University of Cape Town
AI for Business: From Vision to Value
Learn how to manage successful AI initiatives at scale, and build a comprehensive implementation plan for your organisation — no technical experience required.
Start date
04 May 2026
Cohort-based learning
Group learning, expert guidance
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
English
Access resources from start date
6–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
A majority of people say that their organisations’ use of AI has improved innovation, and nearly half report improvement in customer satisfaction and competitive differentiation.
McKinsey & Company (2025).
AI business usage is accelerating rapidly and a growing body of research shows that AI boosts productivity and helps narrow skill gaps across the workforce.
Stanford (2025).
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
The UCT AI for business short course prepares you to turn AI strategy into action in your organisation. Designed for business leaders without a technical background, this course draws on successful implementation efforts by South African businesses and presented through case studies. You’ll create a custom AI implementation plan that addresses the unique challenges in your business and prioritises ethical AI adoption. The six-week course emphasises the real-world applications and practical tools you need to measure the ROI of AI initiatives and set KPIs based on your organisational priorities.
Is this course for you?
This UCT online AI for business course is ideal for mid-career to senior professionals responsible for shaping, leading, or supporting business strategy with AI. No technical experience or coding proficiency is required. If you’re looking to lead AI implementation in your organisation or evaluate AI opportunities in your business context, this is the course for you.
Course overview
Course overview
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
The UCT AI for business short course prepares you to turn AI strategy into action in your organisation. Designed for business leaders without a technical background, this course draws on successful implementation efforts by South African businesses and presented through case studies. You’ll create a custom AI implementation plan that addresses the unique challenges in your business and prioritises ethical AI adoption. The six-week course emphasises the real-world applications and practical tools you need to measure the ROI of AI initiatives and set KPIs based on your organisational priorities.
Is this course for you?
This UCT online AI for business course is ideal for mid-career to senior professionals responsible for shaping, leading, or supporting business strategy with AI. No technical experience or coding proficiency is required. If you’re looking to lead AI implementation in your organisation or evaluate AI opportunities in your business context, this is the course for you.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
The skills to properly assess the value, impact, and ethicality of AI initiatives, and a readiness assessment covering strategy, technology, and culture. 
A practical, comprehensive AI implementation plan for your organisation.
Leadership skills in project management, digital transformation, and assessment that will help you drive value in your organisation.
An understanding of global and African AI trends, as well as specific opportunity areas for your organisation.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Demystifying AI: What every leader needs to know
Module 2
AI in business: Global and African trends
Module 3
From innovation to execution: Building AI readiness
Module 4
AI Governance, policy, and ethics
Module 5
Evaluating performance and sustaining AI at scale
Module 6
Managing AI projects: From vision to value
Course Convenor
Mariam Jacobs-Basadien
Mariam Jacobs-Basadien is an Information Systems lecturer and researcher at the University of Cape Town (UCT), working at the intersection of technology, ethics, and development. Her research spans ICT for Development (ICT4D), including mHealth for marginalised communities, and the ethical and responsible use of AI in higher education teaching and learning. She has published peer-reviewed research and contributes to the scholarly community through conferences and journal publications, including serving as an associate editor for the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) Healthcare track.
About the certificate
Learn about AI business strategy and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with your digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
Get more information
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
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