UK-SA unveil daring science strikes in AI coverage coaching, area toolkit & innovation fund to drive well being, inclusion, and climate-smart development.
The British High Commission and South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) have introduced three main initiatives at this yr’s Science Forum, held on the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Pretoria. These embody the launch of the UK–South Africa Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Training Programme, the introduction of the Space Ecosystem Development Toolkit (SEDT), and the renewal of the partnership between DSTI and the Global Innovation Fund (GIF).
These initiatives comply with the UK-SA Science and Technology Joint Committee Meeting held in London in October, which reaffirmed the dedication of each nations to deepening collaboration in precedence science and know-how sectors, resembling well being innovation, area science and AI.
Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to South Africa, mentioned:
The UK Government is proud to be supporting these collaborations, testomony to the robust and rising relationship between the UK and South Africa. By becoming a member of forces, we’re investing in expertise, networks, and improvements to strengthen science and know-how for our shared benefit. Through the Global AI Policy Training Programme, the Space Ecosystem Development Toolkit, and the renewed DSTI-GIF collaboration, we’re working collectively to handle shared challenges and create lasting optimistic affect.
The Global AI Policy Training Programme is designed to strengthen the capability of UK and South African policymakers, science diplomats and public sector leaders to navigate the fast-changing panorama of synthetic intelligence governance. The programme brings collectively 30 officers, 15 from every nation. It attracts on world class experience from main establishments, together with the Global Centre on AI Governance, the University of Cape Town, the University of Cambridge, and established coverage networks in each nations.
It additional builds on the UK’s AI for Development programme, which leverages AI to handle improvement challenges in low and middle-income nations, helps regionally led AI improvements, and promotes Southern Africa’s management in international AI governance.
Building on this momentum, the South African Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS), in partnership with the Kenya and Rwanda area companies and supported by the UK’s Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund, launched the Space Ecosystem Development Toolkit (SEDT) on Monday 24 November to handle important gaps in rising area ecosystems on the continent – together with human capital, finance, infrastructure, coverage, and inclusion.
Lindokuhle Simelane, RIIS Toolkit Team Lead mentioned:
Designed for nationwide area companies and ecosystem gamers, the Toolkit permits evidence-based planning, alignment with nationwide priorities, and inclusive participation, making certain space-based options drive financial development and societal improvement.
In a decisive transfer to additional strengthen the National System of Innovation, the DSTI and GIF have renewed their partnership and dedication to harnessing science, know-how, and innovation for South Africa’s socio-economic improvement. At the center of this collaboration is accelerating the affect of scientific improvements in society by way of GIF’s experience in figuring out and scaling options that enhance the lives of individuals in underserved communities.
The renewed partnership will mix the experience and sources of each organisations to assist high-impact, scalable improvements addressing Africa’s most urgent improvement challenges. These embody enhancing livelihoods and well being outcomes, selling financial inclusion, and constructing resilience to local weather change.
Joseph Ssentongo, CEO, Global Innovation Fund, mentioned:
We are excited to deepen our partnership with the DSTI, constructing on our shared dedication to supporting improvements that make an actual distinction for communities throughout Africa. By combining GIF’s expertise with DSTI’s experience and networks, we might help extra improvements attain the individuals who want them most, whereas advancing financial inclusivity and local weather resilience throughout the continent.
According to the DSTI, this partnership is a major step in the direction of reaching the Decadal Plan’s goals of addressing poverty, inequality, and unemployment whereas fostering resilience and sustainability throughout Africa.
DSTI Deputy Director General for Socio-economic Innovation Partnership, Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, added:
The renewal of this partnership with GIF is firmly aligned with South Africa’s STI Decadal Plan, which prioritises inclusive improvement and innovation-driven development. By leveraging this collaboration, we purpose to strengthen coverage frameworks that assist evidence-based decision-making, speed up the scaling up of high-impact improvements, and be sure that investments ship measurable socio-economic advantages.