The British High Commission and South Africa's Department of
Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) have announced three
major initiatives at this year's Science Forum, held at the
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Pretoria. These
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).
These initiatives follow the UK-SA Science and Technology Joint
Committee Meeting held in London in October, which reaffirmed the
commitment of both countries to deepening collaboration in
priority science and technology sectors, such as health
innovation, space science and AI.
Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to South Africa,
said:
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. Through the Global AI Policy Training
Programme, the Space Ecosystem Development Toolkit, and the
renewed DSTI-GIF collaboration, we are working together to
address shared challenges and create lasting positive impact.
The Global AI Policy Training Programme is designed to strengthen
the capacity of UK and South African policymakers, science
diplomats and public sector leaders to navigate the fast-changing
landscape of artificial intelligence governance. The programme
brings together 30 officials, 15 from each country. It draws on
world class expertise from leading institutions, including the
Global Centre on AI Governance, the University of Cape Town, the
University of Cambridge, and established policy networks in both
nations.
It further builds on the UK's AI for Development programme, which
leverages AI to address development challenges in low and
middle-income countries, supports locally led AI innovations, and
promotes Southern Africa's leadership in global AI
governance.
Building on this momentum, the South African Research Institute
for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS), in partnership with the
Kenya and Rwanda space agencies and supported by the UK's
Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund, launched
the Space Ecosystem Development Toolkit (SEDT) on Monday 24
November to address critical gaps in emerging space ecosystems on
the continent - including human capital, finance, infrastructure,
policy, and inclusion.
Lindokuhle Simelane, RIIS Toolkit Team Lead said:
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.
In a decisive move to further strengthen the National System of
Innovation, the DSTI and GIF have renewed their partnership and
commitment to harnessing science, technology, and innovation for
South Africa's socio-economic development. At the heart of this
collaboration is accelerating the impact of scientific
innovations in society through GIF's expertise in identifying and
scaling solutions that improve the lives of people in underserved
communities.
The renewed partnership will combine the expertise and resources
of both organisations to support high-impact, scalable
innovations addressing Africa's most pressing development
challenges. These include improving livelihoods and health
outcomes, promoting economic inclusion, and building resilience
to climate change.
Joseph Ssentongo, CEO, Global Innovation Fund, said:
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 partnership is a significant step
towards achieving the Decadal Plan's objectives of addressing
poverty, inequality, and unemployment while fostering resilience
and sustainability across Africa.
DSTI Deputy Director General for Socio-economic Innovation
Partnership, Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, added:
The renewal of this partnership with GIF is firmly aligned with
South Africa's STI Decadal Plan, which prioritises 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.
