2026: A pivotal year for China-South Africa relations

Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and South Africa have continuously deepened bilateral scientific and technological innovation partnership in areas such as science and technology policy dialogue, scientific and technological cultural exchanges, joint research, and platform co-construction.

- Ren is Chinese Consul General in Cape Town

and space science, medicine and public health, genomics and bioinformatics, mining technology and materials science, renewable energy and climate science, securing its leading position in Africa with the most complete scientific research system and the highest level of international participation.

In November 2025, as Africa's foremost platform for strategic science, technology, and innovation dialogue, Science Forum South Africa 2025 was successfully held, bringing together over 6000 participants, including scientists, policymakers, youth innovators, entrepreneurs and civil society representatives.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, and especially since the implementation of the reform and opening-up policy in 1978, China has made great strides in catching up with the world's advanced levels in the field of science and technology.

The Communist Party of China and the Chinese government, upholding the concept that "science and technology are the primary productive force," have implemented the strategy of "rejuvenating the nation through science and education" and have continuously increased investment in this area.