Johannesburg: South Africa's scientific and technological capabilities will this week come under the international spotlight when it participates as Country of Honour at the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, China. This event, which will take place from 11-14 September, will feature a distinguished delegation of South African scientists, innovators, and researchers led by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Prof. Blade Nzimande. The industry representatives aim to discuss emerging technologies and deepen international cooperation.

According to South African Government News Agency, the delegation is expected to articulate Africa's science, technology and innovation agenda as outlined in the African Union's STandI Strategy for Africa. South Africa's participation as the Country of Honour marks it as the first African nation to receive this designation, coinciding with the celebration of 28 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and China.

In March 2026, the two nations convened the 9th Bi-National Commission in South Africa during a working visit by Vice President Han Zheng of China, focusing on shared modernisation and strengthening partnerships to respond to the changing global environment. 'As the first African country to be designated country of honour, we also view our participation in the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum as a unique opportunity to advance Africa's science, technology and innovation agenda,' stated the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in a programme presentation document.

The Minister and his delegation are set to participate in various activities, including site visits, bilateral meetings, and a banquet across Shanghai. This engagement will allow South Africa to showcase its science, technology, and innovation capabilities, promote research and technology transfer, and position itself as a gateway to African innovation ecosystems.

The event will cover topics such as climate change and sustainability, health innovation and biotechnology, and space science and astronomy. A South African pavilion will present locally developed technologies addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges, including climate-intelligence tools, hydrogen technologies, and assistive technology for people with visual impairments.

Participating institutions include the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Technology Innovation Agency, South African National Space Agency, National Research Foundation, South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, Agricultural Research Council, and several universities.