President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead a high-level delegation to Silicon Valley in San Francisco, California, next week, as government looks to strengthen the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and attract investment in the technology sector.
Briefing the media at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the visit will provide an opportunity to learn from global technology leaders and explore how South Africa can position itself as a competitive AI hub on the continent.
Magwenya says the President will not be making a stop in Washington but will ensure that US President Donald Trump is informed of his visit to the United States.
“The President will undertake a working visit to California in the United States of America from the 15th to the 21st of November, leading a high-level multi-stakeholder South African delegation to Silicon Valley to gain insight into the global artificial intelligence ecosystem and inform South Africa’s approach to the development and adoption of AI. The visit will be anchored by the Semaphore, Silicon Valley, and the world engagement, scheduled for the 16th of November, which will bring together leaders and experts to discuss technological developments and the evolving global AI landscape,” says Magwenya.