South Africa advocates for science and technology cooperation at BRICS ministerial meeting

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of South Africa, Nomalungelo Gina has called for science and technology cooperation among BRICS members at the 13 BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting in Brazil.

Held on 25 June 2025, the gathering saw participation from the expanded BRICS bloc and invited partners, including Nigeria, Cuba, and Thailand, with discussions centered on strengthening Global South collaboration in scientific advancement. 

Deputy Minister Gina aligned South Africa's STI priorities with Brazil's 2025 BRICS theme of fostering inclusive and sustainable governance through enhanced cooperation among developing nations. She spotlighted flagship projects like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) as evidence of how science-driven initiatives can spur skills development, regional economic growth, and technological progress. Her address underscored the importance of shared knowledge and resources to address global challenges collectively.  

The ministerial meeting culminated in the adoption of the BRICS STI Brasília Declaration 2025, which outlines a forward-looking agenda focused on critical fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and industrial innovation. The declaration reaffirms the group's commitment to bolstering scientific resilience and cooperation, ensuring that emerging technologies benefit all member states equitably. 

By endorsing these priorities, South Africa and its BRICS partners have taken a significant step toward shaping a more collaborative and innovation-led future. The meeting highlighted the bloc's growing role in advancing STI solutions that not only drive economic transformation but also promote sustainable development across the Global South.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye