South Africa Pledges Stronger BRICS Science and Tech Ties
Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina calls for deeper STI collaboration to reduce technological dependency on the Global North.
South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening science, technology, and innovation (STI) cooperation within the BRICS framework. The move signals a strategic push to enhance collaborative research and technological exchange among member nations to address shared global challenges.
During the 12th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting held in Moscow on September 27, 2024, Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina explicitly reiterated this commitment. The discussions focused on leveraging the collective intellectual and technical resources of the bloc to foster innovation and accelerate the development of critical technologies.
The Push for Multilateralism
BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and recently expanded to include new members—has long sought to establish a multilateral alternative to the scientific and technological hegemony led by Western nations. By creating independent networks for research and development, the bloc aims to shift the center of gravity for global innovation.
Within this framework, South Africa occupies a pivotal role. The nation frequently serves as the primary gateway for BRICS-led scientific initiatives within the African continent, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology to other regional partners while ensuring African priorities are represented in the bloc's global agenda.
Strategic Implications
Strengthening STI cooperation allows member states to pool financial and human resources for large-scale research projects that would be prohibitively expensive for a single nation. This collective approach is designed to reduce the systemic dependency on technology sourced from the Global North, granting member states greater sovereignty over their digital and industrial infrastructures.
Industry experts suggest that this cooperation is particularly critical in high-stakes fields such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and biotechnology. By sharing patents, data, and research methodologies, BRICS nations can accelerate the transition to sustainable energy and improve healthcare outcomes through joint biotech ventures.
Future Outlook
As the bloc continues to expand, the focus will likely shift toward integrating new members into existing STI protocols. Observers will be watching for the establishment of concrete joint ventures or shared research facilities that move beyond diplomatic affirmations into tangible infrastructure.
While the commitment is clear, the success of these initiatives remains dependent on the ability of member states to align their national regulatory frameworks and overcome geopolitical frictions. For now, South Africa's reaffirmed stance ensures that the African perspective remains central to the bloc's technological ambitions.