South Africa has reaffirmed its dedication to increasing scientific and technological cooperation with China, with Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Prof. Blade Nzimande holding high-level talks in the course of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. Meeting with China’s Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Yin Hejun, Nzimande mentioned methods to strengthen collaboration in a number of strategic areas, reflecting the rising partnership between the 2 international locations in science, innovation and rising applied sciences.
A serious focus of the bilateral assembly was increasing cooperation in synthetic intelligence, alongside joint analysis centres, scientific laboratories, area science, astronomy, quantum computing and cybersecurity. The ministers additionally explored alternatives to strengthen public engagement in science, assist youth growth and increase the Young Scientists Exchange Programme, which inspires collaboration between researchers from each international locations.
Nzimande mentioned South Africa sees scientific partnerships as an vital driver of innovation, expertise growth and financial development.
South Africa backs new international AI cooperation physique
The Minister thanked China for inviting South Africa to the formal launch of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), the place South Africa is taking part as one of many founding members. He additionally welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s opening deal with on the convention, describing it as insightful and reaffirming South Africa’s assist for the institution and future work of the brand new organisation. The discussions highlighted each international locations’ shared curiosity in constructing stronger worldwide cooperation on synthetic intelligence whereas selling accountable technological growth.
Stronger ties lengthen past AI
During the assembly, Nzimande additionally shared South Africa’s plans to determine a nationwide science and expertise museum and thanked China for naming South Africa because the Country of Honour on the nineteenth Pujiang Innovation Forum, which will probably be held in September 2026. He additionally expressed appreciation for China’s assist of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and invited the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology to take part in Science Forum South Africa, the nation’s flagship worldwide science gathering scheduled for December. The bilateral engagement happened as South Africa marks National Science Month in July, reinforcing the nation’s concentrate on strengthening worldwide partnerships that advance analysis, innovation and technological growth.