AI Report on Southern Africa http://misa.org Through Experimentation”; “Regulation & Ethics”; “Human Capital Development”; “Global Leadership”; “Technological Clarity & Commitment”; “Private Sector Capabilities”; and “Service Delivery.” When it comes to ethics and regulation, the 4IR Commission states that “a focus on Regulation, Ethics, and Cultural aspects of the internet is key, not only to create an enabling policy environment to support private and non-governmental organisations as well as the state but to ensure ethical and transparent use of these new technologies.” Former Department of Communication and Digital Technologies Minister, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, unveiled the Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa on November 30, 20226, and AI hubs at the University of Johannesburg and Tshwane University of Technology. In December 2022, the DCDT Minister, along with representatives from these two institutions and the incoming United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary General and Rector of the UN University, explained in an opinion article the AI institute’s critical position in the 4IR strategy. The AI institute is envisioned as “an innovation engine for the public and private sectors in line with the PC4IR.” The institute will focus on research and development, as well as implementation capabilities in AI and develop solutions to South African and African challenges. The institute will also address any emergent legal and ethical challenges. Failure to consider and give potential solutions to legal and ethical issues may render gains in AI capabilities and applications useless and ineffective. The AI institution will provide scientific “support for developing, reviewing, and amendment of legislation as envisaged by the PC4IR.” Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg, has advocated for “legislation that specifically speaks to AI.” The 4IR Session Initiation Protocol will relate to existing important strategic development plans, particularly the National Development Plan and the Medium-Term Strategic Framework 2019-2024, which serves as an implementation and monitoring framework for fulfilling the National Development Plan 2030 goals. One of these aims is to achieve improved information and communication technologies (ICTs) by 2030. Part of the approach is to improve ICTs through a national e-strategy that will put South Africa on the international arena alongside international governance institutions like the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The goal is to close the digital divide, enhance economic activity, and improve education, health, transportation, and labour sectors while also encouraging the growth of digital technologies as part of the rise of ICTs. When South Africa took on the role of AU Chairperson in 2020, President Ramaphosa proposed the establishment of an AI Forum inside the African Union to debate how to approach AI “in uniformity.” In 2021, in accordance with the 4IR SIP’s objectives, South Africa led the development of Smart Africa’s Artificial Intelligence Blueprint for Africa, which is “a precursor for the African continent to become a global player in digital technology state affairs and a huge contribution to positioning Africa within the 4th Industrial Revolution.” The goal of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Blueprint is “to set up the African member states towards developing policies, strategies, and plans that would ensure growth and prosperity within 6 Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni launches Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa and AI hubs https://www.gov. za/news/media-advisories/government-activities/minister-khumbudzo-ntshavheni-launches-artificial 14