South Africa, China deepen scientific cooperation with focus on research and innovation
Date: 2026-04-10
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The Department
of Science Technology and Innovation has highlighted growing collaboration
between South Africa and China, with both countries advancing joint scientific
research and innovation initiatives.
Deputy
Minister Nomalungelo Gina presented progress made under the bilateral
partnership, noting that 10 young South African scientists have been enrolled
in an exchange programme following the 2025 Beijing summit. In addition, 30
joint research and development projects have been selected and funded from a
pool of 261 applications.
A
key milestone in the collaboration is the establishment of a joint research
laboratory focusing on space science and indigenous knowledge systems,
developed in partnership with China’s Ministry of Science and Technology of
China.
Chinese
Vice Minister Chen Jiachang extended invitations to South African stakeholders
to participate in upcoming global innovation platforms, including the Pujiang
Innovation Forum in Shanghai and the 2027 Belt and Road Science, Technology and
Innovation Exchange Conference. The invitations are expected to include
participation from investors and industry players alongside government
representatives.
Discussions
also addressed the broader global context, with both delegations emphasizing
the importance of strengthening scientific cooperation among developing
countries in response to evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics.
Officials
underscored the need to translate research into practical outcomes, with a
focus on scaling laboratory innovations to benefit communities and contribute
to economic growth. The engagement reflects ongoing efforts to position science
and technology collaboration as a driver of inclusive development and
international partnership.
