South Africa and China reignite Science Powerhouse Partnership
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, spearheaded a powerful South African delegation to Beijing from 3 to 5 December 2025, intensifying cooperation in science, technology, and innovation under the 4th Session of the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM).
Dr Nomalungelo Gina signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Young Scientists Exchange Programme (YSEP). (Image: Facebook)
In a major milestone, Dr Gina signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reviving the Young Scientists Exchange Programme (YSEP), originally launched in 2019. The programme targets emerging researchers in high-impact fields including biotechnology, new materials, advanced manufacturing, and information technology systems.
Since its inception, YSEP has enabled seven South African scientists to conduct research at Chinese institutions and hosted 17 Chinese students at South African universities. Although disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) confirmed plans to relaunch the programme with fresh calls for participation in 2026.
“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,” Dr Gina declared.
Expanded cooperation in strategic priority areas
Bilateral talks with China’s Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Chen Jiachang, explored ambitious new frontiers, including the establishment of Joint Research Centres, shared laboratories, and flagship projects in: Space science Green energy and hydrogen technologies Minerals development Biotechnology Information and communication technologies (ICT) Traditional medicineImmersive visits to China’s innovation powerhouses
The delegation toured premier Chinese institutions, including the Beijing Science Museum and the Beijing General Institute for Metallurgy and Mining (BGRIMM)—a long-standing collaborator in South Africa’s minerals beneficiation and research efforts.Deepening strategic global and Bilateral Engagements
The visit reinforced South Africa’s active role in major platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). It also strengthened partnerships with influential Chinese entities including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huawei, and the Aerospace Information Research Institute, aligning directly with national priorities in clean energy, artificial intelligence, next-generation ICT, astronomy, and technology entrepreneurship.
Through this high-impact engagement, South Africa reaffirmed its determination to forge scientific partnerships that accelerate innovation, build skills, and deliver shared economic prosperity with one of the world’s leading STI nations.