Leading African law firm Bowmans has joined the Advisory Board of the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA), strengthening the organisation’s focus on responsible AI adoption, governance and regulation.
SAAIA, which has more than 4,800 members, brings together AI professionals and stakeholders from the commercial, government, academic, startup and NGO sectors. The association focuses on promoting responsible and inclusive AI development in South Africa.
Bowmans advises businesses on technology-related legal matters across sectors and jurisdictions, with expertise covering the full AI lifecycle. This includes AI strategy, governance, procurement, contracting, product development, workplace implementation, regulatory engagement, risk management and dispute resolution.
The firm’s AI expertise has also been recognised through the appointment of Bowmans technology specialist Heather Irvine to an Independent Review Panel established by Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi to review South Africa’s AI policy.
Focus on responsible AI
SAAIA chairman Dr Nick Bradshaw said the partnership comes at an important time as South Africa works to understand both the opportunities and risks associated with rapidly advancing AI technologies.
“The legal, ethical and governance aspects of AI are now arguably the challenge of our time,” Bradshaw said.
He added that Bowmans’ involvement would strengthen the association’s ability to promote a more human-centred approach to AI, with responsible adoption at its core.
Robby Coelho, a partner at Bowmans, said the firm was pleased to join a platform focused on developing South Africa’s AI ecosystem.
“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,” Coelho said.
He added that the partnership would allow Bowmans to contribute to the wider AI community while supporting responsible adoption that considers the interests of different stakeholders.
Building South Africa’s AI ecosystem
The partnership comes as businesses, policymakers and technology leaders increasingly grapple with questions around AI regulation, data governance, ethics and accountability.
SAAIA said having Bowmans on its Advisory Board would provide additional legal and regulatory expertise as it works towards its vision of a responsible, human-centred AI future.
The association also runs AI Expo Africa, described as Africa’s largest enterprise and startup AI community and trade event, while providing insights and advisory services around AI opportunities across the continent.
The addition of Bowmans further expands the expertise available to SAAIA as South Africa navigates the opportunities and challenges presented by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence.
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