AI must not leave workers behind, warns electricity minister

South Africa’s transition to an artificial intelligence-enabled economy must prioritise workers and ensure technological progress does not deepen existing inequalities, Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has said.

Speaking on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the National Economic Development Labour Council’s 31st annual summit in Pretoria, Ramokgopa called for a human-centred approach to AI development.

“If not properly managed, technological change can deepen existing inequalities, displace workers, widen the digital divide and exclude those who do not have access to the skills and infrastructure required to participate in the new economy,” he said according to a news release on Friday.

The minister acknowledged that AI and digital technologies are rapidly changing how economies operate, businesses produce goods and services, governments deliver services and people work.

“AI can improve productivity, support innovation, strengthen service delivery, create new industries and open new opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment,” Ramokgopa said.