South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, led a high-level delegation to China to attract investment and forge strategic partnerships for the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The delegation met with government and industry leaders in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, advancing cooperation in artificial intelligence, broadband connectivity, smart devices, and digital skills development.

A key outcome was the progress toward a Memorandum of Understanding on AI cooperation between South Africa and China. The agreement will support joint research and innovation in sectors such as education, agriculture, and public services.

Talks with China Satellite Network Company focused on satellite broadband to improve rural connectivity. The Export-Import Bank of China was also engaged for potential financing of broadband infrastructure in underserved areas.

The delegation visited tech giants Huawei and Honor to discuss initiatives aimed at boosting access to smart devices for learners and entrepreneurs. New partnerships are expected to be announced soon.

South African representatives also joined the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and a high-level meeting on global AI governance in Shanghai, emphasizing ethical, inclusive development of AI technologies.

The visit included a roundtable hosted by the China Branch of the BRICS Institute of Future Networks, where collaboration on digital access, smart devices, and broadband was discussed.

These engagements highlight South Africa’s efforts to close the digital divide and position itself as a key player in the global digital economy through international cooperation and investment.