South Africa holds the G20 Presidency for 2025, and these high-level gatherings form a core part of the country’s commitment to using science, technology and innovation (STI) for sustainable global development.
The meetings, hosted by UMP in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), took place under the theme: “Harnessing Global Solidarity for the Implementation of STISA 2034” and focused on Africa’s development agenda within global science and innovation discourse.
UMP has rapidly advanced in research capacity development, research disciplines, national and international research partnerships, and research outputs. The University also conducts research that contributes to local, regional, national, and global sustainability and was recently announced as a Research Chair in Biodiversity Conservation, in collaboration with the Benjamin Raymond Oppenheimer Trust.
Opening the meetings, UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso said: “It is a significant event for our province and continent. This meeting marks a new dawn for innovation and collaboration in Africa. Mpumalanga, where the sun rises, is honoured to host such a historic gathering.”
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the urgency of investment in research and development.
The meetings were part of a series of engagements aimed at addressing educational challenges and aligning with the G20's broader objectives of solidarity, equality, and sustainability.
“Africa contributes 2% to global research output and 0.1% to patents. We must increase investment in science, technology and innovation. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a trend – it is a transformative force that can drive the implementation of STISA-2034 and shape Africa’s future,” he said, urging African leaders to unite and actively participate in sharing information.
The meetings coincided with the Africa Day commemoration. Esteemed Professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, SARChI Chair and recent Templeton Prize Laureate from Stellenbosch University reflected on the intersection of science, ethics, and memory.
“We must embrace relational encounters – spaces where memory, pain, and hope co-exist. These spaces have the power to open unforeseen connections, building more ethical futures shaped not just by knowledge, but by compassion.”
She continued: “True transformation requires interdisciplinary collaboration that asks difficult human questions: how do we live together after harm? How do we repair, not just build? Let us invest not only in technologies but also in the human capacity for empathy and accountability.”
A panel discussion moderated by Associate Professor Chijioke Okorie of the Department of Law at the University of Pretoria explored the role of Artificial Intelligence in supporting the implementation of the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034). It also considered how AI can accelerate progress in key areas such as agricultural transformation, inclusive innovation systems, and knowledge-based development.
In another discussion on AI’s role in supporting the implementation of STISA 2034, Professor Brando Okolo from AUDA-NEPAD examined Africa’s scientific output, demographic dividend, and climate agency. He elaborated on AI’s potential through market applications, key use cases, and the challenges facing the continent.
The meetings fostered collaboration and innovation in the sector by bringing educators, policymakers, and global stakeholders to discuss pressing educational issues.
Professor Okolo also posed a critical question to the panel, asking whether, as the costs of innovation decrease due to AI and the world moves towards the goal of net zero by 2050, STISA 2034 could indeed promote the adoption of AI across the continent.
The sessions focused on key African priorities including open innovation for development, biodiversity for sustainable development, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in science, technology and innovation.
The meeting attracted prominent panellists including Ms Pontsho Maruping, Managing Director of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory; Professor Ulrich Paquet, Director of AIMS South Africa; Mr Mlindi Mashologu, Deputy Director-General at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies; Dr Yan Li, First Secretary for Science and Technology at the Chinese Embassy; and Professor Chomora Mikeka, Director of Science, Technology and Innovation in Malawi’s Ministry of Education, who joined virtually.
Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Ms Cathrine Dlamini emphasised the strategic importance of the gathering. "Open innovation is a transformative shift that allows us to harness global knowledge to solve local challenges – in agriculture, urban development or education. It promotes collaboration between public institutions, local businesses and international partners to create solutions that are contextually relevant and sustainable.”
MEC Dlamini further said, “Africa’s biodiversity is one of our most critical assets yet it is under severe threat from climate change. The continent is warming at a rate faster than the global average. If we fail to act, we risk irreparable loss. Addressing this threat must be central to our development strategy.”
Discussions also evaluated the progress made on the 10 deliverables agreed upon during the first RIWG meeting, held at the University of the Free State in February 2025. A virtual follow-up took place on 9 – 10 April 2025. The second G20 RIWG meeting further addressed the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Declaration draft.
Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.