South Africa and China are advancing plans for an Artificial Intelligence Talent Development and Innovation Centre in South Africa, as the two countries broaden their science, technology and innovation partnership.
The proposal was discussed by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina and China’s Vice Minister of Science and Technology, Zhang Guangjun, in Wuhan during the 2026 China-Africa Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum, the website of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation of South Africa reported on November 12.
The proposed center is intended to help close South Africa’s digital skills gap, strengthen local innovation capacity and expand collaboration with Chinese institutions. Preparatory work is under way, and a Chinese technical team is expected to visit South Africa for an initial technical assessment.
Gina said the facility would “strengthen innovation capabilities and deepen” bilateral AI cooperation. The initiative builds on the countries’ 2024 decision to elevate relations to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership, which identified artificial intelligence, the digital economy and new energy as priority areas.
The Wuhan forum, held from 10 to 13 November, brought together government, business, research and innovation leaders from Africa and China under the theme “Working Together to Advance Modernization Through Innovation Cooperation”.
Organizers also released AI application scenarios for African countries covering healthcare, energy, logistics, vocational education and inclusive computing power—areas that could inform future South African collaboration.
