South Africa and Huawei Partner to Drive AI and Tech Innovation
June 16, 2025 – In a move aimed at strengthening technological ties and advancing innovation, South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has signed a Letter of Intent with Huawei Technologies. The agreement focuses on enhancing collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), research, and information and communication technologies (ICT).
The pact was formalized during an official visit by Minister Blade Nzimande to China, where he emphasized the strategic importance of international tech partnerships.
“This agreement gives vital momentum to building a fair global economic and political order, especially for nations in the Global South,” said Minister Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
A Milestone for Africa-China Tech Relations
This strategic Letter of Intent builds on the outcomes of the recent Belt and Road Ministerial Science and Technology Conference in Chengdu. It also follows a bilateral meeting between Minister Nzimande and China’s Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Yin Hejun, which led to a separate AI-focused agreement.
The initiative reflects both countries’ commitment to leveraging AI and emerging technologies for inclusive development. Huawei, with its extensive presence across Africa, is seen as a key partner in realizing South Africa’s digital transformation goals.
As AI reshapes global economies, this South Africa–Huawei agreement signals an important step toward knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and empowered innovation ecosystems on the African continent.
