The British High Commission and South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) unveiled three significant initiatives during this year’s Science Forum, hosted at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Pretoria. These initiatives include the launch of the UK–South Africa Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Training Programme, the introduction of the Space Ecosystem Development Toolkit (SEDT), and the renewal of the partnership between DSTI and the Global Innovation Fund (GIF).
This announcement follows the UK-SA Science and Technology Joint Committee Meeting held in London in October, which reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to enhancing collaboration in vital science and technology sectors, including health innovation, space science, and AI.
Antony Phillipson, the British High Commissioner to South Africa, emphasized the importance of these collaborations, stating, “The UK Government is proud to be supporting these collaborations, testament to the strong and growing relationship between the UK and South Africa. By joining forces, we are investing in skills, networks, and innovations to strengthen science and technology for our shared advantage.”
The Global AI Policy Training Programme aims to bolster the capabilities of UK and South African policymakers, science diplomats, and public sector leaders in navigating the dynamic landscape of artificial intelligence governance. The programme will bring together 30 officials, with 15 from each country, and will draw upon expertise from esteemed institutions such as the Global Centre on AI Governance, the University of Cape Town, the University of Cambridge, and established policy networks from both nations.
This initiative builds on the UK’s AI for Development programme, which utilizes AI to tackle developmental challenges in low and middle-income countries, supports local AI innovations, and promotes Southern Africa’s leadership in global AI governance.
In a related development, the South African Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS), in collaboration with the space agencies of Kenya and Rwanda and supported by the UK’s Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund, launched the Space Ecosystem Development Toolkit (SEDT) on November 24. This toolkit aims to address critical gaps in emerging space ecosystems across the continent, encompassing human capital, finance, infrastructure, policy, and inclusion.
Lindokuhle Simelane, RIIS Toolkit Team Lead, noted, “Designed for national space agencies and ecosystem players, the Toolkit enables evidence-based planning, alignment with national priorities, and inclusive participation, ensuring space-based solutions drive economic growth and societal development.”
Another key aspect of the initiatives is the renewed collaboration between DSTI and GIF, aimed at enhancing the National System of Innovation. This partnership seeks to leverage science, technology, and innovation to foster South Africa’s socio-economic development. At the heart of this collaboration is the goal of accelerating the societal impact of scientific innovations through GIF’s expertise in identifying and scaling solutions that improve the lives of people in underserved communities.
Joseph Ssentongo, CEO of the Global Innovation Fund, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are excited to deepen our partnership with the DSTI, building on our shared commitment to supporting innovations that make a real difference for communities across Africa. By combining GIF’s experience with DSTI’s expertise and networks, we can help more innovations reach the people who need them most, while advancing economic inclusivity and climate resilience across the continent.”
According to the DSTI, this renewed partnership marks a significant step towards achieving the Decadal Plan’s goals of addressing poverty, inequality, and unemployment while promoting resilience and sustainability throughout Africa.
Dr. Mmboneni Muofhe, DSTI Deputy Director General for Socio-economic Innovation Partnership, added, “The renewal of this partnership with GIF is firmly aligned with South Africa’s STI Decadal Plan, which prioritizes inclusive development and innovation-driven growth. By leveraging this collaboration, we aim to strengthen policy frameworks that support evidence-based decision-making, accelerate the scaling up of high-impact innovations, and ensure that investments deliver measurable socio-economic benefits.”
As these initiatives unfold, they signify a concerted effort to address pressing challenges in both countries while fostering a collaborative environment for innovation and development in science and technology.
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