South Africa and Italy have signed a new program of cooperation for the next three years, committing to intensive collaboration in science, technology, and innovation (STI). The cooperation will see the science communities of the two countries collaborating in biotechnology, medicine and health, nanotechnology, new advanced materials, information and communication technology, the environmental sciences, and radio astronomy.

Speaking at the program of cooperation signing event in Pretoria, South Africa, in August, the Department of Science and Technology’s Deputy Director-General of International Cooperation and Resources Daan du Toit said, “We need to put more effort into sharing information with our fellow Africans, especially the young people. The Department of Science and Technology is excited about the opportunities to partner with Italy in strengthening STI capacity elsewhere in Africa.”

The Ambassador of Italy to South Africa, Vincenzo Schioppa, emphasized the need to strengthen relations further. “Sharing our knowledge and experience and creating job opportunities for South Africa and Italy is vital. We are very proud to be part of this cooperation, and we want to stay here,” he said.