SA and Zambia are set to deepen cooperation in innovation through a proposed joint technology and science fund focused on artificial intelligence (AI), mining research and industrial development.
The initiative was tabled during a meeting between Blade Nzimande, minister of science, technology and Innovation for SA, and Felix Mutati, minister of technology and science for Zambia.
The fund reflects a push by both countries to move beyond raw resource dependence toward value-driven economies. At the core of the discussions was a shared strategy to evolve the mining sector through stronger investment in research, modernisation and safety to drive inclusive growth.
Nzimande noted that the proposed fund is a practical mechanism to accelerate the transition into emerging areas such as AI and digital infrastructure. It will support joint research and development and establish an annual investment forum aimed at boosting industrialisation and addressing the export of unprocessed mineral resources.
The engagement highlighted a growing urgency around beneficiation to ensure minerals such as copper generate more value locally. Zambia aims to produce 3 000 000 metric tonnes of copper annually by 2030, a goal supported by recent improvements in energy supply, said Mutati.
Parallel investments in digital infrastructure are expected to support mining efficiency and broader technological advancement.
Zambia is also positioning itself as a regional innovation hub, with the University of Zambia and Copperbelt University currently researching lithium battery production for the global energy transition.
The meeting also signalled an expansion of cooperation into less conventional domains, including space science and indigenous knowledge systems.
A proposed third Research Chair under an existing bilateral agreement would focus on harnessing local knowledge in fields such as health, agriculture, and environmental management, while integrating satellite technologies for disaster response and development planning.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing joint efforts in research, innovation, and commercialisation for the socio-economic benefit of both nations.
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