Keynote addresses
National leaders and experts setting the direction of the conversation.
← Back to Work & Outputs
SADGF Convening
Youth, AI and the Future of Work in South Africa Summit
A national conversation on artificial intelligence, economic transformation and South Africa's young workforce.
About the Summit
South Africa at a turning point
South Africa stands at a critical juncture. Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are rapidly reshaping economies, institutions and the nature of work. For a country with one of the youngest populations in the world and one of the highest rates of youth unemployment the question is not simply how technology will change the economy, but whether young people will be positioned to participate, lead and prosper in that transformation.
The South African Digital Governance Forum's inaugural Youth, AI and the Future of Work in South Africa Summit will bring together leaders from government, industry, academia, civil society and young people themselves to explore how South Africa can navigate the AI transition in a way that expands opportunity rather than deepens inequality.
The future of work is being shaped today. The question is whether South Africa's youth will merely experience that future or help design it.
Why It Matters
The future of work is already here
The rise of artificial intelligence is transforming industries, jobs and economies across the world. Globally, demand is growing for capabilities in data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing and digital infrastructure.
At the same time, automation is reshaping existing occupations and creating new forms of economic activity. For South Africa, this transition comes at a moment of profound challenge:
- youth unemployment remains among the highest in the world
- unequal access to digital skills persists
- many young people remain excluded from networks that connect skills to opportunity
- women, rural communities and persons with disabilities face additional barriers
- public institutions must adapt to govern emerging technologies responsibly
South Africa's digital transition will not be judged only by the sophistication of its technology. It will be judged by who is able to participate in the opportunities it creates.
A Digital Agenda for South Africa
Five themes guiding the conversation
-
AI and the future of work
Understanding how technology is reshaping jobs and opportunity.
-
Education, skills and the future workforce
Preparing young people for AI-driven labour markets.
-
Entrepreneurship and the digital economy
Supporting young people as creators, innovators and founders.
-
Digital infrastructure and inclusion
Expanding affordable access to connectivity and technology.
-
Responsible AI and public governance
Building trustworthy institutions for the age of artificial intelligence.
What to Expect
A focused national conversation
High-level panel discussions
Government, industry and civil society leaders examining the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence.
Youth voices
Young leaders and innovators sharing perspectives on the future they want to build.
Research and policy insight
Evidence-based analysis on employment, education, digital infrastructure and AI governance.
Cross-sector dialogue
Bringing together institutions that rarely share the same room but must shape the future together.
Programme
Summit Programme
View the official programme for the Youth, AI and the Future of Work in South Africa Summit.
View / Download the Programme
Scan to open this programme section.