SU Policy Innovation Lab

Advancing the research and application of data science tools to improve policymaking in South Africa.

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

🌟 At the Policy Innovation Lab, we believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and innovation! Here are our core values and practices that guide our work🧵:

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

👉Register for each session below:
1️⃣Making sense of AI → https://t.co/zz17T82zS4
2️⃣ AI policy landscape → https://t.co/pm8Q0Rp3kG 3️⃣ Ethics & risks → https://t.co/8wPKmbKu83
4️⃣ AI in action → https://t.co/y6IEsSTkGZ

Speakers: Prof. Fourie, Dr Makone & Dr Manicom

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

AI is transforming how governments think, decide & deliver.
Are policymakers ready to lead that change?
Join our 4-part webinar series “AI in Government” to learn how to use AI responsibly in policymaking.

🗓 24–27 Nov 2025 | 💻 MS Teams | 🎓 Free

More info🧵🧵:

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

We’re excited that Prof. Willem Fourie will speak at IMPACT AI: DataFest Cape Town AI Focus Day this November! 🤖🎙️

He’ll share insights on “From Models to Markets: Driving Business Outcomes with AI.”

📍 4 Nov 2025 | Old Biscuit Mill, Cape Town
🔗 https://t.co/b0zhCTS2Uc

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

2/
Over 3 years, #SDGi has advanced evidence-based policymaking in SA—supporting Cabinet, informing reforms, and embedding socio-economic impact assessment across government.

As Phase 2 begins, we’re excited to explore how AI can further strengthen policymaking in SA and beyond!

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

🧵1/
This weekend, our team joined the @PresidencyZA and partners at the SDGi Transition Event at the Union Buildings in Pretoria 🇿🇦.

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

“AI tools should assist, not replace, human decision-making in all phases of policymaking.”
— Prof Willem Fourie, @SUPolicyLab

The workshop concluded with ideas for pilot projects testing AI tools in real policy contexts. 🌍

#AIforGood #PublicSectorInnovation

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

Can #AI help governments make better, faster, more inclusive policy decisions? 🇿🇦

That’s the question @SUPolicyLab explored with Google & The Presidency of South Africa at the AI for Policy: Co-designing Transformative Solutions workshop.

Read more🔗: https://t.co/WE0AMBWYa0

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

Hosted at @SUDataSchool, the session brought policymakers, researchers & AI experts together to explore how AI can:

🧠Strengthen evidence-based decisions
📊Analyse complex data
📈Identify policy trends & opportunities

All while keeping humans firmly in the loop👥.

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

5/
As we celebrate their contributions, we’re reminded that the Goalkeepers are more than project leaders — they’re catalysts of change, building a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
#GoalkeepersSA #PolicyInnovationLab #SDGAction #YouthLeadership #InnovationForImpact

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

🧵 1/

🌍 Inspiring, driven, and impact-focused!
We were honoured to host the South Africa Goalkeepers Bootcamp, a space where young changemakers advance #SDG action across health, education, and innovation.
Collaboration. Creativity. Community in action. 💡🤝

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

4/
Highlights include:

▶️ Projects linking academic research to entrepreneurship (SDG 8 & 17)
▶️ New nutrition startups tackling chronic disease (SDG 2 & 3)
▶️ Creative platforms empowering African youth to innovate (SDG 4 & 8)

Real solutions. Real impact. 🌍
#SDGs #AIforGood

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

🔗 Read more: https://t.co/CAZbVFvZ4M

#GoalkeepersSA #SDGs #InnovationForImpact #PolicyInnovationLab #GlobalGoals

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

🌍 Inspiring, driven, and impact-focused!

We were honoured to host the South Africa Goalkeepers Bootcamp — a dynamic space where young changemakers advanced #SDG action across health, education, and innovation.

Collaboration. Creativity. Community in action.

More info🧵:

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

🔎 Key insights & lessons → explore the full report: https://t.co/f8ZgaBZ62g

#PolicyInnovation #PolicyAdvice #GlobalSouth #ResponsibleAI #PublicPolicy

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

📢 New Report!

How do governments in the Global South organise the systems that underpin policymaking?

Our latest study compares Policy Advice Systems in 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇮🇳 India & 🇿🇦 South Africa, led by Dr Itai Makone.

More Info🧵🧵:

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

🚀 We’re hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow!

Join the Policy Innovation Lab @StellenboschUni for 18 months to apply AI & Data Science in real policymaking contexts.

📍 Stellenbosch, SA
💰 R420k/year (tax-free)
🗓 Jan 2026 – Jun 2027
📩 Apply by 26 Oct 2025 → [email protected]

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

📢 Our September Monthly Snapshot is out!

This edition spotlights our new Policy Advice Systems reports 🧐—exploring how 🇧🇷🇮🇳🇰🇪🇿🇦 strengthen the systems that power policymaking.

📬 Read here: https://t.co/zONV6w8W6i
📩 Subscribe for future editions!

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

Leaders from law, policy & tech stressed the need for inclusive, accountable, context-specific AI. We also launched the free FemAI e-learning platform!

👉 Read more: https://t.co/F67fbFkGq8

#AIpolicy #WomenInTech #EthicalAI #PolicyInnovationLab #GIZ #ArtificialIntelligence

[SU Policy Innovation Lab @SUPolicyLab]

Yesterday we co-hosted the #FemAI webinar with @WPLeadersOrg & @GizSouth: How can AI empower women across Africa & broaden participation? 🌍✨