Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina’s visit aims to strengthen scientific cooperation and unlock opportunities for African innovation
South Africa is set to strengthen its science, technology and innovation partnership with China as Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, prepares to attend the 2026 China-Africa Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum in China.
The visit is expected to provide an important platform for advancing cooperation between South Africa, China and other African countries in scientific research, technological development and innovation-driven economic growth.
The forum brings together stakeholders from government, academia, research institutions and industry to explore opportunities for collaboration and exchange knowledge on how innovation can contribute to sustainable development across the African continent.
South Africa’s participation reflects its commitment to strengthening international partnerships that support the country’s national science, technology and innovation priorities.
China has emerged as a significant partner in South Africa’s scientific and technological development, with cooperation spanning research, skills development, agricultural technology, digital innovation and industrial development.
The two countries have established several cooperation mechanisms aimed at supporting joint research projects, scientific exchanges and technology development. These partnerships provide opportunities for researchers, universities and businesses to collaborate on solutions to shared challenges.
Deputy Minister Gina’s participation is expected to build on these existing relationships while exploring new areas of cooperation that could benefit South Africa and the wider African continent.
Innovation has increasingly become a critical driver of economic development, particularly as countries seek to improve productivity, strengthen industrial capacity and create employment opportunities.
For South Africa, cooperation with China presents opportunities to access scientific expertise, strengthen research capabilities and support the development of technologies that respond to local challenges.
Potential areas of collaboration include agricultural innovation, renewable energy, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, digital technologies and advanced manufacturing.
These sectors are particularly important as South Africa seeks to strengthen its economy, address unemployment and improve the competitiveness of local industries.
The forum also offers an opportunity to promote African innovation and encourage partnerships that allow local researchers and entrepreneurs to participate more actively in global technological developments.
South Africa has consistently emphasised the importance of ensuring that international scientific cooperation translates into practical benefits for communities, particularly through skills development, technology transfer and inclusive economic growth.
The country’s engagement with China is also aligned with broader efforts to strengthen South-South cooperation and promote partnerships between developing countries.
As African nations increasingly prioritise innovation as a tool for development, platforms such as the China-Africa Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum are expected to play an important role in connecting policymakers, researchers and industry leaders.
Gina’s participation is expected to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to expanding scientific cooperation with China while promoting innovation as a foundation for economic transformation.
The visit comes at a time when international partnerships are becoming increasingly important in addressing challenges such as climate change, food security, energy sustainability and technological advancement.
Through continued cooperation, South Africa and China are seeking to strengthen their scientific relationship and explore opportunities that support shared development goals.
The forum is expected to contribute to efforts to build stronger innovation ecosystems, encourage collaboration and create opportunities for African countries to benefit from scientific and technological progress.
