South Africa strengthens sci-tech ties with China as deputy minister leads high-level visit

South Africa is set to strengthen its longstanding science and technology partnership with China as Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Nomalungelo Gina leads a senior delegation to Beijing from Dec. 3-5, 2025. The mission marks an important step in revitalizing bilateral cooperation and expanding opportunities for young scientists, researchers and innovators.

The visit is part of the Fourth Session of the China-South Africa High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM) — a flagship platform that has, over the years, advanced collaboration in research, human capital development and innovation between the two countries.

Through the PPEM and the broader cooperation framework between South Africa's Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and China's Ministry of Science and Technology, both nations have established funding schemes and joint work programs that continue to shape strategic partnerships.

A key milestone of the December visit will be the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding for the Young Scientists Exchange Programme. Initially launched in 2019, the program has supported exchanges in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, new materials and ICT systems. Before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted mobility, seven South African scientists had taken up placements in Chinese institutions, while 17 Chinese researchers joined South African universities.

With participation having dropped in recent years, the DSTI intends to relaunch the call for expressions of interest, aiming for stronger, more sustainable engagement. The fourth PPEM will reaffirm the program's importance and set the stage for a new round of exchanges in 2026, helping to rebuild momentum for cross-border research and innovation.

Deputy Minister Gina underscored the significance of expanding the initiative. "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," she said.

During her Beijing engagements, Gina will hold bilateral talks with Chen Jiachang, China's deputy minister of science and technology, focusing on new areas of collaboration. Discussions are expected to explore joint research centers and laboratories in priority areas, including space science, green energy, mineral development, hydrogen technologies, as well as innovation-driven work in traditional medicines, ICT and biotechnology.

The delegation will also visit leading Chinese institutions, including the China Science and Technology Museum and the Beijing General Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, a longstanding partner in minerals research with South Africa.

This mission builds on South Africa's expanding engagement across global and bilateral cooperation platforms, including the Belt and Road Initiative and Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, as well as partnerships with institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huawei and the Aerospace Information Research Institute. These collaborations continue to support South Africa's priorities in clean energy, artificial intelligence, astronomy, next-generation ICT and the development of technology start-ups.

Deputy Minister Gina's participation in the PPEM underscores South Africa's commitment to deepening scientific ties that promote innovation, advance skills development, and drive shared economic growth, reflecting the country's vision for a more capable, knowledge-based future.