Tunis: In a significant move to bolster scientific and technological ties, South Africa and Tunisia have formalized a partnership aimed at enhancing cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. This development comes as part of Minister Nzimande's official visit to Tunisia, marked by the signing of the Scaling up Tunisia - South Africa Strategy by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
According to African Press Organization, the newly signed agreement encompasses a comprehensive Plan of Action and Joint Research Call Meeting Minutes. The Action Plan outlines key focus areas, including an Exchange Programme, Networking and inter-institutional cooperation, a Joint Research Programme, Intellectual Property Rights, Knowledge and Skills Transfer in Innovation, Participation in International Programs, and Governance.
In light of the current geopolitical climate, where certain nations are perceived to be advancing unipolarity through coercive measures, the partnership underscores the need for African nations to strengthen sub-regional cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. This initiative is seen as a step towards garnering cohesive support for the African Union's Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA).
The collaboration builds on existing scientific and technological cooperation between South Africa and Tunisia. It sets the stage for the two nations to jointly develop sustainable solutions to pressing continental issues such as youth unemployment, skills development, healthcare, food sovereignty, water and energy security, climate change, biodiversity loss, and digital transformation.
Minister Nzimande's delegation includes senior officials from the Ministry, the Department, and its associated entities like the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the National Research Foundation (NRF), and experts from the Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek).