China and South Africa Strengthen AI and Science Ties at Pujiang Forum
South Africa serves as 'Country of Honour' in Shanghai to advance Global South technological capacity.
China is intensifying scientific and technological cooperation with South Africa and other Global South nations to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence (AI). This strategic push aims to strengthen scientific capacity across developing economies through shared innovation and infrastructure.
From September 11 to 14, 2026, South Africa served as the "Country of Honour" at the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai. Led by Prof. Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, the South African delegation used the forum to cement ties in several critical sectors. Priority areas for this bilateral cooperation include AI and digital innovation, green hydrogen, space science, health biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and climate change.
A Strategic Framework for Innovation
This collaboration is part of a broader diplomatic architecture known as the "All-Round Strategic Partnership in the New Era," established in 2024. The timing of the forum coincides with the 28th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The Pujiang Innovation Forum, founded in 2008, has evolved into a primary platform for high-level scientific exchanges between China and its international partners.
China's specific strategy for AI cooperation within the Global South focuses on three pillars: the promotion of open-source technologies, the use of shared datasets, and international capacity-building. This approach reflects China's stated goal to contribute more significantly to the establishment of a global AI governance architecture.
Implications for the Global South
This partnership signals a significant shift toward "South-South" cooperation in emerging technologies. By championing open-source models and inclusive governance, China is positioning itself as a primary technological partner for developing nations seeking to reduce traditional Western-led tech dependencies. For South Africa, the partnership serves as a vehicle to drive industrial competitiveness and inclusive economic growth.
Prof. Blade Nzimande emphasized the weight of the designation, noting that South Africa’s role as Country of Honour carries "profound significance" and places the nation at the center of one of the world's premier scientific and technological exchanges.
Future Outlook
As the partnership matures, the focus will likely shift from high-level forums to the implementation of specific projects in green hydrogen and biotechnology. Observers will monitor how the "All-Round Strategic Partnership" translates into concrete infrastructure and whether open-source AI initiatives lead to measurable capacity gains in South African research institutions. The success of these initiatives will determine if the model can be scaled across other Global South partners to create a more multipolar technological landscape.