SOUTH AFRICA — The South Africa and China AI partnership has reached a significant new milestone, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in science and technology during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC).
During a high-level bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai summit, South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, met with his Chinese counterpart, Prof. Yin Hejun. The discussions centered on scaling joint initiatives and solidifying a strategic roadmap across multiple high-tech sectors.
A major focal point of the engagement was the formal launch of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO). Prof. Nzimande expressed gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for the invitation, noting that South Africa is proudly among the founding members of the new global body. He also praised the opening address delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping, describing the insights as deeply relevant to the future of global tech governance, and pledged South Africa’s active support in operationalizing WAICO.
The strategic framework agreed upon by the two ministers outlines extensive collaboration in critical, future-facing fields. Beyond artificial intelligence, the partnership will encompass the development of joint research centres and laboratories, space science, astronomy, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. Furthermore, the agreement highlights a strong emphasis on human capital through public engagement, youth development, and the Young Scientists Exchange Programme.
Looking ahead to later in the year, Prof. Nzimande shared South Africa’s domestic ambitions to establish a comprehensive national science and technology museum. In return, China has recognized South Africa’s growing global scientific footprint by naming it the “Country of Honour” at the upcoming 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum, scheduled for September 2026.
Prof. Nzimande also took the opportunity to acknowledge China’s backing of South Africa’s current G20 Presidency. Strengthening the reciprocal nature of this alliance, the South African minister extended a formal invitation to the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology to participate in the Science Forum South Africa. Recognized as the continent’s premier global science gathering, the forum is slated for December 2026.
These high-level international engagements and technological alignments coincide with South Africa’s domestic observance of National Science Month throughout July.
