The South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) today announced that pre-eminent African law firm, Bowmans, has joined its Advisory Board.

SAAIA is an industry body focused on promoting the advancement of responsible AI in South Africa by uniting practitioners across Commercial, Government, Academic, Startup and NGO sectors. With over 4 800 members it is the largest AI community in South Africa focused on Responsible AI adoption and dialogue.

Bowmans supports its clients wherever technology touches their business, including solving the most complex legal challenges whenever they arise. The firm’s technology service offering is unique in the sense that it crosses sectors, practice areas and jurisdictions, and is delivered in partnership with its clients.

Its expertise in AI covers the entire AI lifecycle from AI strategy, governance and policy design through to procurement, contracting, product development, workplace deployment, regulatory engagement, implementation, dispute resolution, and ongoing risk and compliance management.

Bowmans leading position in advising on AI is recognised in that one of its technology experts, Heather Irvine, has been appointed by Minister Malatsi to the Independent Review Panel established to review the country’s AI Policy as it is drafted.

Dr Nick Bradshaw, chairman of the SA AI Association stated, ‘From global hype to local reality the SAAIA vision has been shaped by analysing the global and local landscape, identifying needs and filling the blanks with research.  This has revealed both the challenges and opportunities AI and related smart technologies can bring to South Africa for both citizens and the wider economy.  Our vision is evidence based with responsible, human centric AI as its foundation. The legal, ethical and governance aspects of AI are now arguably the challenge of our time which is why we are very happy to welcome Bowmans to our Advisory Board.’

Robby Coelho, partner at Bowmans, stated, ‘As a law firm advising local and international clients on their most complex technology-related transactions and initiatives in Africa, Bowmans is at the forefront of the developing AI ecosystem. We believe that being part of a respected industry platform like the SAAIA will enable us to contribute to the development and growth of the AI community as a whole and support the SAAIA in fostering the responsible adoption of AI in the interests of all stakeholders.’

Bradshaw concluded, ‘Having partners like Bowmans join helps cement the knowledge and skills we can draw on to steer the SAAIA vision and mission to a more human centric and responsible AI future where ethics, regulation and governance sit at the heart of the AI journey we are all on.’