Durban: Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has emphasised the continent's critical role in global climate research and the need for African institutions to contribute to global knowledge production.
According to South African Government News Agency, Nzimande highlighted the urgent need for African-led scientific research and climate adaptation strategies, stressing the importance of historically Black universities in Africa's research agenda. He stated, 'I'm a very strong advocate for the deliberate development of the research capacity of our historically disadvantaged institutions, and for them to develop and be supported to be at the centre of knowledge production in our country and indeed globally.'
The Minister was speaking at the 3rd International Conference on Earth and Environmental Sciences (ICEES 2025), a collaboration between the University of Zululand and China's Chang'an University. He stressed the value of collaboration while urging African universities to contribute uniquely to the global knowledge project, calling for a sovereign Research and Development Agenda for Africa.
The conference takes place amid severe environmental challenges. The 2023 World Meteorological Organisation report reveals that African countries are losing 2% to 5% of their GDP to climate change, with some nations allocating up to 9% of their budgets to climate response efforts. It further states that up to 118 million extremely poor people will face increased exposure to drought, floods, and extreme heat.
Nzimande addressed the 'triple planetary crisis' of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, warning of life-threatening heatwaves, floods, species extinction, and ecosystem pressures. He cautioned that without coordinated action, future generations face devastating outcomes.
In South Africa, he cited extreme weather events impacting farmers and rural communities, threatening safety and livelihoods, especially in agriculturally dependent areas. He announced that the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has developed instruments to enhance research capacity, including the South African Environmental Observation Network, the Alliance for Collaboration on Climate and Earth System Science, and the Centre for Global Change.
Nzimande also discussed the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap, which comprises 13 initiatives, including the National Equipment Programme, South African Research Chair Initiative, and Centres of Excellence. South Africa's participation in global platforms like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was noted, along with the upcoming Global Change National Conference aimed at strengthening climate change capacity.
He emphasised student involvement, urging young researchers to seize opportunities, viewing youth empowerment as vital for Africa's scientific future. The conference aims to foster academic and industry research collaborations, featuring keynote lectures and participants from over 70 countries worldwide.
