2026 THEME
SOUTH AFRICAN AI AWARDS
INCLUSIVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
Nominations close in
The South African AI Awards recognise excellence in artificial intelligence, celebrating individuals, teams, and organisations achieving meaningful innovation and impact in South Africa. This platform honours exceptional achievement while fostering a growing community of leaders committed to advancing Africa’s role in the global AI economy.
It affirms the work of industry leaders and brings their contributions into a shared national conversation about the future of technology. The Awards are inclusive by design, ensuring that talent from all regions, communities, and sectors is recognised. No one should be left behind.
To celebrate and elevate the individuals and organisations driving responsible, inclusive, and transformative progress in artificial intelligence.
Establishing a trusted, world-class platform that positions South Africa as a hub of AI excellence and leadership, inspiring innovation that benefits both business and society.
The Awards champion collaboration between human intelligence and technology to shape a smarter, more connected future.
The South African AI Awards team brings together experienced leaders from across technology, business, policy, academia, and media. Collectively, they shape the direction, integrity, and impact of the Awards, ensuring they remain credible, relevant, and reflective of the real impact of AI across South Africa’s ecosystem.
Chairperson
Chairperson
Secretariat
Secretariat
Host
Host
Co - Host
Co - Host
Advisor
Advisor
Advisor
Advisor
Advisor
Advisor
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
Anchor Judge
South Africa’s artificial intelligence landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth, with investment, innovation, and implementation accelerating across sectors. Yet this technological revolution arrives against a backdrop of profound inequality, with persistent gaps in access to healthcare, education, financial services, and economic opportunity.
The South African AI Awards are founded on the conviction that AI must be harnessed deliberately to close these gaps rather than widen them. Aligned with government priorities, including the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy and the Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, these Awards recognise innovators who demonstrate that advanced technology and social equity are complementary imperatives.
As Africa’s most industrialised economy, South Africa has both the responsibility and the opportunity to model inclusive AI development for the continent.
Artificial intelligence will shape South Africa’s economic future, social systems, and global competitiveness. The South African AI Awards exist to ensure that this future is inclusive, ethical, and grounded in real impact.
By recognising those who use AI to expand opportunity rather than entrench inequality, the Awards aim to build a lasting national institution that reflects South Africa’s values, talent, and shared responsibility for progress.
The South African AI Awards offer brands and institutions an opportunity to align with excellence, leadership, and innovation.
Partnerships extend beyond the ceremony, creating meaningful visibility and engagement with South Africa’s most influential decision-makers, innovators, and thinkers.
Through strategic collaborations, partners can connect with audiences shaping the country’s technological and economic direction while reinforcing their own leadership in innovation.
Honouring those who inspire change.
© South African AI Awards 2026