South Africa and China Forge AI and Digital Partnership to Expand Connectivity

South Africa and China have solidified a innovative partnership aimed at accelerating South Africa’s digital transformation and expanding connectivity across the nation. A high-level South African delegation, led by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Solly Malatsi, recently concluded an investment-focused visit to China, signaling a new era of collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure.

The visit, which included engagements in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, underscored South Africa’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and enhancing its participation in the global digital economy. A pivotal outcome was the formal advancement of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on AI cooperation between the two nations. This agreement is set to unlock collaborative research, innovation, and the application of AI in critical sectors such as education, agriculture, and public service delivery.

Discussions also focused heavily on improving connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The South African delegation explored a satellite broadband initiative with the China Satellite Network Company (CSNC), aiming to provide last-mile connectivity. Furthermore, talks were held with the Export-Import Bank of China to secure crucial development financing for expanding broadband infrastructure in remote areas.

The delegation’s itinerary also included visits to the headquarters of top Chinese technology companies, including Honor and Huawei. These engagements are part of a broader campaign to increase access to smart devices for learners and entrepreneurs, with exciting new partnerships expected to be announced in the coming days.

A significant highlight of the visit was South Africa’s participation in the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai. These platforms reinforced the global urgency for collaborative efforts to ensure that AI technologies are developed and applied in an inclusive, ethical, and development-oriented manner. A roundtable hosted by the China Branch of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks further facilitated discussions between South African representatives and major Chinese ICT firms on broadband expansion, smart device accessibility, and digital skills development.

This strategic partnership is poised to significantly impact South Africa’s digital landscape, promising increased investment, shared expertise, and deepened digital cooperation. The South African government aims to ensure that all its citizens, especially those in disadvantaged areas, can meaningfully participate in the burgeoning digital economy, ultimately driving national development and economic growth.