As of October 2025, the relationship between South Africa and China in the realms of science and technology continues to deepen, marked by a significant roundtable dialogue held in Changsha as part of the China-South Africa Science, Technology, and People-to-People Exchange Series.
This event, launched earlier in the month, underscores a mutual commitment to advancing sustainable development and innovation, reflecting the strategic partnership established between the two nations.
The roundtable, convened to explore collaborative opportunities, builds on a foundation laid by a memorandum of understanding signed earlier in 2025 between South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology.
This agreement, formalized during a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit, aims to enhance strategic coordination and bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI).
The timing of the roundtable aligns with the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Africa and China, a milestone that has seen their ties evolve since the historic Bandung Conference of 1955.A key focus of the dialogue has been sustainable development, a priority that resonates with both nations’ goals.
South Africa, under its BRICS chairship theme of “Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism,” has emphasized addressing challenges such as unemployment, climate change, and energy security.
China, a global leader in technological innovation, brings expertise in areas like advanced manufacturing and renewable energy, complementing South Africa’s efforts to bolster its industrial base through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The roundtable has facilitated discussions on integrating African and Chinese technological capabilities to drive value-added production and export growth.
Participants have explored how China’s advancements in engineering and infrastructure can support South Africa’s developmental agenda, particularly in creating sustainable industrial pathways.
This collaboration is further contextualized within the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which has long served as a platform for strategic partnerships aimed at mutual economic and social progress.
High-level engagement has been a hallmark of this partnership.
Remarks from South African leadership have highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation, with calls for China’s support in resolving regional challenges and enhancing continental integration. The exchange of expertise and resources is seen as a catalyst for addressing Africa-specific developmental issues, from youth empowerment to women’s participation in STEM fields.
Looking ahead, the 10-year strategic programme of cooperation (2020–2029) governing South Africa-China relations provides a roadmap for future initiatives. The Changsha roundtable is expected to yield actionable outcomes, including joint research projects and technology transfer programs, that will strengthen the scientific community’s capacity on both sides.
As the dialogue concludes, it sets a precedent for ongoing collaboration, reinforcing the notion that science and technology can bridge continents and drive a shared vision for a sustainable future.