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ARTICLE · 17 APRIL 2026

South Africa Publishes Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy For Public Comment

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On 10 April 2026, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (Department) published the Draft South Africa National AI Policy (Draft AI Policy) for public comment. This 60-day public comment period ends on 10 June 2026. It is anticipated that the National AI Policy will be finalised by the end of the 2026/2027 financial year, with sectoral strategies and supporting regulatory frameworks rolling out from 2027/2028.

South AfricaTechnology
Venolan Naidoo
Venolan Naidoo
Danelle Plaatjies
Danelle Plaatjies
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Introduction

On 10 April 2026, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (Department) published the Draft South Africa National AI Policy (Draft AI Policy) for public comment. This 60-day public comment period ends on 10 June 2026. It is anticipated that the National AI Policy will be finalised by the end of the 2026/2027 financial year, with sectoral strategies and supporting regulatory frameworks rolling out from 2027/2028.

What we know

The Draft AI Policy is based on the South African National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework of August 2024, with various submissions having been received on this framework and consultations having taken place with government structures. 

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