By Frans Sello waga Machate I Shanghai, China
Shanghai, China – Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, has arrived in Shanghai to lead South Africa’s delegation to the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum, where the country will be showcased as the prestigious Country of Honour.
On the eve of the forum’s opening ceremony, Nzimande held a brief engagement with South African journalists in Shanghai, thanking the media contingent for its presence and underlining the significance of South Africa’s selection for the global gathering.
“It also provides a unique opportunity to showcase key South African advances in science, technology and innovation, while strengthening STI relations between South Africa, Africa, China and the broader Global South.”
The forum, which runs from 11 to 14 September 2026, is jointly hosted by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai Municipal Government. Founded in 2008, it has become one of the world’s leading platforms for dialogue and cooperation in science, technology and innovation, bringing together policymakers, researchers, innovators, industry leaders and international partners.
South Africa’s participation carries added weight because it takes place within the context of an upgraded bilateral relationship with China, elevated in 2024 to an “All-Round Strategic Partnership in the New Era.” It also coincides with the 28th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
This year’s forum is held under the theme: “Sharing Innovation and Shaping the Future: The Mission of the Global Sci-Tech Community amid a New Round of Sci-Tech Revolution.”
As Country of Honour, South Africa will use the platform to showcase its scientific excellence, innovation capabilities and the strength of its National System of Innovation. The delegation will take part in the Ministerial Opening Ceremony, plenary discussions and thematic sub-forums, technology matchmaking and technology transfer engagements, as well as exhibition activities highlighting South African innovations and research achievements.
The South African delegation includes representatives from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and institutions across the National System of Innovation, including the South African Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure, the University of the Witwatersrand, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the Technology Innovation Agency, the University of Cape Town and the South African Medical Research Council.
Through the South African pavilion, these organisations will present cutting-edge research, technological innovations and collaborative programmes. Exhibits will include the African Medicines Innovation and Technology Development platform of the University of the Free State, technologies developed by South African start-ups supported through the DSTI’s Grassroots Innovation Programme, and advances in space science and technology led by the South African National Space Agency.
South Africa will also host a dedicated national pavilion and cultural showcase to promote people-to-people exchanges and strengthen ties between the two countries.
Nzimande said the Country of Honour designation reflected the growing strength of the bilateral relationship and the central role of science, technology and innovation as a pillar of cooperation between South Africa and China.
“This prestigious role places South Africa at the centre of one of the world’s premier scientific and technological exchanges. It also provides a unique opportunity to showcase key South African advances in science, technology and innovation, while strengthening STI relations between South Africa, Africa, China and the broader Global South.”
Priority areas of cooperation at the forum include climate change and sustainability; health innovation and biotechnology; space science and astronomy; artificial intelligence and digital innovation; green hydrogen and the energy transition; advanced manufacturing and mining innovation; oceans and polar research; open science; and science communication.
Given the forum’s role in connecting regional innovation partners across Asia, South Africa’s participation is expected to support the country’s broader internationalisation objectives, including those set out in the Decadal Plan on Science, Technology and Innovation.
The engagements are also intended to help South Africa leverage existing and new partnerships and joint ventures with China and other international partners, with the aim of advancing inclusive economic growth, strengthening industrial competitiveness, building human capabilities and supporting societal transformation.
The forum is expected to strengthen 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 engage with counterparts from China and other countries.
