Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa

Science Diplomacy is intrinsic to a country’s innovation system and related strategy and policy-making. It also interfaces with economic diplomacy. South Africa’s Science Diplomacy journey after its first democratic election in 1994, includes the 1996 White Paper on Science and Technology and the subsequent Cabinet approved 2019 Science, Technology and Innovation White Paper. Continuing that science, technology, and innovation journey includes the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) this Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa joint initiative. The Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa promotes science collaboration across Africa and beyond towards leveraging and connecting technology innovation with humanity. Collaboration that embeds a culture of learning – underpinned by sound governance. The journey beyond 2022 will focus on value add interventions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals – in the context of the Societal Grand Challenges. Planning for beyond 2025 includes the establishment of a legal entity for the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa.