The World Economic Forum
(WEF) has unveiled plans to establish four new Centres for the Fourth
Industrial Revolution (C4IR), including the South African Centre for Industry
and Technology (C4IR South Africa). Hosted at the University of Pretoria (UP),
this initiative aims to advance South Africa's readiness for global industrial
transformation and sustainable energy solutions. The agreements for the new
Centres were officially signed on January 23, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in
the Forum’s commitment to driving localized innovation with a global impact.
C4IR South Africa, the first
of its kind in the country and the second on the African continent, will focus
on inclusive cross-industry digitization and decarbonization to address
critical global challenges. This collaborative effort involves leading South
African academic institutions, government, and industry stakeholders,
positioning the nation at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Centre will leverage WEF’s global expertise and initiatives to advance
South Africa’s role in future global value chains, manufacturing readiness, and
energy transition towards a sustainable, net-zero future.
Børge Brende, President and
CEO of the World Economic Forum, emphasized the importance of the new Centres,
stating, "The upcoming launches of four new C4IR Centres underscore our
commitment to shaping a future where technology better serves humanity.
Together, with our growing network of global partners, we will continue to
harness the power of innovation to address society's most pressing challenges
and create localized solutions with global reach."
Professor Francis Petersen,
Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, expressed pride in
hosting the Centre, highlighting its significance in accelerating South
Africa’s technological and industrial transformation. “The launch of the Centre
for Industry and Technology, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, is a
major step in driving technological progress and industrial transformation. The
Centre will help position South Africa for manufacturing readiness and support
its sustainable energy transition towards net zero,” he said during the signing
ceremony.
The Centre for the Fourth
Industrial Revolution Network, first established in San Francisco in 2017, has
grown into a global platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration. With a
presence across the world, these Centres bring together public and private sectors
to maximize technological benefits while minimizing risks. The network focuses
on adopting and applying exponential technologies responsibly, ensuring their
impact aligns with societal and regional needs.
The newly announced Centres
in Pretoria (South Africa), Muscat (Oman), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Uttar
Pradesh (India) will address pressing global challenges by delivering
innovative, context-specific solutions. Each Centre aims to foster
collaboration across government, academia, and industry, further strengthening
the Forum’s mission to harness the transformative power of technology.
C4IR South Africa will
specifically align with WEF’s Centres for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply
Chains and Energy and Materials, contributing to the development of a robust
ecosystem of innovation. This initiative reaffirms South Africa’s pivotal role
in advancing technological progress across the continent and beyond.
Since the launch of the
first Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in San Francisco, the network
has expanded to over 20 countries, including Rwanda, Japan, Germany, Colombia,
and the UAE. The addition of C4IR South Africa represents a significant
milestone for the African continent, creating opportunities to address unique
regional challenges while participating in a global effort to shape a more
equitable and sustainable future.
With the establishment of
the South African Centre for Industry and Technology, the World Economic Forum
and the University of Pretoria are setting the stage for South Africa to lead
in the digital and energy transitions of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,
reinforcing the nation’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and
sustainability.
By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
