UK Science and Innovation Network summary: South Africa
Updated 30 May 2024
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1. Science and Innovation Landscape
Research in Numbers
South Africa is a leader in Science and Technology in Africa and is seen as a 鈥済ateway to Africa鈥� for international researchers wanting to work on the continent. In 2021/2022 South Africa鈥檚 gross domestic expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) increased in real terms for the first time in three years to R27.756 billion. GERD as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) was 0.62% in 2021/2022, which is two basis higher that the 0.60% recorded in 2020/21 .
South Africa is currently ranked 59th in the , its main innovation strengths being market capitalisation, expenditure on education, and logistics performance. (Source: )
Government Structures and Policies
The Department of Science and Innovation under Minister Blade Nzimande seeks to boost socio-economic development in South Africa through research and innovation. The department provides a leading role in administration, technology innovation, international cooperation and resources, research development and support and socio-economic innovation partnerships (Source: ).
The Science and Innovation policy framework is guided by the and South Africa鈥檚 Decadal Plan聽amongst others.
Reporting Agencies
The entities that lead implementation of Science and Innovation under DSI include:
2. UK partnership with South Africa on ST&I
The UK-South Africa science relationship has continued to flourish to become a key positive element in our wider bilateral, political relationship. The science partnership was further strengthened during South African President Cyril Ramaphosa鈥檚 State Visit to the UK in November 2022 where the UK and South African signed a new collaborative Science MoU. The two governments agreed eight new partnerships across health, science, green energy, technology, and economic cooperation.
3. SIN South Africa contacts
British High Commission Pretoria
- Aidan Darker: [email protected]
- Loice Alusala: [email protected]