Pretoria -The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, has described the strength of science, technology, and innovation cooperation between South Africa and Japan as one of the future-oriented pillars of the bilateral relationship.
Dr. Gina said the cooperation in science and innovation between the two countries complements expanding economic and trade relations, positioning the partnership to respond effectively to global challenges such as climate change, energy transition, and public health resilience.
Speaking during the celebration of Japan’s National Day in Pretoria today, Thursday, 26 February 2026, Deputy Minister Gina emphasised that collaboration in research, skills development, and technological advancement continues to shape industries of the future while strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.
The Deputy Minister represented the Government of South Africa at the reception celebrating His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito of Japan, whose birthday is annually observed as a national holiday on 23 February.
“For many years, Japan has invested in South Africa’s greatest resource, our people, through scholarships, research exchanges, and technical training that have empowered a new generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators,” said the Deputy Minister.
From 2017 to 2024, researchers from both countries jointly published more than 5 000 scientific papers, reflecting a productive, globally competitive partnership.
Cooperation spans critical fields such as renewable energy, medical sciences, climatology, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies.
A partnership on green hydrogen between the two countries, led by the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation in South Africa, is expected to inject over R300 billion into the economy over the next few years.
The focus is on developing a sustainable supply chain, including the potential export of green hydrogen and ammonia from South Africa to Japan.
“Science diplomacy remains a powerful instrument in deepening bilateral relations,” said Dr. Gina.
“Through shared knowledge, co-creation of solutions, and investment in human capital, our two countries are contributing meaningfully to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.”
The Deputy Minister highlighted the important role played by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in advancing development assistance, technical cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives aligned with South Africa’s national priorities.
This year, the two countries celebrate 116 years of bilateral relations, and over the years, and Japanese enterprises have contributed immensely to South Africa’s economic landscape, with total trade amounting to R140 billion in 2025 from R133 billion the previous year.
For this reason, the Deputy Minister expressed hope to see increased investment commitments from Japanese companies at the upcoming South Africa Investment Conference, scheduled for 31 March.
Japanese Ambassador to South Africa Fumio Shimizu also noted the successful high-level exchanges between the two countries, including President Ramaphosa’s visit to Japan to attend the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in August 2025.
“South Africa and Japan are sharing fundamental values, such as upholding the rule-based international order, democracy, and fundamental human rights,” said Ambassador Shimizu, noting that Japan was South Africa’s sixth-largest trading partner and seventh-largest investor.
Looking ahead, the ambassador said Japan sees great potential to further expand and deepen the Japan-South Africa economic partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Ambassador Shimizu said he noted South Africa’s reforms in the energy sector to address climate change and advance energy transition.
“We look forward to contributing to the motor industry’s decarbonisation through the introduction of relevant systems and technologies,” he said.
“In addition, trade and investment between the two countries will further expand.”
On the global front, Ambassador Shimizu said, “Japan looks forward to working with South Africa and African partners to advance the reform of the United Nations Security Council.”
Ambassador Shimizu said Japan has also been committed to socio-economic development in South Africa’s poor communities. Among other initiatives, last Friday, the Embassy of Japan signed grant contracts with two primary schools in Limpopo for the construction of new classrooms, toilets, a laboratory, and a library.
“We remain committed to walking together with South Africa and cooperating as much as we can,” said Ambassador Shimizu.
The post Deputy Minister Gina Highlights SA’s Strategic Relations With Japan appeared first on The Bulrushes.
