Media briefing statement by Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, Union Buildings, Pretoria

15 November 2026: 
President Ramaphosa to lead high-level delegation on Artificial Intelligence learning visit to Silicon Valley

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to California, United States of America, from 15 to 21 November 2026, leading a high-level, multi-stakeholder South African delegation to Silicon Valley to gain insights into the global artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem and inform South Africa’s approach to the development and adoption of AI.

The visit will be anchored by the Semafor: Silicon Valley and the World engagement, scheduled for 16 November 2026, which will bring together leaders and experts to discuss technological developments and the evolving global AI landscape.

The South African delegation will comprise representatives from government, academia, business, research institutions, technical experts and university students, reflecting the country’s commitment to an inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach to harnessing the opportunities presented by AI.

The programme will include engagements with leading technology companies, investors, researchers, academics and AI experts, as well as technology demonstrations and knowledge exchanges.

These engagements will provide an opportunity to explore developments in frontier AI, robotics, data infrastructure, cloud computing, digital innovation and the practical application of AI across various sectors.

A key component of the visit will be engagements with Stanford University, including discussions on the implications of AI for technology, security, the economy, business and the labour market, as well as exposure to developments in robotics and technological research.

The programme will also feature the South Africa AI Opportunity gathering, under the theme Building the African AI Economy: Infrastructure, Investment and Innovation. 

The engagement will bring together South African and international stakeholders to explore how South Africa can position itself as a competitive AI hub on the African continent.

Discussions will focus on AI infrastructure, data centres, computing capacity, energy requirements, investment opportunities and the growth of a competitive start-up ecosystem.

Other areas of engagement will include the application of AI in government and industry, law enforcement and public safety, AI safety and security, governance, skills development and the future of work.
The delegation will also engage with technology and infrastructure companies to gain insights into emerging technologies, investment trends and developments shaping the global AI ecosystem.

These interactions will seek to identify opportunities for investment, knowledge exchange, skills development and the strengthening of South Africa’s technological capabilities.

AI presents significant opportunities to improve productivity, strengthen public service delivery, stimulate economic growth and support the creation of new industries and employment opportunities. In South Africa, its potential applications include health, education, criminal justice, public administration and public procurement.

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.

The visit will also promote South Africa as an investment destination, showcase progress in economic reforms, including through Operation Vulindlela, and highlight opportunities for investment in the country's digital economy, research capacity and innovation ecosystem.

South Africa seeks to harness the transformative potential of AI while safeguarding digital sovereignty, policy autonomy, data protection and responsible AI governance, ensuring that technological advancement contributes meaningfully to inclusive economic growth and development.

The President will be accompanied by the Ministers of Finance, International Relations and Cooperation, Science, Technology and Innovation, Trade industry and Competition, Communications and Digital Technologies, Electricity and Energy, Small Business Development and the Presidency. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria