The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) has announced its support for the advancement of AI in South Africa through its involvement in the development of the AI Maturity Assessment Framework (AI MAF).

This initiative is created in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the University of the Western Cape, and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.

It is aimed at establishing a baseline for evaluating the nation’s readiness for AI integration across various sectors.

Recent findings from the assessment indicate that while there is initial interest and foundational activities related to AI, the overall progress is still fragmented.

Notably, seven out of the eight assessed domains are currently in the early stages of maturity.

These insights are deemed essential for South Africa, highlighting the necessity for improved coordination within the ecosystem, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and focused investments.

Such measures are crucial to ensure that AI is developed responsibly, thereby enhancing governance and contributing to the quality of life and economic advancement in the country.

The assessment has also introduced a dynamic dashboard, managed by the CSIR, which will track AI maturity indicators over time.

This tool is designed to assist policymakers, leaders, researchers, and institutions in monitoring progress and making informed decisions that align with national objectives, including the National Development Plan 2030 and the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy.

SAICA noted that its participation ensures that the framework serves both business and governmental needs, functioning not merely as a research instrument but as a practical tool for measuring progress.

SAICA executive for Standards Milton Segal said: “Looking ahead, the focus must be on upskilling, developing robust AI programs, and integrating AI into national curricula and professional development.

“This includes both our members in practice and those in the broader business community. While we are still in the early stages, we anticipate rapid growth in both the understanding and application of AI within the profession.

“As this transformation unfolds, it is essential to highlight the economic and business opportunities that people should consider, ensuring that individuals and organisations are well-positioned to benefit from AI-driven innovation.”