Department of Infrastructure commits to responsible use of AI
Media Release by Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers
The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI) has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Geneva-based AI for Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD) and committed itself to the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in infrastructure. DOI has also undertaken to host the next AIFOD Summit due to take place in Cape Town in April 2027.
The MOU was signed by DOI Head of Department Adv. Chantal Smith and Tianze Zhang, co-founder of AIFOD. The agreement commits DOI to the responsible use of artificial intelligence, data and digital technologies in infrastructure planning, governance and delivery.
The DOI-AIFOD partnership will explore how AI can support the Western Cape Infrastructure Framework 2050, Infrastructure Strategy 2050 and Infrastructure Implementation Plan 2050. Initial focus areas include:
- The use of AI in infrastructure planning, project preparation, monitoring and decision-making across the full lifecycle.
- Strengthening the DOI’s Single Integrated Infrastructure Project Pipeline and investment readiness.
- Human-centred, accountable AI, with a focus on the decolonialisation of AI and African values such as Ubuntu.
- Exploring how AIFOD’s Future AI Investment Responsibility (FAIR) global certification and governance model can help guide DOI’s AI investments.
- Broadening participation by enterprises and technology providers in the infrastructure ecosystem.
- Peer learning, research and capability building.
The Western Cape's participation in international forums convened by AIFOD.
The AIFOD Cape Town Summit scheduled for next year will focus on responsible AI, infrastructure innovation, institutional capability and investment. AIFOD will organise and host the Summit and convene international, private-sector and investment partners. DOI will lead a Western Cape Infrastructure Ministerial Roundtable and contribute to the Summit’s AI infrastructure programme.
“This partnership provides an opportunity to strengthen how we translate the Western Cape’s long-term infrastructure priorities into implementable, investment-ready projects. Through joint research, peer learning and practical cooperation, we will explore how responsible AI can improve planning, coordination and decision-making across the infrastructure lifecycle. We look forward to working with AIFOD”, said Adv. Smith.
Provincial Minister for Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers added, “Infrastructure must create opportunity, connect communities and support inclusive economic growth. Our partnership with AIFOD opens opportunities to explore how responsible AI and digital innovation can help us achieve these ambitions, guided by the needs of our communities. The planned AIFOD Cape Town
Summit and Infrastructure Ministerial Roundtable in April 2027 will bring government, technology and investment partners together to advance resilient infrastructure and share practical lessons across the Global South”.
“We are honoured to partner with the Western Cape Government. The Western Cape shows how a sub-national government can lead the Global South in putting responsible AI to work for infrastructure and people. We look forward to building this together, and to welcoming ministers and partners from around the world to Cape Town in April 2027”, said Tianze Zhang.
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Media enquiries:
Melt Botes
Spokesperson to Provincial Minister Tertuis Simmers
Email: Melchior.Botes@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 8067
Cell: 082 431 0068
Stephen Heyns
Acting Head of Communications
Western Cape Department of Infrastructure
Email: Stephen.Heyns@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: 021 483 0597