Admin
The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA), an industry body focused on promoting the advancement of responsible AI in South Africa, was officially launched in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), on 19th July 2023.
The DepHUB is a founding partner and our Executive Director Shamira Ahmed is an SAAIA advisory board member.
The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA), an industry body focused on promoting the advancement of responsible AI in South Africa, was officially launched in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), on 19th July 2023.
The SAAIA mission is to engage both individuals and organisations, novices and experts, those who are connected and not connected, so no one is left behind.
It is of vital importance that the opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) present are possible and available for everyone to embrace -not just a select few. Therefore, the SAAIA mission is underpinned by ten key objectives:
Serve as the voice of the industry
Provide analysis and research to inform strategy and decision making
Assist national, provincial & local governments with policy making
Unite buyers and suppliers to grow the economy
Connect SMMEs to funding to create new companies and jobs
Attract foreign direct investment to South Africa as the “4IR gateway” to Africa
Assist African smart tech companies to access international markets
Showcase the best of South African AI innovation and research
Promote debate on inclusion, ethics, regulation and standards
Share best practice and education resources for all
The DepHUB is a founding partner and our Executive Director Shamira Ahmed is an SAAIA advisory board member. Advisory board members are drawn from across multiple domains and are passionate about the adoption of responsible AI, in South Africa. These include the:
National Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (DCDT);
the AI Institute of South Africa;
Tshwane University of Technology;
University of Johannesburg;
Google;
Western Cape Government;
Gauteng Tourism Authority;
MICT SETA;
Anza Capital;
Michalsons;
GIZ;
Izwe.ai;
ExploreAI;
Cirrus AI;
TinyML Foundation;
Augmented Startups;
Data Economy Policy Hub;
Socially Acceptable;
mLab;
Zindi;
the Technology Innovation Agency;
ecosystem.Ai,
and Webber Wentzel
Individual membership is free and members of SAAIA gain access to resources, insights and news throughout the year. Members also receive discounts to join the association’s annual event, AI Expo Africa, which this year is being held in Johannesburg from 2-3 November at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Learn more and sign up here.