Empowering Youth and Public Servants for South Africa’s Digital Future through AI Policy Maker platform
On Thursday, 26 March 2026, the National Youth ICT Council South Africa, in partnership with Microsoft Elevate, officially launched the AI Policy Maker Platform—a transformative digital learning and civic tech initiative designed to strengthen South Africa’s capacity for responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence governance.
This platform arrives at a critical moment in South Africa’s digital journey, as the country continues to shape its National AI Policy Framework. The Cabinet has now approved the AI Draft National Policy and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is open for public comments on the Draft National Policy framework.
AI Policy Maker Platform is designed as an educational tool that equips public servants, youth, and emerging innovators with the knowledge and practical understanding required to navigate the complex landscape of AI and digital policy
Bridging Knowledge and Policy Implementation
The AI Policy Maker Platform serves as a bridge between policy development and practical implementation. Through accessible learning modules and civic tech tools, users are empowered to understand ethical and responsible AI adoption, digital governance, and the role of technology in advancing inclusive economic growth.
Youth at the Centre of Digital Transformation
Young people are not just beneficiaries of policy -they are co-creators of the future. Youth represent a significant and dynamic segment of society, recognized as forces of transformation, champions of equality, and drivers of sustainable development.
They bring innovative ideas, deep understanding of emerging technologies, and the ambition to reshape systems. Their contributions must be intentionally integrated across all sectors of national development, particularly in areas as transformative as artificial intelligence.
A Collaborative Vision for Inclusive Innovation
The partnership between the National Youth ICT Council South Africa and Microsoft Elevate reflects a shared commitment to building an inclusive digital ecosystem that responds to technological change while shaping it for the benefit of all citizens.
Driving Forward South Africa’s AI Agenda
As South Africa advances its AI policy agenda, initiatives like the AI Policy Maker Platform will play a pivotal role in ensuring inclusive, responsible, and effective adoption of AI.
The launch of the AI Policy Maker Platform is a call to action to empower youth, strengthen institutions, and co-create a digital future that is ethical, inclusive, and rooted in African priorities.
Link to the platform: https://www.aipolicymaker.org/
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About the Author:
Bongekile Filana is an Activator 2016 originally from the Eastern Cape. She is passionate about Digital Inclusion, Infrastructure and Innovation.
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