South Africa and Japan held their 9th Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Technology in Pretoria on 6 November 2024, cementing a long-standing partnership and exploring new areas for cooperation such as innovation for industrial development.
Bilateral cooperation has been steadily growing between the two countries since an agreement on science and technology cooperation was signed in August 2003.
South Africa is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa with whom Japan has a bilateral STI agreement.
Reflecting on the relationship between the two countries, Dr Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl, Deputy Director-General: Technology Innovation at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), stated that the journey had been marked by remarkable achievements in advancing science, technology and innovation (STI).
"Through our strategic partnership, we have fostered the exchange of knowledge, ideas and capabilities that benefit our two countries and contribute to global scientific advancements.
"Our collaboration exemplifies how international cooperation in science and technology, now commonly known as science diplomacy, is and can be a powerful mechanism to develop joint ideas and solutions to address our common national and global challenges, contributing to sustainable development," she said.
Some notable advances include the South Africa-Japan joint research programme and several human capital and skills development initiatives, which include technological development and innovation.
At the previous joint committee meeting, hosted by Japan in October 2022, the two countries agreed to strengthen their partnership through cooperation projects aimed at technological innovation and industrial development.
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the National Research Foundation, a DSTI agency, have jointly funded 64 research projects since 2005.
The two countries have also been collaborating on the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development, operated jointly by the Japan Science and Technology Agency and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. One of the recent projects under this collaboration involves the development of a new ammonia synthesis system using renewable energy and hydrogen.
In relation to human capital development, initiatives such as the Sakura Science Exchange Programme provide annual opportunities for talented young scientists from all over the world to participate in a short visit to Japan. The target is to involve 500 young people from Africa per year.
A project conducted by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Nagasaki University and several South African partners in Limpopo studies climate to make seasonal predictions about malaria and other diseases. This success story serves as a good model for further research and innovation in areas such as health, agriculture and climate change.
Ms Misako Kaji, Ambassador for Science and Technology Cooperation at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that science and technology stood out as particularly important in shaping the future of both countries, and could transform how they collaborated in areas such as the economy and trade.
"I hope that today's meeting, building upon achievements we have cultivated over the years, will lead to envisioning a future where everyone benefits from the advancement of science and technology," the ambassador stated.
Ms Anneline Morgan, Chief Director: Overseas Bilateral Cooperation at the DSTI, said that the Department's new STI Decadal Plan (2022-2032) encourages, among other things, more inclusive participation, impact and cooperation, building human resources through international mobility and strengthening and growing research infrastructure capabilities.
On stimulating STI and trade synergies through science and economic diplomacy, Ms Morgan said South Africa's science diplomacy would need to move from science-related initiatives to specific innovation and commercialisation initiatives.
This joint committee meeting has been essential in creating frameworks that support educational and technological growth, with significant investment in research and human capacity development, aligning with national priorities in both countries.
Mr Shinsuke Okada, Director for International Cooperation in the International Science and Technology Affairs Division at Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, also emphasised the Ministry's STI policy agenda, which included significantly improving Japan's research capability and developing excellent human resources.
He stated that the Ministry aimed to develop and secure STI personnel resources, specifically through research fellowships for young scientists, as well as improving research conditions for doctoral students.
The meeting between the two countries reinforced their long-standing collaboration in STI, showing significant progress in joint research, human capital development and innovation programmes.
This article was first published on 13 November by DSTI.
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