Professor Blade Nzimande
By Karabo Marifi
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, met with Mr. Amandeep Gill, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, on Wednesday, 10 April 2025. The meeting focused on South Africa’s role in implementing the UN’s Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the opportunities it presents for developing the country’s digital economy. 
The GDC, part of the UN’s Pact for the Future adopted during the 2024 Summit of the Future, provides a comprehensive framework for global digital cooperation and governance, particularly concerning artificial intelligence (AI). Its primary objective is to harness the potential of digital technology for the benefit of humanity while addressing associated challenges and risks.
Minister Nzimande emphasized the importance of developing capabilities in digital and emerging technologies, such as AI, to address challenges like inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, pandemics, and transnational conflict. He highlighted South Africa’s commitment to international collaboration, the free exchange of scientific knowledge, and multilateralism as strategic pillars of the country’s Decadal Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (2022–2032). 
The Minister outlined several benefits of South Africa’s participation in the GDC, including enhancing capabilities in infrastructure development, digital skills enhancement, digital entrepreneurship and innovation support, digital inclusion, data governance, privacy, and human rights protection.
During the meeting, Minister Nzimande updated Mr. Gill on the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (DSTI) AI initiatives, such as the Foundation Digital Capabilities Research (FDCR) and the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR). He also mentioned the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), which includes research chairs in information and communication technology (ICT) development, with two specifically focused on AI.
These initiatives support the objectives of South Africa’s Digital Economy Masterplan, overseen by the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies, aiming to position the country as a leader in regional digital transformation.
Minister Nzimande’s engagement with the UN envoy underscores South Africa’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies for sustainable development and addressing global challenges through innovation and collaboration.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 100 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Mbalula: Budget Disagreements Won’t Derail GNU, But Reconfiguration May Follow”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Central-News-Issue-100.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube