Working visit focuses on AI, cybersecurity and digital skills development under growing South Africa–Singapore cooperation
From 12–15 April 2026, Minister Mondli Gungubele, Deputy Minister of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) of South Africa, led a high-level delegation to Singapore to strengthen cooperation in digital transformation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The delegation included Mr. Trevor Rammitlwa, Chief Executive Officer of the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA). The visit was supported by the South African High Commission in Singapore, led by High Commissioner Madiepetsane Charlotte Lobe, with assistance from First Secretary (Political) Gavin du Preez.
The working visit centred on advancing digital skills development, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, key priorities in South Africa’s digital transformation agenda. As the country reviews its National Digital and Future Skills Strategy and develops a National AI Policy while strengthening measures against cybersecurity risks and online harms, engagements in Singapore provided valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration.
Source: South Africa High Commission in Singapore
During the visit, the delegation held meetings with several Singapore institutions, including Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) to explore citizen-centric digital government services and Smart Nation initiatives. Discussions were also held with Singapore Post (SingPost) on its transformation into an e-commerce logistics platform and potential cooperation with the South African Post Office.
The delegation also met with Singapore Cooperation Enterprise to discuss internationalisation and capacity-building initiatives. A courtesy call was held with Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Rahayu Mahzam, where both sides reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and exchanged views on AI governance, cybersecurity and digital government.
This engagement was followed by a briefing session with agencies under MDDI, including the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), and the Open Government Products (OGP), to explore deeper cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Additional engagements included discussions with NEC Laboratories Asia Pacific on the co-creation of AI and generative AI solutions for public safety, healthcare and social impact. The delegation also visited the National University of Singapore Institute of Systems Science to learn how Singapore’s Digital Academy supports whole-of-government digital skills development.
The visit follows the entry into force of the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries on cooperation in information and communications technology, ratified by South Africa’s parliament in March 2026. Singapore’s global leadership in digital governance, AI regulation and cybersecurity makes it a natural partner for South Africa’s digital priorities.
The working visit underscored South Africa’s commitment to building a digitally skilled, AI-ready and cyber-secure society while strengthening cooperation with international partners in innovation and technology.
Source: South Africa High Commission in Singapore
