India and South Africa deepen cooperation on AI and emerging technologies
Innovation cooperation expands as India and South Africa deepen ties.
India and South Africa have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies, with AI, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing identified as key areas for future collaboration.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between India’s Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina. Both sides emphasised the need to expand traditional scientific cooperation into innovation-driven partnerships aimed at delivering economic and societal benefits.
Discussions covered biotechnology, genomics, vaccine development, health technologies, renewable energy, hydrogen, advanced manufacturing and digital innovation. The two countries also explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in quantum technologies, geospatial technologies and digital infrastructure.
The meeting reaffirmed the long-standing scientific relationship between the two countries and concluded with a commitment to strengthen innovation ecosystems through research collaboration, startup partnerships, technology deployment and industry engagement.
Why does it matter?
India and South Africa are among the leading technology and innovation hubs in the Global South. Expanding cooperation in AI, digital infrastructure, healthcare and advanced manufacturing could help accelerate technological development while fostering greater knowledge exchange and investment opportunities.
The partnership also reflects a broader trend of emerging economies seeking to strengthen innovation ecosystems and reduce reliance on technology supply chains and platforms concentrated in a small number of countries.
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