The UK High Commission in Pretoria, and the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), jointly announced on Tuesday that three major cooperative programmes have been launched or renewed. The two new programmes that have been launched are the UK-South Africa Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Training Programme and the Space Ecosystem Development Toolkit (SEDT). The programme that is renewed is the DSTI-Global Innovation Fund (GIF) partnership.

“The UK Government is proud to be supporting these collaborations, testament to the strong and growing relationship between the UK and South Africa,” affirmed UK High Commissioner Anthony Phillipson. “By joining forces, we are investing in skills, networks, and innovations to strengthen science and technology for our shared advantage. Through the Global AI Policy Training Programme, the [SEDT], and the renewed DSTI-GIF collaboration, we are working together to address shared challenges and create lasting positive effect.”

The aim of the Global AI Policy Training Programme is to train policymakers, public sector leaders and science diplomats in both countries to have the knowledge and skills to navigate the rapidly developing AI governance space. It involves 30 officials, split equally between the two countries, and draws on expertise from leading universities and other institutions, such as the University of Cape Town, the University of Cambridge, and the Global Centre on AI Governance. The programme also builds on the UK AI for Development Programme, which uses AI to meet development challenges in low- and middle-income countries and supports locally-led AI innovations, as well as promoting Southern Africa’s leadership role in AI governance, worldwide.

The SEDT was actually launched late last month. It is supported by the UK’s Research and Innovation Systems for Africa Fund and is a collaboration between South African private-sector innovation advisory company, the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS), and the Kenyan and Rwandan space agencies. It is intended to address crucial gaps in Africa’s emerging space ecosystems. These include human skills development, finance, infrastructure, inclusion, and policy.

“Designed for national space agencies and ecosystem players, the [SEDT] enables evidence-based planning, alignment with national priorities, and inclusive participation, ensuring space-based solutions drive economic growth and societal development,” explained RIIS Toolkit Team Lead Lindokuhle Simelane.

The DSTI-GIF partnership is intended to strengthen South Africa’s National System of Innovation, and through it to use science, technology and innovation to further socio-economic development in the country. Central to this partnership is using the GIF’s expertise to accelerate the impact of research and innovation in South African society, particularly in underserved communities.

“We are excited to deepen our partnership with the DSTI, building on our shared commitment to supporting innovations that make a real difference for communities across Africa,” highlighted GIF CEO Joseph Ssentongo. “By combining GIF’s experience with DSTI’s expertise and networks, we can help more innovations reach the people who need them most, while advancing economic inclusivity and climate resilience across the continent.”

“The renewal of our partnership with GIF is firmly aligned with South Africa’s STI Decadal Plan, which prioritises inclusive development and innovation-driven growth,” stressed DSTI deputy director-general for socio-economic innovation partnership Dr Mmboneni Muofhe. “By leveraging this collaboration, we aim to strengthen policy frameworks that support evidence-based decision-making, accelerate the scaling-up of high-impact innovations, and ensure that investments deliver measurable socio-economic benefits.”