Minister Blade Nzimande Calls for Sovereign African Research Agenda at SFSA 2025
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has pushed for a new way of doing research in Africa that puts the continent’s own needs first. Speaking at the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) 2025 in Pretoria, he said it is time to move away from plans shaped by outside donors and focus on what Africa truly requires. This comes as the forum marks its 10th year, drawing over 6 000 people from across the world to talk about science and its role in building a better future.
The event, held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Convention Centre, kicked off on Tuesday, 25 November 2025. It brings together scientists, policymakers, young innovators, entrepreneurs, and community groups. Nzimande’s opening speech set a strong tone, calling for science to drive change while tackling big issues like inequality and poverty.
Pushing for a Sovereign Research Agenda
At the heart of Nzimande’s message was the need for a “sovereign research agenda” for Africa. This means research that is planned, paid for, and led by Africans, based on the continent’s own priorities. “To enable this fundamental shift, we believe Africa desperately needs what I call a sovereign research agenda for Africa. By this, I mean a research agenda that is designed, funded, and directed based on African priorities and concerns. Not based on the generosity of external donors – regardless of their benign intentions,” Nzimande said.
He made it clear that while donors can help, they should support Africa’s goals, not set them. This idea builds on growing talks about African sovereignty in knowledge and development. Nzimande pointed out that past reliance on foreign funding has often led to projects that do not fully match local needs, like in health or farming. Instead, he wants research that solves real problems, such as food security, climate change, and job creation.
To make this happen, African countries must work together. Nzimande stressed building strong regional networks, sharing resources, and creating joint projects. He drew from South Africa’s experience, where partnerships with other African nations have boosted areas like astronomy and biotech.
Building Strong Science Infrastructure and Skills
Nzimande outlined clear steps to support this agenda. First, countries need to invest in solid science setups that everyone can use, especially young people and women in research. This includes labs, data centres, and training hubs to help new talent grow.
He also called for better teaching of maths and science in public schools. “We must strengthen the teaching of mathematics and science in our public schools to produce a new generation of researchers and innovators,” he said. In South Africa, programmes like the Department of Basic Education’s focus on STEM subjects aim to do just that, but Nzimande wants more across Africa.
Another big point was stopping the loss of skilled people, often called the brain drain. Many scientists leave for better jobs abroad, so Nzimande urged leaders to offer good pay, safe workplaces, and chances to grow. “We must reverse the loss of critical skills by creating better working conditions for scientists and researchers,” he added.
These efforts tie into broader goals, like the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which pushes for science-led growth. By keeping talent at home, Africa can build its own solutions without always looking outside.
Tackling Economic Challenges and Boosting Industry
Nzimande did not stop at education and skills. He spoke about using Africa’s rich resources wisely. The continent has vast minerals, but most get shipped out raw, with little benefit locally. “We must develop Africa’s capacity to process its own mineral wealth,” he said, calling for factories and tech to add value before export.
He also highlighted the problem of illicit financial flows – money leaving Africa through corruption or tax tricks, worth billions each year. Stopping this could free up cash for health, education, and research. Estimates from the United Nations show Africa loses up to $88.6 billion yearly this way, more than aid and investment combined.
To drive growth, Nzimande wants closer ties between science, technology, and business. This means turning research into products that create jobs, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). “We must strengthen links between science, technology, and industry to drive commercialisation and support tech-based small and medium-sized enterprises,” he explained.
He gave examples like South Africa’s Hydrogen Society Roadmap, which uses local tech for clean energy, or biotech firms making affordable medicines. These show how science can spark economic change.
Embracing New Technologies and Health Preparedness
Looking ahead, Nzimande stressed jumping on emerging tech like artificial intelligence (AI). AI can help in farming, healthcare, and cities, but Africa must shape it to fit local needs, not just copy others.
He also talked about getting ready for health crises. After COVID-19, the focus is on making vaccines at home. “We must expand pandemic preparedness, including achieving the goal of producing 60% of Africa’s vaccines locally by 2040,” he said. This aligns with the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, a global plan to boost production on the continent.
Nzimande warned of risks, like AI widening gaps if not handled well. He called for ethical rules to ensure tech helps everyone.
Highlights from SFSA 2025
SFSA 2025 is a big deal this year, marking 10 years of talks on science. It also lines up with South Africa’s G20 Presidency, which ends soon. “This year is particularly special as this forum celebrates 10 years of insightful dialogue and also coincides with the conclusion of our country’s G20 Presidency,” Nzimande noted.
The theme is “Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.” Over five days, there are 91 panel discussions on topics like science diplomacy, funding innovation, and inclusive growth. The National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) host sessions to build ties across Africa and the Global South.
One fun part is the South African Tech Challenge 2025. It spots promising SMMEs with tech that fixes social problems, like clean water or better farming. Winners get support to grow their ideas.
The forum also features the African Planet Prize, where three innovators win $5 000 each for green solutions. Exhibitions showcase work from groups like the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). Youth roundtables empower young people in science, while side events look at partnerships, like with Belgium.
Facing Paradoxes and Calling for Action
Nzimande did not ignore the tough side. He described a world of amazing tech advances, like space exploration and gene editing, but also deep inequality. “This era has seen the emergence of some of the most breathtaking technological advances in human history… At the same time, we have also witnessed alarming levels of social inequality,” he said.
He asked how to use science for fairness. “How do we make sure our science and technology innovations facilitate pathways for social inclusion and social justice?” Nzimande urged more public awareness of science’s role in daily life, through schools and media.
In the end, he called everyone to step up. “This is the moment for us to act,” he said. As SFSA 2025 wraps up, its ideas could shape Africa’s science path for years, putting innovation at the heart of progress.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes TonyYengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info: info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube