Cape town: Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has used his platform at the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) to advocate for a research framework designed around African priorities rather than external influences. He recognised that African countries have to build robust science infrastructure and regional networks.
According to South African Government News Agency, Nzimande emphasized the need for a sovereign research agenda for Africa, one that is designed, funded, and directed based on African priorities and concerns, not reliant on external donors. To achieve this, he believes that African countries must develop strong and accessible science infrastructure to support young and women researchers, improve maths and science education, and increase investments in research and development.
Nzimande also highlighted the importance of reversing the loss of critical skills by creating better working conditions for scientists and researchers. His plan calls for enhancing Africa’s capacity to process its mineral wealth and curbing illicit financial outflows that deplete resources needed for essential services.
The Minister advocates for stronger connections between science, technology, and industry to drive commercialisation and support tech-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, the strategy underscores the importance of adopting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and expanding pandemic preparedness, aiming to produce 60% of Africa’s vaccines locally by 2040.
The SFSA 2025 brought together over 6,000 participants, including scientists, policymakers, youth innovators, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives, all engaging in discussions about the future of science and technology in Africa. The forum, along with the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), is hosting a five-day session focused on strengthening science diplomacy and science advice across Africa and the Global South.
The Minister highlighted the significance of the forum, which marks a decade of insightful dialogue and coincides with South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency. This year’s theme is “Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.”
Nzimande stressed the need for increased public awareness of the importance of science in everyday life. The forum featured the South African Tech Challenge 2025, aimed at identifying high-potential small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) whose technologies address societal challenges.
Nzimande’s address also tackled societal challenges, acknowledging the paradox of technological advances versus social inequality. He urged attendees to consider how science and technology innovations can facilitate social inclusion and justice, calling for a future where these tools serve as instruments of inclusion and equity. “This is the moment for us to act,” he stated.