South Africa and China have agreed to establish a formal memorandum of understanding focused on artificial intelligence cooperation. The partnership welcomes collaborative research and innovation in key sectors including education, agriculture, and public service delivery.
AI Collaboration to Address Critical Needs
The agreement emerged during a recent investment-focused visit to China led by South Africa’s Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi. His delegation included senior officials specializing in digital infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, bilateral partnerships, and communications.
Minister Malatsi and his team conducted meetings across Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai with the primary goal of accelerating South Africa’s digital transformation agenda. The delegation sought partnerships that could speed up connectivity, expand digital skills, and foster inclusive innovation throughout South Africa.
Satellite Solutions for Rural Connectivity
A key component of the talks involved the China Satellite Network Company, where the South African delegation explored developing satellite broadband initiatives specifically targeting rural and underserved communities.
This approach directly addresses one of South Africa’s most pressing digital challenges, bringing reliable internet access to remote regions where traditional infrastructure is difficult to implement.
“This aligns with South Africa’s commitment to closing the digital divide and enhancing access to education, healthcare and digital public infrastructure,” according to the communications ministry.
Financing Digital Infrastructure Expansion
The South African team also engaged with the Export-Import Bank of China, emphasizing the urgent need for development financing to support digital infrastructure projects. The focus remains on expanding broadband connectivity to remote and disadvantaged areas that currently lack reliable access.
Addressing the Smartphone Affordability Challenge
One of the biggest obstacles to connectivity in Africa remains the high cost of smartphones. According to the GSM Association (GSMA), while Sub-Saharan Africa represents the fastest-growing mobile region globally, device affordability continues to be a major barrier.
GSMA projections indicate that while 50% of the Sub-Saharan African population will have mobile subscriptions by 2025, only 22% currently access 3G and 4G internet services, leaving 78% offline.
Minister Malatsi, a long-time advocate for affordable smartphones, visited the headquarters of Chinese technology companies including Honor and Huawei during the trip. These meetings formed part of South Africa’s campaign for affordable smart devices for students and entrepreneurs.
The communications department confirmed that “several exciting partnerships were secured” during these visits, with details to be announced soon.
Building Broader Digital Cooperation
The South African delegation also participated in a roundtable hosted by the China branch of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks. This meeting brought together Chinese ICT firms to explore collaboration on broadband expansion, device accessibility, and digital skills development.
Additionally, the team attended the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and high-level meetings on global AI governance in Shanghai, highlighting the need for inclusive, ethical AI development.
Economic Impact of Digital Transformation
According to GSMA data, with appropriate policy frameworks, the digital economy could contribute up to 20% of South Africa’s GDP by 2028. This growth would benefit crucial sectors like education and healthcare while creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Through these international partnerships, the South African government must ensure all citizens, especially those in underserved communities, can participate meaningfully in the emerging digital economy.
The formalization of AI cooperation between South Africa and China represents a strategic step toward addressing technological inequalities while positioning Africa for greater participation in the global digital revolution.
