Ramaphosa to lead South African AI delegation to Silicon Valley

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead a delegation to Silicon Valley from 15 to 21 November to learn about AI and attract investment, the South African Presidency said, according to the government news agency. The group includes government officials, academics, business leaders, researchers and university students.

The programme includes meetings with technology companies, investors and researchers, and demonstrations covering frontier AI, robotics, data infrastructure and cloud computing. A highlight is the Semafor "Silicon Valley and the World" event on 16 November. The main engagements run from 16 to 20 November.

"The visit will provide an opportunity to learn from countries and institutions at the forefront of AI development, understand the associated risks and challenges, and consider how South Africa can develop an enabling policy, regulatory and skills environment to support responsible AI adoption," said presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. The government says the trip should inform how South Africa develops, regulates and adopts AI.