South Africa Proposes Inclusive BRICS Framework for Artificial Intelligence

Dragon Media News Desk

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has proposed the creation of a common international framework among BRICS countries to ensure the safe, cooperative and inclusive use of artificial intelligence. Speaking at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, he stressed that human governance and regulatory systems must keep pace with the rapid development of AI.

Ramaphosa proposed that BRICS establish an international mechanism for the independent scientific evaluation of artificial intelligence systems. According to him, AI models are becoming increasingly powerful and are rapidly transforming almost every area of economic and social life. If properly governed, he said, artificial intelligence could open a new era of productivity and human progress.

At the same time, he warned that questions of safety, accountability and meaningful human control must not be neglected as AI capabilities expand. He said the proposed mechanism should include principles of effective human oversight, mandatory reporting of serious incidents and progressively stronger safeguards as technological capabilities increase.

Ramaphosa also drew attention to the need for developing economies to avoid excessive dependence on foreign technologies. He argued that BRICS should simultaneously invest in building sovereign AI capacity in developing countries. Such an approach could help reduce technological inequality while strengthening digital sovereignty and national technological capabilities.

The proposal for a common BRICS framework on artificial intelligence brings technology governance into focus as a new strategic area for the grouping. At a time when global debate is intensifying over AI regulation, safety, data ownership and equitable access to advanced technologies, South Africa’s proposal seeks to place the interests and participation of developing countries at the centre of the emerging AI order.