In a strong show of South-South cooperation, Algeria and South Africa have signed new bilateral agreements to deepen their strategic academic and scientific partnership. The agreements were finalized during the visit of South African Higher Education Minister Prof. Blade Nzimande to Algeria.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, Nzimande toured the University of Saad Dahleb Blida 1, including its aeronautical engineering tech platform, and met with Algerian scholars based in South Africa. The visit underscored the importance of academic mobility and applied research in driving African-led innovation.
In Algiers, Nzimande held talks with Algerian Higher Education Minister Prof. Kamel Baddari, leading to the signing of a joint work plan for 2026–2028. The roadmap includes joint research programs, innovation hubs, and cross-border exchange initiatives between universities and research institutions.
Nzimande expressed deep gratitude for Algeria’s support during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, calling the partnership a reflection of a shared pan-African vision rooted in sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.
Minister Baddari emphasized that the collaboration aims to position both nations as leaders in AI, nanoscience, and advanced technology, building what he described as a continental knowledge and innovation hub capable of competing on the global stage.
The initiative marks a significant step in reshaping African knowledge production and advancing science diplomacy between two of the continent’s leading economies.
