By Thapelo Molefe
South Africa and Iran are set to enhance their longstanding collaboration in science, technology, and innovation (STI) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on innovation.
This follows a courtesy visit by the Iranian ambassador Mansour Shakib Mehr to South Africa, to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in research, space science, biotechnology and other technological fields.
South Africa and Iran have enjoyed close STI relations since May 2000 when they signed their first formal cooperation agreement.
Over the years, this partnership has evolved, involving key South African institutions such as the National Research Foundation, the Technology Innovation Agency, and the South African National Space Agency.
The new MoU aims to expand this relationship by fostering innovation and supporting the growth of startups in both countries.
Nzimande emphasised that the agreement would “assist in providing support and development for the South African startup ecosystem”, particularly through partnerships with Iranian institutions like Pardis Technology Park.
The upcoming agreement follows a series of engagements between the two nations, including high-level visits, joint research initiatives, and participation in innovation events such as Iran’s 2024 INOTEX Exhibition.
The growing collaboration has also seen webinars on emerging fields like stem cell research and technology exchanges between South African and Iranian innovators.
Both Nzimande and Mehr expressed their determination to finalise the MoU, marking another milestone in South Africa-Iran STI relations.
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