South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, officially opened the meeting of the G20 Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Sustainable Development at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The Task Force, a flagship initiative of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, places artificial intelligence at the centre of global efforts to drive innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.
In his keynote, Minister Malatsi described AI as “a profound transformative force” reshaping economies, societies, and governance. While highlighting opportunities in healthcare, agriculture, education, and public service delivery, he warned of risks such as bias, inequality, data privacy concerns, and misinformation.
“Innovation without ethical guardrails can deepen inequality, amplify bias and erode trust.”
— Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, South Africa
The minister outlined several priorities for the Task Force, including data governance as the basis for trustworthy AI, expanding the use of AI in public services, fostering international research collaboration, safeguarding information integrity, and ensuring multilingual and multicultural representation in AI systems. He also spotlighted the AI for Africa Initiative, which focuses on industrialisation, women’s empowerment, local talent development, and infrastructure investment in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Malatsi further announced the launch of a Technology Policy Assistance Facility in partnership with UNESCO, designed to help countries develop AI policies grounded in human rights and the public interest.
He stressed that bridging the global digital divide—where nearly 2.9 billion people remain offline—must go hand in hand with AI adoption to ensure the technology becomes a true catalyst for inclusive development.
Looking ahead, South Africa will host the AI for Good Impact Africa Summit in Johannesburg on 31 October, bringing together governments, researchers, and innovators to advance Africa’s AI ecosystem and amplify the continent’s global voice.
“Our goal is clear: to ensure that Artificial Intelligence is a force for good, driving equitable growth, deepening innovation and strengthening the bond between technology and humanity.”
— Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, South Africa
