Johannesburg has launched Africa’s first AI-powered tourism guide, JHB In Your Pocket GPT, introducing an online assistant named Jo to support visitors and residents with information about the city. The launch coincides with South Africa hosting the 2025 G20 Summit, with international delegates arriving in Johannesburg this week.
Jo is accessible via the website jhbinyourpocketgpt.com, where users can interact with the AI in multiple languages. The platform offers guidance on attractions, city navigation, safety tips and local services. A printed companion guide to the Johannesburg City Centre, developed in partnership with Nando’s and Jozi My Jozi, is also available at selected hotels and tourism locations. Users can scan or screenshot pages from the guide to access extended information through the AI.
Jo has been recognised by the Jozi My Jozi Babize Bonke campaign, becoming the ninth champion in the initiative that highlights contributors to Johannesburg’s tourism and creative sectors. During the launch, attendees took part in a walk along Main Street in the inner city, where they tested the AI by asking for insights on the precinct. The event also serves as part of the build-up to Main Street Sundays, an Open Streets pilot that will take place on 14 December.
JHB In Your Pocket GPT has been developed using OpenAI technology and customised for Johannesburg’s cultural and linguistic profile. The system draws from local editorial archives and tourism databases to provide context-specific answers.
The project was led by Johannesburg In Your Pocket founder Laurice Taitz-Buntman in partnership with tech creative Mbali Njomane. The initiative aims to improve access to local information, make tourism guidance more interactive and support digital literacy around AI tools.
The activation at OR Tambo International Airport is made possible through Big Five Duty Free, enabling arriving travellers to engage with the AI as soon as they enter the country.
Users can access Jo by visiting jhbinyourpocketgpt.com.
