South Africa–China AI partnership could help Africa shape its digital future

South Africa’s plan to establish an Artificial Intelligence Talent Development and Innovation Center in partnership with China represents more than a bilateral technology initiative. It could become an important step toward strengthening Africa’s digital sovereignty, developing homegrown technological expertise and ensuring that the continent plays a more influential role in the global artificial intelligence revolution.

As AI increasingly reshapes economies, industries, education and national security, access to technology alone is no longer sufficient. Countries must also develop the human capital, research infrastructure and institutional capabilities needed to create, adapt and govern these technologies. For South Africa, cooperation with China offers an opportunity to accelerate that process while addressing a persistent shortage of advanced digital skills.

The proposed center emerged from discussions during South African Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina’s working visit to China for the 2026 China-Africa Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum in Wuhan, held from November 10 to 13. Gina met China’s Vice Minister of Science and Technology, Zhang Guangjun, to discuss expanding scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.