South Africa has taken a seat at the top table of global artificial intelligence cooperation, joining the formal launch of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) as a founding member during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai.
On the sidelines of the summit, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Prof. Blade Nzimande met China’s Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Yin Hejun, for a high-level bilateral meeting to deepen cooperation across key frontiers of science and technology, SAnews reports.
From Quantum Computing to the Stars
The two leaders explored expanded collaboration in a striking range of strategic fields, including:
- Artificial intelligence and joint research centres and laboratories;
- Space science and astronomy;
- Quantum computing and cybersecurity;
- Public science engagement and youth development;
- The Young Scientists Exchange Programme.
Nzimande thanked China for inviting South Africa to WAICO’s formal launch and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting the new organisation as it gets off the ground. He also welcomed the opening address delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the conference, describing it as deeply insightful.
Country of Honour
There was more good news for South African science on the sidelines: China has designated South Africa as a “Country of Honour” at the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum, scheduled to take place in China in September 2026 — a signal of the growing weight South Africa carries in global research partnerships.
The Minister used the meeting to showcase South Africa’s own ambitions, outlining plans to establish a national science and technology museum to bring science closer to ordinary South Africans.
He also extended an invitation of his own: for China’s Ministry of Science and Technology to participate in Science Forum South Africa, Africa’s premier global science gathering, which will be held in December this year.
Nzimande further thanked China for its support of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, underlining how the science partnership sits within a broader relationship between the two countries.
Science Month Momentum
The timing could hardly be better. WAIC 2026 takes place as South Africa observes National Science Month in July — a celebration of science, technology and innovation across the country’s schools, universities and science centres.
For South African researchers and young scientists, the deepened partnership promises concrete opportunities: joint laboratories, exchange programmes and collaborative projects in some of the fastest-moving fields in the world, from machine learning to quantum technology.
With the Square Kilometre Array telescope already making the country a global astronomy destination, and now a founding role in the world’s newest AI cooperation body, South Africa continues to punch above its weight in international science — and to make sure its young people share in the benefits.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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