Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Director-General of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), chaired the Second Meeting of the Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Governance, and Innovation for Sustainable Development on 10 and 11 April 2025 in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Province.
The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele delivered the keynote address, consistent with the message delivered by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, at the opening ceremony of the Second Meeting of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG), which took place from 7 to 9 April 2025.
Deputy Minister Gungubele noted that the theme of the South African G20 presidency, Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, builds on the work of the G20 presidencies held by India and Brazil in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The Deputy Minister observed that the Task Force on Artificial Intelligence creates a unique opportunity for the G20 to establish a platform for continued dialogue and collaboration among G20 members, along with engagement with the broader international community to navigate the complex landscape of AI in order to unlock its full potential in service of humanity. He further reiterated South Africa’s commitment to placing the Global South at the centre of shaping and implementing the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the role of AI in not only reshaping economies and governance but also everyday life, as well as maximising its benefits to support inclusive and sustainable social and economic transformation. (Read the full version of the Deputy Minister’s https://g20.org/g20-media/opening-remarks-by-the-deputy-minister-of-communications-and-digital-technologies-of-the-republic-of-south-africa-at-the-g20-task-force-on-ai-data-governance-and-innovation-for-sustainable-developm/)
The meeting enjoyed the support of the Provincial Government of the Eastern Cape, with a message of support delivered on behalf of the province by Babalwa Lobishe, the Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.
The AI Task Force meeting was opened with a discussion on the Terms of Reference, which were in principle well received in so far as it relates to the scope and objectives of the Task Force. The meeting engages on issues related to the:
- Data Governance Dialogue: Discussions centred on how to best manage and govern data, with a focus on aspects such as data quality, privacy, security and its ethical use. In this regard, it was noted that the objective is to align principles, standards and practices for data governance, which also includes issues related to the benefits of data sharing and cross-sectoral interoperability.
- Workshop on Digital Transformation and Capacity-Building in the Public Sector: It was noted that the objective is to address critical capacity-building needs for officials in the public sector as it relates to AI, data governance and digital technologies, capacitating them to drive transformation in the public sector, thus optimising workflows, and boosting workplace productivity.
- AI Initiative for Africa: For the African continent, AI holds significant potential for driving its large-scale economic and social transformation, innovation and cultural renaissance. The aim of this initiative is thus to leverage the G20 platform to advance AI in Africa, in line with the African Union (AU) Continental Strategy on AI in a manner that reflects the strategic vision for AI in Africa, under the theme Harnessing AI for Africa’s Development and Prosperity. It further presents an opportunity for G20 members to establish new partnerships with the AU and its member states.
Overall, G20 members, invited guest countries, and international organisations commended South Africa for its G20 presidency focus on AI and for its commitment to including the African continent as a focal point of its G20 presidency. The AI Initiative for Africa, in particular, was very well received, with many participants noting their respective countries’ willingness to actively support and contribute to this initiative.
The third meeting of the Task Force will take place on 12 and 13 June 2025 in Limpopo. Consensus outcomes arrived at on conclusion of all engagements around the Task Force will find expression in the AI Task Force Ministerial Declaration, which will be issued in September 2025.
