President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead a South African delegation to Silicon Valley to explore artificial intelligence investment, digital skills development and applications across public services.
The working visit, scheduled for 15 to 21 November 2026, will bring together government officials, business leaders, researchers, university students and technology specialists for engagements with major technology companies and research institutions in California.
The programme is intended to strengthen South Africa’s ability to participate in the global artificial intelligence economy while examining how emerging technologies could support economic development, employment and improved public services.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the visit would help inform the country’s approach to AI development, regulation and adoption.
“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,” Magwenya said.
A central focus will be the development of an African AI economy supported by investment in digital infrastructure, research capabilities, reliable electricity and technical skills.
South Africa will engage technology investors, asset managers and development finance institutions to examine how AI infrastructure projects are financed and what would be required to attract investment into the country’s digital economy.
The discussions will cover data centres, computing capacity, cloud infrastructure and the energy requirements associated with large-scale AI development.
According to the Presidency, major global technology companies are planning approximately US$650 billion in AI capital expenditure during 2026, illustrating the scale of investment taking place internationally.
For South Africa, participation in this market could support the development of local technology businesses, research institutions and infrastructure providers, although securing investment and translating it into employment will require further work.
The delegation’s programme begins with the Semafor: Silicon Valley and the World engagement on 16 November, bringing together international technology leaders and experts.
On 17 November, the delegation is scheduled to visit Stanford University for discussions with AI researchers and venture capital investors.
The programme includes a presidential fireside chat and a robotics laboratory visit, with attention given to how university research develops into commercial applications.
A workshop titled “South Africa and the Future of AI” will follow in San Jose on 18 November.
Discussions will examine AI infrastructure, government applications, safety, employment and the requirements for developing an African AI economy.
The delegation will then engage Alphabet, Google and Cisco on 19 November, exploring applications of artificial intelligence in digital commerce, small business development and government.
Visits to Palo Alto Networks and Microsoft’s Experiential Centre are scheduled for 20 November, with cybersecurity, digital sovereignty and data protection among the priorities.
Beyond attracting investment, the visit will examine how AI could improve the delivery of essential public services.
Potential applications include healthcare, education, criminal justice, public administration and procurement.
These discussions will consider how technology could support institutional efficiency and service delivery, alongside the governance and safeguards required for responsible implementation.
The programme will also address the impact of AI on employment and the future of work.
South African students, academics and researchers will participate in engagements with leading universities and technology institutions, providing exposure to international research and innovation ecosystems.
Small businesses and start-up founders will also engage with accelerators, investors and technology specialists to explore commercial development and participation in the digital economy.
The Presidency has structured the visit around eight areas, including investment, energy, higher education, small business development, scientific research and legal governance.
The delegation will include ministers responsible for finance, international relations, science and innovation, trade, communications, electricity, small business development and the Presidency.
South Africa will also use the engagements to present its economic reform programme, including Operation Vulindlela, and its existing research and innovation capabilities.
However, the Presidency has emphasised that technological development must be balanced with national interests, particularly concerning data protection, regulatory independence and digital sovereignty.
“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,” Magwenya said.
The visit comes as governments internationally consider how artificial intelligence will affect economic competitiveness, public services and employment.
For South Africa, the significance of the Silicon Valley engagements will extend beyond discussions with technology companies.
Their longer-term value will depend on whether international cooperation produces practical investments, stronger domestic research capacity, accessible digital skills and technologies that respond to South Africa’s development challenges.
