South Africa opens G20 task force meeting on AI and data governance

In his opening remarks, Minister Malatsi underscored AI’s role as “a profound transformative force” shaping economies, societies, and governance worldwide.

South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has inaugurated the first session of the G20 Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Sustainable Development at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The initiative is part of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and aims to place AI at the centre of global discussions on innovation, inclusivity and sustainable development.

In his remarks, Malatsi described AI as a transformative force with potential to reshape healthcare, agriculture, education and public service delivery, while also pointing to risks such as bias, inequality, privacy concerns and misinformation. He urged governments to strengthen governance frameworks and promote international cooperation to ensure that innovation serves the public interest.

The minister outlined the Task Force’s focus areas, which include developing sound data governance as the basis for trustworthy AI, applying AI in public services to improve efficiency and accountability, advancing international research collaboration, and tackling challenges linked to disinformation and deepfakes. He also highlighted the importance of multilingual and multicultural representation in AI systems and introduced the AI for Africa Initiative, which aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 by emphasising industrialisation, women’s empowerment, skills development and infrastructure investment.

Malatsi further announced the launch of the Technology Policy Assistance Facility, created in partnership with UNESCO, to help countries design AI policies grounded in human rights. He also stressed the need to close the global digital divide, noting that nearly 2.9 billion people remain offline, which limits equitable access to the benefits of AI.

Looking ahead, South Africa will host the AI for Good Impact Africa Summit in Johannesburg on 31 October, bringing together policymakers, researchers and innovators to strengthen Africa’s role in the global AI landscape.