“The EU and South Africa marked three decades of collaboration in science, technology, and innovation, reinforcing commitments to sustainable development and researcher mobility.”
The European Union and South Africa celebrated the 30th anniversary of their bilateral cooperation in research and innovation. Since the 1996 Science and Technology Agreement, this partnership has advanced public health, climate action, biodiversity, clean energy, and astronomy. Flagship initiatives include the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), nuclear medicine research under NuMeRI, and collaboration on the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The anniversary emphasized the importance of science diplomacy and international collaboration in addressing global challenges. High-level testimonials highlighted the long-term impact of joint projects, particularly in advancing sustainable development goals. Renewed commitments were made to strengthen researcher mobility, open science, and innovation capacity. This milestone reflects the resilience of international cooperation amid geopolitical uncertainty and technological change. The partnership continues to be a cornerstone of South Africa’s innovation ecosystem, ensuring that scientific excellence contributes to a shared sustainable future.
