The United Kingdom and South Africa are intensifying collaboration across artificial intelligence, space, climate action and health innovation, officials announced. South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, met UK counterparts including Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance to advance shared priorities.
The visit highlighted new British support for African-led AI projects. Key among them is funding from the UK’s £58 million AI for Development (AI4D) programme. Resources will strengthen the AI4D Compute Hub at the University of Cape Town and the Masakhane African Languages Hub, both aimed at building inclusive, open-source AI tools tailored to Africa’s linguistic and developmental needs.
Minister Nzimande held formal talks, toured high-tech computing labs, examined advanced equipment, and networked with UK experts. The partnership underscores a mutual commitment to responsible innovation, sustainable development and equitable growth. The hubs will empower African researchers to shape the continent’s digital future.
