South Africa’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, H.E. Ambassador Nonceba N. Losi, has held a courtesy and working meeting with Gaspard Banyankimbona, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), focusing on advancing continental priorities in science, technology and innovation.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the South African Ambassador to engage on key initiatives aimed at strengthening Africa’s knowledge economy and supporting the continent’s long-term development ambitions.
Ambassador Nonceba Losi Engages African Union Commissioner
Ambassador Nonceba N. Losi met with Commissioner Gaspard Banyankimbona for discussions centred on the role of science, technology and innovation in advancing Africa’s development agenda.
The engagement explored a number of continental priorities under the African Union’s ESTI portfolio, with particular attention given to South Africa’s contribution to strengthening Africa’s scientific and innovation capabilities.
Banyankimbona described the meeting as an opportunity for constructive discussions and expressed appreciation for Ambassador Losi’s diplomatic engagement and strategic guidance.
Focus on Pan African University Institute for Space Sciences
One of the issues discussed was the operationalisation of the Pan African University Institute for Space Sciences (PAU-ISS), which is expected to be hosted by South Africa.
The institute forms part of broader continental efforts to develop specialised scientific and technological skills and strengthen Africa’s capacity in space science and related fields.
The discussions highlighted the importance of continued cooperation in ensuring that the initiative contributes meaningfully to Africa’s emerging knowledge and innovation ecosystem.
South Africa’s STISA-2034 Priorities
The meeting also addressed the implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034 (STISA-2034).
STISA-2034 provides a continental framework for using science, technology and innovation to support Africa’s socio-economic transformation and development.
The engagement between the South African Ambassador and the AU Commissioner reflects the importance of collaboration between member states and African Union institutions in translating continental science and innovation priorities into practical initiatives.
Building on South Africa’s G20 Presidency
Another area of discussion was South Africa’s legacy from its G20 Presidency, particularly its advocacy around Open Science.
Open Science promotes broader access to scientific knowledge, research and data and is increasingly regarded as an important component of building inclusive knowledge economies.
The discussions therefore connected South Africa’s international advocacy with broader African Union priorities around science, technology and innovation.
Advancing Africa’s Knowledge Economy
The engagement underscored South Africa’s continued commitment to contributing to Africa’s knowledge economy and supporting the implementation of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term development framework.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of diplomatic and institutional partnerships in advancing Africa’s scientific, technological and innovation capabilities.
Ambassador Losi’s engagement with the AU Commission forms part of South Africa’s broader diplomatic role in Addis Ababa, where its representation combines bilateral relations with participation in the work of the African Union.
