South Africa’s DSTI presents 2026/27 Budget Vote, outlines innovation-led growth strategy

By:  Robert Kwaku Annor

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has presented its 2026/27 Budget Vote Debate, outlining a national strategy aimed at strengthening South Africa’s innovation ecosystem and positioning science and technology at the centre of economic and social development.

The presentation, led by Minister Prof. Blade Nzimande and Deputy Minister Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, detailed how the country’s Decadal Plan is being used as a framework to drive economic transformation, support re-industrialisation and modernise key sectors including agriculture, mining and the digital economy.

According to the department, the strategic direction is designed to ensure that scientific and technological investments translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ quality of life while strengthening South Africa’s long-term competitiveness.

A key focus of the plan is the development of sovereign capabilities, including expanded domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity, investment in green hydrogen technologies and advancement of major space science initiatives. The department noted that these priorities are intended to reduce dependency on external systems while building national resilience in critical sectors.

The strategy also places emphasis on accelerating transformation within the science and innovation landscape by developing a diverse and highly skilled scientific workforce that reflects the country’s demographics. The department said this approach is essential to ensuring inclusive participation in emerging technological fields and sustaining innovation-led growth.