Western Cape Official Urges AI Alignment With Public Infrastructure Needs

Developing economies must align data systems, physical infrastructure, and artificial intelligence with public-sector needs rather than treating technology as an end in itself, according to Labeeqah Schuurman, Deputy Director-General for Strategy and Policy in South Africa's Western Cape Department of Infrastructure. Speaking at the AIFOD Geneva Summit 2026, organised by the AI for Developing Countries Forum, which publishes Africa AI Monitor, Schuurman shared practical lessons from provincial programmes.

Schuurman argued that developing countries face structural hurdles including fragmented administration, limited institutional capacity, and infrastructure deficits. Rather than simply speeding up established bureaucratic procedures or replicating foreign frameworks, public bodies should reorganise their operations to address community requirements before introducing digital instruments.

Integrating Systems Before Digitising

Under the principle of integrating governance structures before digitisation, the Western Cape is deploying digital infrastructure tools to assist project teams. These tools evaluate project readiness, aid regulatory compliance, and support business case development, while ensuring human judgement remains central to final choices.

Sub-national authorities, including municipalities and regional administrations, can act as testing grounds for civic innovation across the Global South. Schuurman noted that smaller public entities operate closest to citizens and can establish locally grounded approaches, demonstrating that "innovation is possible where the need is greatest." Alongside digital deployments, she emphasised that administrations must invest directly in human capabilities and internal institutional structures to manage technology responsibly.