South Africa is committed to deepening cooperation with China and other African countries in science, technology and innovation to translate research into tangible outcomes for sustainable development, a senior government official said on Monday.
South African Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina made the remarks ahead of her visit to China, where she will lead a delegation to the 2026 China-Africa Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, from Tuesday to Friday, said a statement released by the department.
The forum will bring together government and business representatives, researchers, innovators and international organizations to explore opportunities for scientific and technological cooperation between China and African countries.
During her visit, Gina is expected to meet with Chinese counterparts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in science and technology, focusing on space information technology and its practical applications, as well as digital healthcare and smart hospital development.
Science and technology cooperation between South Africa and China has steadily expanded since the two countries signed a bilateral agreement in 1999.
The partnership spans a range of areas, including space science, artificial intelligence, agriculture, energy, mining and traditional medicine.
Gina said South Africa remained committed to working with China to translate research and innovation into meaningful outcomes.
"We should measure the success of our cooperation not only by the technologies we develop but by the lives we improve," she said.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
