South Africa deepens science and technology ties with China
South Africa is strengthening one of its most strategically important international partnerships this week, as Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina leads a high-level delegation to Beijing from 3 to 5 December. The mission is aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation—areas increasingly recognised as central to future global competitiveness.
The visit forms part of the 4th Session of the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM), a structured platform that supports collaboration in research, skills development, innovation and cultural exchange. This mechanism, coordinated through South Africa’s DSTI and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), has become a cornerstone of cooperation between the two countries.
China: South Africa’s largest trading partner in a multipolar world
China remains South Africa’s single largest trading partner, a position it has held for more than a decade. As global geopolitics shift toward a multipolar environment – with rising regional blocs and new technology alliances – maintaining and deepening partnerships with key markets like China has become essential.
In this context, collaboration in science and technology is more than academic: it underpins innovation-driven industrialisation, emerging technology adoption, and competitiveness for high-growth sectors such as green energy, minerals processing, ICT, and advanced manufacturing.
Deputy Minister Gina’s visit reinforces South Africa’s intention to stay closely aligned with strategic partners who can support long-term economic development, especially in a world where technological capability increasingly determines global influence.
Reviving the Young Scientists Exchange Programme
A key highlight of the mission will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Young Scientists Exchange Programme (YSEP). Launched in 2019, the programme facilitates cross-border mobility for emerging researchers, enabling them to work in joint research centres, universities and enterprises.
Themes covered include:
- Biotechnology
- Advanced materials and manufacturing
- Information technology systems
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme had successfully placed seven South African researchers in Chinese institutions and welcomed 17 Chinese students to South African universities. Participation dropped during the pandemic, prompting the DSTI to relaunch the initiative to restore momentum ahead of a new round of exchanges in 2026.
Deputy Minister Gina reiterated the importance of the programme:
“Our partnership with China opens critical opportunities for young scientists and innovators. By expanding these exchanges, we are building a knowledge-driven economy that benefits all South Africans.”
Expanding high-impact areas of collaboration
During the visit, the Deputy Minister will engage with Mr Chen Jiachang, Deputy Minister of MOST, to explore deeper cooperation in several strategic fields, including:
- Space science
- Green energy and hydrogen technologies
- Minerals development
- ICT and artificial intelligence
- Biotechnology and traditional medicines
Her programme also includes visits to institutions such as the Beijing Science Museum and BGRIMM (Beijing General Institute for Metallurgy and Mining), a long-standing research partner in South Africa’s minerals sector.
Strengthening global partnerships for innovation
South Africa’s collaboration with China is reinforced by its participation in broader platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). In addition, partnerships with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huawei and the Aerospace Information Research Institute continue to support domestic priorities in astronomy, ICT, clean energy and tech entrepreneurship.
Positioning South Africa for future competitiveness
Deputy Minister Gina’s participation in the 4th PPEM underscores South Africa’s commitment to leveraging high-value international partnerships at a time when global influence is increasingly distributed across multiple economic centres.
By maintaining strong ties with China—its principal trading partner—South Africa is not only safeguarding its economic interests but also securing access to cutting-edge scientific collaboration, innovation ecosystems, and shared growth opportunities.
The SA Trade Desk will continue to monitor developments as South Africa strengthens its position in an evolving global landscape where strategic partnerships are more important than ever.
