In a major boost for scientific development across the Global South, South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) and the International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC) under UNESCO have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in science, technology, and innovation (STI).
The agreement was formalised during a high-level ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking a strategic effort to harness the power of South-South cooperation for addressing urgent global issues such as climate change, public health, artificial intelligence, and water security.
Dr. Nare Prudence Makhura, Executive Director of International Grants and Partnerships at NRF, signed the MoU on behalf of Dr. Gugu Moche, NRF’s Group Executive for Digital Transformation. Representing ISTIC was Professor Dr. Mohd Basyaruddin Abd Rahman, Chair of the ISTIC Governing Board.
The collaboration is expected to unlock a host of new opportunities, including:
-
Joint research programmes
-
Calls for proposals targeting early- and mid-career researchers
-
Regional symposia and conferences
-
Shared innovation outputs driven by local contexts
“This partnership will amplify South-South knowledge networks and provide a platform for homegrown solutions to thrive,” said Tengku Sharizad Tengku Dahlan, ISTIC Director.
Michael Nxumalo, NRF’s Manager for International Grants and Partnerships and Director of the Future Earth Africa Hub, underscored the initiative’s human dimension: “It’s about building a resilient and collaborative STI ecosystem that delivers real-world impact.”
The MoU is seen as a launchpad for future co-funded initiatives, aligning with broader global efforts to empower developing countries to lead in defining their research agendas and fostering sustainable development through inclusive innovation.
By prioritising people-to-people connections and mutual capacity building, the ISTIC–NRF alliance is poised to transform scientific cooperation in the Global South and reinforce the leadership role of emerging economies in shaping the future of science and innovation.
Article by RB Reporter
Photo/Google
Comment