SOUTH AFRICA — Driven by a mandate to elevate its technological capabilities, South Africa is actively expanding its global science partnerships at the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai. Serving as the first African nation to receive the prestigious “Country of Honour” designation, the South African delegation is utilizing the major international platform to cement diplomatic ties, network with global peers, and showcase critical domestic research.
Addressing a South African media contingent upon his arrival on Friday evening (local time), Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande expressed strong optimism about the outcomes of the summit. He emphasized that the event aligns perfectly with a major diplomatic milestone: the 28th anniversary of formal relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.
“It is very significant because this is one of the major innovation forums in the world,” Minister Nzimande stated. “It also takes place as we celebrate 28 years of our diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.”
Showcasing Homegrown Innovation
A core objective of the summit is to leverage the visibility provided to the Country of Honour to highlight South Africa’s scientific strides. According to Nzimande, South African speakers will present the nation’s progress across a diverse array of critical fields, ranging from health innovation to environmental sustainability.
Key areas being showcased include advanced vaccine development, climate-change research, and hydrogen technology. The Minister also drew special attention to the country’s pioneering work in nuclear medicine. Specifically, he highlighted a unique facility at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, which stands as the only one of its kind utilizing nuclear medicine specifically to diagnose and treat cancer.
“In terms of showcasing the work that we are doing, we have a lot of things that we are doing. For instance, the progress that we are making with our vaccines is very important,” Nzimande explained. “We are also going to be showcasing nuclear medicine… Those are some of the things that we are going to be showcasing. We are also doing work in hydrogen.”
Leveraging BRICS and Multilateral Ties
Beyond bilateral relations with China—which Nzimande described as “possibly the leading country in terms of innovation”—the forum offers a unique opportunity for multilateral engagement. The Minister noted that the shared BRICS membership between the two nations provides a vital framework to advance their cooperative relationship.
Furthermore, the event allows the South African delegation to interact with representatives from numerous other participating nations, multiplying the potential for cross-border research initiatives.
“We are very pleased to be here because there are a lot of countries that are also here. It is not only us that will have a chance to interact,” Nzimande noted. “This has the potential to take our science to higher levels as South Africa.”
A Collaborative Ecosystem
The South African delegation is notably diverse, comprising scientists, innovators, researchers, and business representatives. This composition reflects the modern reality of research and development, which the Minister described as inherently collaborative.
“Our scientists and businesspeople whom we invited are here because innovation these days is often a partnership between science councils, ourselves, universities and the private sector,” he said, noting that the presence of business leaders alongside academics underscores the commercial and practical applications of their scientific work.
The 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum runs from September 11 to 14. The comprehensive schedule includes exhibitions, high-level discussions, and bilateral engagements designed to bridge the gap between governments, universities, science councils, and the private sector, ultimately turning scientific potential into global progress.
