South Africa and Botswana delegation to the sixth session of the Bi-National Commission. (Image source: DSTI)
The Ministers of South Africa and Botswana have reinforced the strong science, technology and innovation cooperation between the nations.
SA and its neighbor Botswana recently participated in the sixth session of SA-Botswana bi-National Commission (BNC) where two counterparts, Professor Blade Nzimande and Minister David Shere held bilateral talks.
Nzimande serves as the Minister of SA's Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and Tshere is the Minister of Communications and Innovation in Botswana.
In a statement, DSTI says areas identified for further strengthening include regional progress digital and technological sovereignty; Strengthening collaboration between scientists, researchers and universities; promoting African-led solutions to African challenges; establishment of a regional research and innovation fund; As well as advancing a knowledge-based and innovation-driven SADC region.
According to the statement, for Nzimande, the engagement was to reaffirm the “enduring friendship” between South Africa and Botswana.
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“South Africa and Botswana have a strong and enduring bond of friendship, forged during our respective struggles for freedom and justice,” he said. “This relationship has enabled our countries to work together on major regional, continental and international issues.”
The South Africa–Botswana BNC is a strategic institutional mechanism established in August 2012 to promote political, economic and technical cooperation. The Commission, which meets biennially, is co-chaired by the heads of state of both countries.
South Africa's DSTI has ratified bilateral agreements in science, technology and innovation with other partner countries China, Tunisia and the Czech Republic.
In the 2026/2027 budget vote, Nzimande said his department is focused on strengthening coordination and direction in the national system of innovation.