Zambia and South Africa Deepen Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation

The Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Government of the Republic of South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, research collaboration, and infrastructure development.

This development followed a courtesy visit by South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, who met with Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix C. Mutati in Lusaka.

During the discussions, Minister Nzimande reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to supporting Zambia in advancing cooperation in science, technology, and research, particularly in the ICT and mining sectors. He emphasized that both countries share similar economic foundations rooted in mining, and stressed the importance of strengthening the sector through research, modernization, and improved safety standards to enhance productivity and economic value.

He also proposed the establishment of a joint Technology and Science Fund to support research and development initiatives, as well as an annual investment forum aimed at promoting industrialization and reducing reliance on raw mineral exports. In addition, he highlighted the need for continued collaboration in space science and innovation-driven development.

The visit, accompanied by South Africa’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Saad Cachalia, also carried historical significance. Minister Nzimande acknowledged Zambia’s support during South Africa’s liberation struggle and noted the timing of the visit alongside the commemoration of former President Kenneth Kaunda, whose legacy remains central to Zambia’s national identity.

In response, Minister Mutati expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between the two countries in science, technology, and innovation. He highlighted South Africa’s continued support for regional research programmes and emphasized Zambia’s focus on transforming its mining sector through innovation, value addition, and reduced export of raw materials.

He further noted improvements in Zambia’s energy supply, which have contributed to increased copper production, and outlined national efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure in line with the country’s goal of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2030 under the Eighth National Development Plan.

Minister Mutati also highlighted ongoing academic research at institutions such as the University of Zambia and Copperbelt University, particularly in lithium battery development, positioning Zambia as a growing hub for mining-related innovation. He proposed the establishment of an additional research chair focusing on indigenous knowledge systems and space science to further support innovation, disaster management, and sustainable development.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation in research, innovation, and commercialization, with the shared goal of driving socio-economic transformation in both Zambia and South Africa.