South Africa and Nigeria have renewed their commitment to deepen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI), pledging to revitalise the bilateral agreement signed between both countries in 2001.
The agreement, which had remained largely inactive in recent years, is now being reactivated to enhance research collaboration, technology transfer, and innovation-driven development across the continent.
Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, made the announcement during a meeting with Mr Alexander Temitope Ajayi, the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to South Africa, in Pretoria. The meeting took place on the sidelines of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.
Dr Gina said the renewed partnership will create opportunities for joint projects in renewable energy, health innovation, digital transformation, and space science areas that align with both nations’ development priorities.
“Reviving our STI partnership could unlock immense potential for collaborative research, technology transfer, capacity building, and joint innovation projects,” she stated.
She added that the collaboration aligns with the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034), which seeks to strengthen the continent’s competitiveness through science-led growth.
Mr Ajayi expressed Nigeria’s readiness to fully operationalise the 2001 agreement, noting that both countries have the institutional capacity and expertise required to make it effective.
“The time has come for technology to play a revolutionary role in Africa’s development, and South Africa and Nigeria can collaborate in digital technologies to position the continent as a global leader,” he said.
He disclosed that discussions are underway for the establishment of a Special Technology Envoy on Digital and Emerging Technologies, a high-level diplomatic mechanism that will serve as Africa’s permanent voice on technology matters within the African Union and globally.
“This initiative aims to position Africa as an active player in shaping international technology policy, governance, and innovation,” Ajayi added.
Other areas identified for collaboration include research exchanges between universities, technical visits, and joint development programmes.
Dr Gina congratulated Nigeria on its independence anniversary, highlighting the historic ties between both nations.
“As Africa’s two largest economies, South Africa and Nigeria share a responsibility to drive the continent’s development agenda and ensure that innovation becomes a cornerstone of Africa’s growth,” she said.
