AI does not diminish the structural importance of land in South Africa’s political economy, but it does weaken its dominance as the primary driver of productive transformation, necessitating a reconfiguration of land reform policy toward a hybrid asset strategy. The central question is not whether AI replaces land, but whether South Africa can prevent technological capital from becoming the new axis of exclusion.

Integrating AI into the informal sector holds significant promise for overcoming challenges and enhancing its impact.

AI can address diverse economic issues synonymous with developing states such as sluggish economic growth and development.