Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been widely positioned as an enabler of innovation, economic growth and a catalyst for achieving sustainable development. This transformative technology can purposely shift existing systems towards a wholly new sustainable way of operating in the changed environment, enabling Global South countries such as South Africa to advance economically and to increase access to essential services for all. However, there has also been emphasis on the considerable dangers of this advanced technology, including the reproduction of structural inequalities, algorithmic bias, surveillance capitalism, and digital extractivism in the Global South. These two positions highlight the historical tension between opportunity and inequality, where digital technologies have been associated with expanding opportunities for education, participation, and mobility whilst simultaneously cultivating new forms of exclusion and dependency. Therefore, while it is certain that the pathway for development in South Africa (and other African countries), requires a more inclusive and integrated approach that considers not only economic but social and environmental factors as well, the means to achieve this approach still needs consideration.
This project will, therefore, focus on the interaction between the socio-economic realities facing South Africa, the governance risks and opportunities, and the technological innovation dimensions of AI and their potential to address the socio-economic conditions. It will explore inclusive developmental pathways for AI and the technological capabilities required to establish a thriving and sustainable AI ecosystem.
In this regard, MISTRA invites abstracts from scholars, policymakers and practitioners on, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Contextualising AI in the Global South
- Data representation and epistemic injustice
- Technological capabilities: human capital and AI literacy
- Localised, quality data and frameworks for data collection in local languages; building local AI start-up ecosystem(s)
- Infrastructure and energy challenges and the digital divide
- Investment and funding ecosystem for AI technologies
- AI in sectoral developments in South Africa (mining operations; manufacturing and supply chain; financial services and fintech; agricultural technologies; public and social services; health; education)
- Regulatory and ethical ambiguity
Abstracts must be submitted no later than 24 July 2026 to project coordinator Sanele Simayile, at saneles@mistra.org.za
Proposals should not exceed 350 words and must include the following:
- Proposed chapter title.
- Author(s) details: names, institutional affiliations, and email addresses.
- Core argument and research question(s).
- Methodological approach and data sources.
- Anticipated contribution of the chapter to the volume’s themes.
The chapters will be expected to comprise original, unpublished work. Authors will receive detailed guidelines on formatting and referencing with the acceptance of their chapter proposal.
Should an abstract be accepted, contributors to the volume will need to adhere to strict timelines for submission. We ask that prospective authors consider this when making a submission.
For additional queries, you are welcome to contact one of the project leaders:
Zamanzima Mazibuko-Makena at zamanzimam@mistra.org.za
