As South Africa assumes the
presidency of the G20 this year, Minister of Science, Technology, and
Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, is preparing to take on a significant role by
chairing the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG). This prestigious
track of the G20 focuses on fostering collaboration in Science, Technology, and
Innovation (STI) and will play a critical role in shaping global research and
innovation agendas.
Early this month, Minister
Nzimande is undertaking an important visit to Egypt and the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) as part of his G20 STI preparations. Both Egypt and the UAE have
been invited to participate as official guest countries in the G20 engagements,
and the Minister is seizing this opportunity to brief his counterparts on South
Africa's ambitious agenda for the RIWG in 2025. His work plan aims to enhance
innovation partnerships for public good among G20 members and take significant
steps toward advancing the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for
Africa (STISA).
A key aspect of the minister’s
visit is to foster bilateral cooperation with both Egypt and the UAE, while
also promoting collaboration within the BRICS partnership. These strategic
engagements aim to build stronger ties between South Africa, these two
countries, and the larger BRICS bloc, ensuring that STI initiatives continue to
benefit not only South Africa but the wider African continent.
During his time in Cairo,
the Minister will meet with Prof. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Egypt’s Minister of
Higher Education and Scientific Research. This meeting will focus on advancing South
Africa’s leadership in Africa's vaccine manufacturing capabilities. As part of
his agenda, Minister Nzimande will participate in the high-level Vaccine and
Other Health Products Manufacturing Forum for African Union Member States. The
Forum’s goal is to strengthen Africa’s self-reliance in developing its vaccine
manufacturing infrastructure and responding to future pandemics with local
resources.
South Africa’s efforts in
this domain are being led by minister Nzimande, following President Cyril
Ramaphosa’s trust in his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his
stewardship, South Africa's first Vaccine Innovation Manufacturing Strategy is
being developed, marking a pivotal step toward ensuring that Africa becomes
less reliant on external pharmaceutical supplies and more capable of meeting
its own health needs.
At the Forum, Prof Nzimande
will address the pressing need for strategic interventions to strengthen
Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities. His speech will highlight the
importance of education and training programs that can build Africa’s health
innovation capacities. By investing in research, development, and innovation in
the health sector, South Africa and its African counterparts can play a central
role in the global health landscape, ensuring that Africa is equipped to
respond proactively to health challenges.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
