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, RIA joins global leaders in discussing a way forward that is development-oriented, rights-centred, equitable and just.
Building on the G20’s Fourth DEWG Meeting and AI for Africa Conference
Following these formal back-to-back convenings, which began with the fourth Digital Economy Working Group Meeting on Monday 22 September, RIA extends the conversation at a networking event, where the Office of Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET) will have a chance to engage with African AI Policy Researchers, think tanks and experts. Using insights as a G20 Knowledge Partner, RIA frames this event as a chance to collaborate on the growing digital transformation agenda, and how to sustain its momentum on local soil.
Sustaining cooperation for an equitable digital future
In hosting this discussion, RIA seeks to build ongoing partnerships between Global South players and ODET representatives, sharing best practices and co-developing a shared vision for a digital future. As African stakeholders actively work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals both globally and locally, this event will enable sustainable cooperation in global processes going forward, shaping an equitable approach for a better digital future for all.
