Minister Blade Nzimande leads South Africa’s participation at 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in China, 11 to 14 Sept
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will lead a South African delegation to the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, China, from 11 to 14 September 2026.
South Africa's participation is especially significant because the country has been designated Country of Honour by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China and the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality.
The Forum takes place in the context of the upgraded bilateral relationship between South Africa and 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.
Founded in 2008 and jointly hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Shanghai Municipal Government, the Pujiang Innovation Forum has become one of the world's leading platforms for dialogue and cooperation in science, technology and innovation. It brings together policymakers, researchers, innovators, industry leaders and international partners to exchange ideas, deepen collaboration and explore solutions to shared global challenges.
The 2026 Forum will be 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 Forum to showcase its scientific excellence, innovation capabilities and the strength of its National System of Innovation. The country will participate in activities including:
- the Ministerial Opening Ceremony;
- plenary discussions and thematic sub-forums;
- technology matchmaking and technology transfer engagements; and
- exhibition activities highlighting South African innovations and research achievements
Minister Nzimande said South Africa's designation as Country of Honour reflects the growing strength of the bilateral relationship and the central role of science, technology and innovation as a pillar of cooperation between the two countries.
“South Africa’s participation in the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum carries profound significance, particularly as we have been designated Guest Country of Honour. 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,” said Minister Nzimande.
The South African delegation will include 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 showcase cutting-edge research, technological innovations and collaborative programmes that demonstrate the country's scientific excellence and contribution to addressing global challenges. 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.
Given the Forum’s role in connecting regional innovation partners across Asia, South Africa’s participation will support the country’s broader internationalisation objectives, including those set out in the Decadal Plan on Science, Technology and Innovation.
The Forum will help South Africa leverage existing and new partnerships and joint ventures with China and other international partners. These collaborations are intended to advance inclusive economic growth, strengthen industrial competitiveness, build human capabilities and support societal transformation.
Priority areas of cooperation 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.
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.
Enquiries: Mr Veli Mbele: Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
Mobile: 064 615 0644
Email: Veli.Mbele@dst.gov.za
Buhle Khumalo: Chief Director: Science Communication
Department of Science, Technology and Innovation
Mobile: 082 603 5602
Email: Buhle. Khumalo@dsti.gov.za
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