Shanghai: The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, is set to lead a South African delegation at the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, China, from 11 to 14 September 2026. South Africa's involvement is noteworthy as the country has been named Country of Honour by China's Ministry of Science and Technology and the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality.
According to African Press Organization, the Forum will occur within the context of an enhanced bilateral relationship between South Africa and China, which was upgraded to an "All-Round Strategic Partnership in the New Era" in 2024. It also aligns with the 28th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Established in 2008, the Pujiang Innovation Forum is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai Municipal Government, serving as a leading platform globally for dialogue and cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
The 2026 Forum, themed "Sharing Innovation and Shaping the Future: The Mission of the Global Sci-Tech Community amid a New Round of Sci-Tech Revolution," will provide South Africa with a platform to highlight its scientific achievements and innovation capabilities. As Country of Honour, South Africa will engage in various activities, including the Ministerial Opening Ceremony, plenary discussions, thematic sub-forums, technology matchmaking, technology transfer engagements, and exhibitions showcasing South African innovations and research.
Minister Nzimande emphasized the importance of South Africa's designation as Country of Honour, highlighting the strengthening bilateral ties and the central role of science, technology, and innovation in the cooperation between the two countries. He stated that the opportunity allows South Africa to showcase its scientific advancements while bolstering relations within Africa, China, and the broader Global South.
The South African delegation will consist of members from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and various institutions within the National System of Innovation, such as the South African Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure, University of the Witwatersrand, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Technology Innovation Agency, University of Cape Town, and the South African Medical Research Council. Through the South African pavilion, these organizations will display cutting-edge research, technological innovations, and collaborative programs that underscore the nation's scientific contributions to addressing global challenges.
South Africa will also feature a national pavilion and cultural showcase to foster people-to-people exchanges and enhance bilateral ties. The Forum's role in connecting regional innovation partners across Asia will support South Africa's broader internationalization goals, as outlined in the Decadal Plan on Science, Technology and Innovation.
The Forum aims to facilitate South Africa's efforts to leverage existing and new partnerships and joint ventures with China and other international partners, advancing inclusive economic growth, strengthening industrial competitiveness, building human capabilities, and supporting societal transformation. Key areas of cooperation will include climate change and sustainability, health innovation and biotechnology, space science and astronomy, artificial intelligence and digital innovation, green hydrogen and energy transition, advanced manufacturing and mining innovation, oceans and polar research, open science, and science communication.
The Forum is anticipated to enhance institutional partnerships, promote knowledge exchange, support collaborative research and innovation initiatives, and create new opportunities for South African researchers, innovators, science councils, universities, and industry partners to collaborate with counterparts from China and other nations.
