South African innovation on display at Chinese innovation forum in Shanghai

South Africa's scientific and technological capabilities will this week come under the international spotlight when it participates as Country of Honour at the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, China. Led by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, the delegation of South African scientists, innovators and researchers will join their global counterparts from 11 to 14 September to discuss emerging technologies and deepen international cooperation. Among other things, the delegation is expected to articulate Africa's science, technology and innovation (ST&I) agenda as articulated in the African Union's STI Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034). The country's participation in the forum also marks 28 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and China. In March 2026, the two nations convened the 9th Bi-National Commission in South Africa during the working visit by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. The commission was hosted under the theme, "South Africa-China Relations in an Era of Global Transformation: Advancing Shared Modernisation" with the aim of strengthening partnerships and cooperation to respond to the changing global environment,