SA advocates for stronger space science cooperation with China
The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, has called for stronger cooperation between Africa and China in space science technologies to help address the continent's developmental challenges.
Speaking at a session on China-Africa Space Information Technology and Applied Science in Wuhan today, Dr Gina said space technologies could contribute to agriculture and food security, water resource management, climate change adaptation and environmental protection, and coastal-resource monitoring in Africa.
"Stronger China-Africa cooperation can broaden access to these technologies and extend their benefits to more countries and communities," said Dr Gina.
The session was part of the 2026 China-Africa Innovation and Cooperation Development Forum, taking place from 10 to 13 November at the Donghu International Convention Centre.
The forum focuses on new opportunities in scientific and technological innovation between Africa and China, including in space science and technology. Artificial intelligence, health and medical technology, forestry, training, and intelligent and green transportation are other areas on the agenda.
Deputy Minister Gina said the 2025 launch of the China-South Africa Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Aerospace Information Technology and Applications, which will empower sustainable development in China and Africa through space technologies, had been an important milestone in the partnership.
The aim of the initiative is to provide practical applications in precision agriculture, resource monitoring and ecological protection through satellite remote sensing and aerial and airship platforms. China-Africa aerospace data-sharing mechanisms and support for pragmatic science and technology cooperation are also being explored.
"This laboratory represents a concrete achievement in our partnership and provides a valuable platform for advancing joint research, technological innovation and practical applications," said Dr Gina.
Developed by the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the South African National Space Agency, the laboratory has advanced cooperation in airborne platforms, navigation technologies and applications in disaster management and agriculture. Progress has also been made in laboratory and infrastructure development, training for young scientists, and a scientific exchange programme.
Looking ahead, Dr Gina said the focus should be on deepening cooperation in space technology applications, data and knowledge sharing, and building scientific and technological capabilities across Africa.
"We must create more opportunities for African scientists and young researchers, enabling African countries to develop and apply technologies in line with their own priorities. Our partnership should go beyond technology transfer to promote joint innovation, mutual learning and sustainable local capabilities," she said.
The forum brought together expertise from across the continent, with South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Egypt contributing perspectives on how space science and technology could support Africa's development priorities. Ethiopia, for example, presented opportunities for the sustainable management of water resources and the environment in the Blue Nile Basin.
It concluded with discussions on the progress and prospects in China-Africa cooperation in aerospace information and applications, including opportunities in disaster management, agriculture, environmental monitoring, marine and coastal-resource monitoring, and collaborative resource observation.
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
For more information, please contact Veronica Mohapeloa, media liaison officer to the Deputy Minister, at 083 400 5750.
