As the world prepares to celebrate World Quantum Day on April 14, attention is increasingly focused on the growing field of quantum science and technology. South Africa, a key player on the global stage, unveiled its strategic commitment during a two-day forum organized by the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) in November 2025. Supported by the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) 2025 declared by the United Nations, this forum brought together leading scientists and researchers from the country to explore the transformative potential of quantum innovations.
This session was organized in partnership with the South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SA QTI), a research network led by Professor Andrew Forbes, recipient of the NSTF-South32 Awards Special Annual Theme Award 2025. The Forum highlighted that a century after the founding of quantum mechanics – from the groundbreaking work of pioneers such as Heisenberg and Schrödinger – today's advances promise to revolutionize not only electronic communications but entire industries.
The forum said that the era of quantum information has arrived, with disciplines merging to exploit quantum mechanics for processing, transmission and storage. What was once considered unimaginable – a time when every office relied on fax machines sending data over terrestrial lines – is now a reality, replaced by satellites that facilitate almost instant communications globally. NSTF says quantum technology is set to supercharge this development with increased speeds and hyper-security for data transmission, setting a new standard for what is possible.
Reflecting its potential, South Africa's Quantum Technology Initiative, launched in 2022 in collaboration with universities including Wits, UKZN and Stellenbosch, has created several nodes of expertise. Researchers at Wits University have achieved astonishing feats, including high-dimensional teleportation, quantum secret sharing and a first-of-its-kind quantum camera capable of capturing images in near-darkness.
Not limited to the realm of physics and computing, the implications of quantum research are spilling over into various fields, including medicine, the forum said. For example, recent advances have led to microscopically guided missile systems designed specifically to target prostate cancer cells, signaling a new frontier in cancer treatment efficacy. Meanwhile, at the University of Pretoria, researchers are investigating how diatoms manipulate light and energy at the quantum level to increase photosynthesis efficiency, potentially revolutionizing solar technologies.
Exciting findings keep coming out from various institutions. UKZN researchers have managed to “teleport” images over the network without sending physical data, a feat that echoes science fiction. Meanwhile, at UniZulu, exploration into quantum dots heralds potential breakthroughs in materials science, while Wits is moving forward on a diamond-based hybrid qubit system, establishing South Africa as a melting pot for quantum innovation.
Recognizing the urgent need for practical applications, IBM is developing a quantum environment that aims to overcome classical computing limitations. Since 2016, the tech giant has unveiled 60 quantum devices and produced 25 adaptable quantum computers, significantly increasing computational capabilities. This “quantum advantage” is important as the race for technological dominance continues globally.
However, there are some serious concerns. Rapid advances in quantum technology threaten established cryptographic methods that banks rely on to secure online transactions. The forum says South African cyber security firms are challenged to develop solutions that will withstand the anticipated power of quantum computing.
The NSTF says the foundation laid by quantum computing is essential to the future of science, innovation, and economic growth. The countries that master this technology will lead the way; Those left behind will simply follow. As quantum research continues to flourish on South African soil, making progress across the spectrum of applications from finance to healthcare, the country is poised to take global leadership in quantum technology, and ensure its place at the forefront of the next scientific revolution.
iOS