While many SFSA 2025 side events were by invitation only, others included a registration link.
MONDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 2025
08:00 – 10:00 Aligning Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystems: Public–Private Partnerships for Sustainable Growth in Africa
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 08:00 – 10:00
Organisers: Orizur Consulting Enterprise hosted in partnership with PAICTA and The Leadership with a Soul Institute™
Venue: CSIR ICC (Ruby)
This high-level panel convenes leading voices from government, regional bodies, and the private sector to explore how public–private partnerships (PPPs) can unlock sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa. The strategic dialogue will diagnose fragmentation within Africa’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems—spanning five key domains: policy, finance, human capital, infrastructure, and commercialisation. It will also showcase PPP-led models that address these fragmentation challenges and enable ecosystem development across these domains. This dialogue will also examine Africa’s strategic positioning within platforms such as AfCFTA, BRICS, and the G20, and propose mechanisms to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, regional integration, and inclusive economic growth. Through curated case studies, the session aims to facilitate actionable insights and post-event partnerships that advance ecosystem coherence and support scalable, innovation-driven enterprises. Participants will leave with a clearer roadmap for aligning innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems to meet Africa’s development goals.
08:00 – 10:00 The Impact of Internationalisation on Academic Technology Transfer
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 08:00 – 10:00
Organisers: University of South Africa (UNISA)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Onyx)
Universities worldwide are increasingly engaging in internationalisation activities through cross-border partnerships, joint research programmes, academic mobility, global funding collaborations, and participation in international innovation ecosystems. in parallel, academic technology transfer (TT) has become a critical mechanism through which universities contribute to economic growth, social development, and global competitiveness.
The intersection of internationalisation and technology transfer presents both opportunities and challenges. While international collaboration can accelerate innovation, open access to global markets, and strengthen intellectual property (IP) frameworks, it can also lead to issues such as IP ownership disputes, inequitable partnerships, and brain drain.
As the higher education and research landscape becomes increasingly globalised, it is essential to explore how universities can strategically leverage internationalisation to maximise the impact and sustainability of their technology transfer activities.
08:00 – 10:00 Voices of the Future: Early Career Researchers in Advancing Sustainable Food Systems
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 08:00 – 10:00
Organisers: ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS) at the University of Pretoria
Venue: CSIR ICC (Emerald)
Early Career Researchers (ECRs) bring fresh ideas, bold thinking, and the energy needed to drive meaningful change in food systems. When their voices are amplified through capacity building, mentorship, and real-world engagement across science, policy, and practice they become powerful agents of transformation.
This event will spotlight cutting-edge research in climate-smart agriculture, green packaging innovations, and soil health breakthroughs presented by ECRs from Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa, most of whom are young women under 35.
These researchers are part of the Early-Career Research Fellowship Programme by ARUA, supported by the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Join us in celebrating Africa’s next generation of food systems leaders.
08:00 – 12:00 Implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2034)
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 08:00 – 12:00
Organisers: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the University of Pretoria (UP)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Diamond)
This high-level side event, co-hosted by the African Union Commission, AUDA-NEPAD and DSTI, focuses on advancing Africa’s new continental STI strategy (i.e. STISA 2034). The session will explore how AU Member States can align national innovation systems with STISA 2034, mobilise funding and leveraging technology assessment and foresight for sustainable development. The programme features expert presentations, panel discussions, and interactive exchanges on policy harmonisation, financing mechanisms, and regional collaboration. Expected outcomes include actionable recommendations for operationalising the AU Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Fund, strengthening national STI ecosystems, and fostering shared learning to accelerate Africa’s innovation-led growth.
08:00 – 12:00 Science Diplomacy Masterclass: Building Anticipatory Leadership for Africa’s STI Future
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 08:00 – 12:00
Organisers: Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Crystal / Garnet)
Africa is entering a pivotal moment in global science diplomacy, where the ability to anticipate disruptive scientific and technological advancements is as critical as responding to them. From climate resilience to health security and digital transformation, developing anticipatory leadership has become an essential skill for policy, science, and diplomacy communities alike. In September 2025, DSTI, through SDCfA in partnership with GESDA, hosted the Anticipatory Leadership Week (ALW). Anchored in the Global Curriculum for Anticipatory Leadership (GCAL), the ALW was designed to equip current and emerging leaders with the foresight tools and anticipatory science diplomacy skills needed to navigate a future shaped by disruptive technologies. The Science Diplomacy Masterclass at SFSA 2025 builds directly on the momentum of the ALW. It will serve as a practical, skills-based training laboratory for early- and mid-career professionals working at the intersection of science, technology, policy, and diplomacy. Unlike conventional discussions, the Masterclass will employ simulations, negotiation exercises, and futures-thinking methodologies to prepare participants for real-world challenges where science and diplomacy converge.
10:15 – 12:15 Partnerships, Education Innovation, and Equity: Unleashing the Power of EdTech to Transform Learning Outcomes in South Africa
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 10:15 – 12:15
Organisers: Trevor Noah Foundation
Venue: CSIR ICC (Ruby)
How can technology unlock the full potential of every learner? Join the Trevor Noah Foundation and its implementing partners, Edunova, Gradesmatch, Sifiso EdTech, the Marking App and the Gauteng Department of Education for a dynamic panel at the National Science Forum South Africa. This session will spotlight innovations from the Khulani Schools Programme and the Education Changemakers Programme, showcasing how collaboration and EdTech are reshaping education across the country. From AI-powered career guidance to robotics and digital literacy integration, explore how partnerships between schools, innovators, and government are driving equitable, future-ready learning environments. Moderated by Ashoka Africa, a global leader in changemaking, the discussion will unpack how collective action and social innovation can transform education systems and society at large. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of learning, where technology, equity, and changemaking meet.
10:15 – 12:15 The Role of Universities in Leading Africa–Asia Partnerships to Foster STI-Led Entrepreneurship to Support Africa’s Sustainable Industrialisation
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 10:15 – 12:15
Organisers: University of Cape Town (UCT)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Emerald)
The session aims to explore how universities can lead Africa–Asia partnerships to strengthen science, technology, and innovation (STI)-driven entrepreneurship for Africa’s sustainable industrialisation. It seeks to demonstrate how university-led collaborations can connect public and private actors across the two regions to co-produce knowledge, foster innovation ecosystems, and support youth entrepreneurship. Through presentations and panel discussions, the session will share experiences from ongoing Africa–Asia university collaborations, identify practical strategies for building effective public–private partnerships, and propose the creation of an Africa–Asia Public Policy Platform to train the next generation of entrepreneurs and policy professionals. Overall, the session’s goal is to position universities as catalysts for equitable, innovation-led socio-economic development through intercontinental STI cooperation.
10:15 – 12:15 Towards Sustainable and Resilient Food, Land and Water Systems: Challenges and Opportunities for Just Transition and Peace in Southern Africa
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 10:15 – 12:15
Organisers: Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Jade)
10:15 – 13:15 Bridging Horizons: UK-South Africa Partnerships in Space Innovation
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 10:15 – 13:15
Organisers: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Amethyst)
The space ecosystem drives innovation and economic growth, deepens technological collaboration, and strengthens diplomatic ties – uniting South Africa and the UK in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and globally impactful future. Our long-standing partnership continues to open new avenues for collaboration in satellite technology, data-driven applications, capacity building, and policy development.
This session at the South Africa Science Forum will bring together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to showcase achievements, share insights, and explore new opportunities for joint projects. The session will highlight successful collaborations, emerging trends, and the transformative impact of space science on development and innovation in both countries.
Join us as we celebrate our shared journey and look ahead to the future of UK–South Africa space partnerships. We invite you to be part of an engaging discussion that will foster new connections and drive forward space innovation for the benefit of our nations and beyond.
10:15 – 14:15 Shaping the Future of Teaching and Learning with Local EdTech
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 10:15 – 14:15
Organisers: X-Reality Lab
Venue: CSIR ICC (Onyx)
This event presents a collaborative platform for EdTech entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations, engage potential customers through trial sign-ups, and gather feedback from educators, and enablers such as incubators and accelerators. By connecting innovators with enablers and investors it aims to foster conversations on funding pathways and the common reasons why local EdTech ventures fail to scale considering multi-stakeholder perspectives. Moreover, successful innovators who are now scaling their ventures will present keynote addresses and engage in panel discussions to share lessons from their journeys. A series of live demos and panel discussions coupled with fireside chats to allow more intimate dialogues tapping into the lived realities of building impactful education technologies. By linking entrepreneurs, educators, researchers, enablers and investors in one forum, this event aims to contribute to ongoing dialogues, strategies and research on innovation ecosystems to accelerate the creation of contextually relevant, impactful and globally competitive EdTech solutions.
12:15 – 14:15 2025 Strengthening STI Measurement in South Africa
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 12:15 – 14:15
Organisers: National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Diamond)
The purpose of this session, organised by the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), is to move beyond simply presenting data and to ignite a strategic dialogue on how Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) indicators can be powerfully leveraged to steer South Africa’s National System of Innovation. The session will confront critical challenges, from declining R&D investment and human capital gaps to unlocking public sector potential and directly link measurement to the nation’s core development plans and Africa’s continental agenda. This is a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to collectively transform evidence into actionable strategies that fuel economic growth, job creation, and a more competitive and inclusive innovation future for South Africa and the continent.
12:15 – 14:15 Reimagining STI Policy through Policy Experimentation and Collaboration: Experience of a Community of Practice in Transformative Innovation Policy (TIP-SA)
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 12:15 – 14:15
Organisers: University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Crystal / Garnet)
If science, technology, and innovation (STI) is to respond to complex societal challenges, we need new ways of creating, implementing and evaluating policy. Engaged Policy Experimentation (EPE) holds great promise as a new methodology for collaborative STI policy making. The event aims to encourage networking and peer learning, drawing on participants’ perspectives and experiences to develop an EPE model for sustainable, inclusive, and just outcomes.
Participants will engage in and interact with a panel discussion in which practitioners reflect on real-world policy experiments. These practitioner experiences will be shared by those involved in Transformative Innovation Policy – South Africa (TIP-SA), a local Community of Practice that fosters collaboration across government, academia, and civil society to explore new ways of co-creating STI policy.
Following the panel discussion, the interactive session will provide an opportunity for participants to explore how an EPE approach could add value in their own work, focusing on initiation, design, implementation, and evaluation.
12:30 – 14:30 Exploring how Capital Markets can Leverage African Science Leadership in the EU’s MFF, FP10, and Africa-Europe Science Collaboration
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 12:30 – 14:30
Organisers: ISC Intelligence in Science
Venue: CSIR ICC (Ruby)
This session will explore how capital markets can unlock and scale investment in African science leadership within the frameworks of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028–2034), the forthcoming Tenth Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10). As Africa advances its research and innovation agenda under Agenda 2063 and STISA 2034, aligning scientific capacity with sustainable finance is critical. The discussion will examine how blended finance, development banks, and private capital can accelerate co-investment in research infrastructures, innovation ecosystems, and technology transfer. By connecting science diplomacy with financial innovation, the session aims to define mechanisms for integrating science as an investable asset class within EU–Africa cooperation within a global context, advancing shared objectives of competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusion under the EU’s Global Gateway and Team Europe initiatives and the UN’s Financing for Development Conference outcomes.
13:30 – 15:30 Urban Mining and Circular Innovation: Transforming E‑Waste and Hazardous Materials into Value and Sustainable Development
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 13:30 – 15:30
Organisers: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Italy)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Jade)
In a world committed to turning waste into value, Italy and South Africa are forging pathways to the circular economy through strong academic and industrial partnerships. On one hand, the bilateral project led by Prof. Francesca Soavi (University of Bologna) links Italian and South African research teams in addressing the challenge of electronic and battery-waste recovery—transforming end-of-life materials into strategic resources. On the other hand, companies like IREN Ambiente, LEM Industries and Cape Refining (SA) are innovating in practice, recovering critical metals and precious materials from battery black-mass and discarded electronics. During the upcoming event, moderated by Prof. Francesca Beolchini (Università Politecnica delle Marche) engineers, researchers and industry will present how hydrometallurgical, blockchain-enabled and low-energy processes can reclaim lithium, cobalt, gold, silver and copper; highlight real-world pilot plants; and discuss how these models can be scaled in South Africa. The discussion will show how sustainability, technology and global collaboration merge into new circular economy pathways
14:30 – 17:30 Celebrating 20 Years of ESASTAP as a Vehicle to Promote Science Diplomacy
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 14:30 – 17:30
Organisers: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Ruby)
It has been 20 years since the ESASTAP platform was created. To celebrate this milestone, the event will highlight South Africa’s participation in key European Union programmes such as COST, showcasing the benefits of engaging in international collaboration, specifically the SA-EU STI cooperation. While also reflecting on the journey of ESASTAP from its inception to date and how the platform has supported Science Diplomacy and S.A’s participation in EU programmes over the years.
The session will provide deep insights into how the ESASTAP platform has supported the SA-EU relations over the years and promoted participation of S.A researchers in those programmes. Moreover, it will showcase ESASTAP’s and the NSI’s role in science diplomacy and the legacy of ESASTAP and how it has evolved throughout the years. Beyond science diplomacy, industry partners will also show the links between economic and science diplomacy. The event will also highlight South Africa’s participation in key programmes such as COST, showcasing the benefits of engaging in international collaboration—specifically the SA-EU STI cooperation.
14:30 – 17:30 Optimising the Impact of Science in the Agricultural Sector for Food Security and Other Societal Benefits
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 14:30 – 17:30
Organisers: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Amethyst)
14:30 – 16:30 The Role of Clinical Multiomics in the Future of African Health Innovation
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 14:30 – 16:30
Organisers: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Crystal / Garnet)
Join us at the Science Forum South Africa 2025 for an exciting side event, “The Role of Clinical Multiomics in the Future of African Health Innovation”. This session will bring together researchers, clinicians, venture capitalists, and commercialization experts to explore how Africa can harness the power of integrated clinical multiomics and other technologies to revolutionize healthcare innovation. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive dialogue, participants will uncover strategies for transforming African health systems, fostering regional collaboration, and building capacity for precision medicine. The event aims to spark partnerships across academia, government, and industry. Whether you are a scientist, policymaker, or investor, this session offers an opportunity to shape the future of data-driven healthcare solutions on the continent.
14:45 – 16:45 The Added Value of Bilateral Collaboration: Real-World Experiences from Belgium–South Africa Research Partnerships
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 14:45 – 16:45
Organisers: Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Emerald)
Join us for an official side event hosted by the Delegation of Flanders in Southern Africa and the Wallonia Export and Investment Agency (AWEX), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF).This session will highlight research collaborations between Belgium and South Africa. Panelists will share case studies from fundamental and applied research, as well as institutional partnerships, focusing on both sides of the collaboration. A moderated fireside chat will then address the lessons
learned, the challenges faced, and the added value and strategic benefits of international cooperation. This event provides an opportunity to gain practical insights into leveraging bilateral scientific partnerships.
16:00 – 19:00 SFSA 2025 and Inaugural Elected AAS Fellows 2025
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 16:00 – 19:00
Organisers: African Academy of Sciences (AAS)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Diamond)
The African Academy of Sciences (The AAS) is a non-aligned, non-political, not-for-profit pan-African organisation whose vision is to see transformed lives on the African continent through science. Our tripartite mandate is recognising excellence through the AAS’ highly prestigious fellowship and award schemes, providing advisory and think tank functions for shaping Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) strategies and policies and implementing key STI programmes addressing Africa’s developmental challenges.
The AAS recognises excellence through the election of AAS Fellows who are distinguished researchers who represent the continent’s talented and promising men and women from across the globe. The 700+ Fellows, elected based on their publication record, innovation, leadership roles and contribution to policy, provide strategic leadership.
17:00 – 19:00 MSCA-GLOPOL: Strengthening International Research Collaboration through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 17:00 – 19:00
Organisers: MSCA-GLOPOL
Venue: CSIR ICC (Onyx)
Join us for an insightful presentation on the MSCA-GLOPOL project, an EU-funded initiative enhancing international cooperation in Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) across 26 geographies, including 20 countries with EU Science and Technology Agreements like South Africa, and regional partnerships such as the African Union. The project focuses on policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic promotion, aligning MSCA outreach with EU research priorities to increase global engagement with MSCA opportunities. Dr Yedilfana Setarge, Liaison Officer of MSCA-GLOPOL, will lead the presentation, which detailed information on MSCA doctoral networks and staff exchange, along with a hands-on application process. Additionally, Dr. Laurent Bochereau, Minister-Counsellor for STI at the Delegation of the EU to the AU, will discuss EU-SA/AU cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, as well as available funding and mobility opportunities through Horizon Europe. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and engage.
TUESDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2025
08:00 – 10:00 Harmonising Investments in Education, Skills Training, and Research with South Africa’s Civil and Private Sector Resources
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 08:00 – 10:00
Organising institution: TBC
Venue: CSIR ICC (Emerald)
Agriculture faces increasingly complex challenges, the scale of which requires maximising the human capital development and research impact. Presently, mismatches between curricula and labour-market needs and limited transdisciplinary coordination prohibit the sharing of expertise critical for the training of critical problem solvers and the pooling of resources that maximise impact. This roundtable will facilitate reflection on how the integrated Land Grant Systems (ILGS), hosted by the University of Mpumalanga, is harmonising investments education, skills-training and research. The ILGS brings multi-stakeholders together in Rural Innovation Hubs to solve complex agricultural challenges. Hubs foster collaborations and ensure curricula and research capitalise on the diversity of experience, knowledge, and resources in South Africa’s food system. This roundtable will stimulate discussions on what are required to harmonise investments in education, skills-training and research, with civil and private sectors resources at a national level.
08:00 – 11:00 South Africa Netherlands Partnerships in Health
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 08:00 – 11:00
Organising institution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Netherlands)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Amethyst)
Join us for a morning filled with exchange and discussion on the bilateral partnership between South Africa and the Netherlands in the fields of health and research.
Pandemic preparedness has gained momentum in South Africa, the Netherlands and around the globe, especially after COVID19. South Africa played a crucial role in detecting variants that shaped the production of vaccines. The impact of Climate change on healthcare is another avenue with growing attention.
Speakers from government, universities and research and health institutions in both countries cover a wide range of topics related to health.
Get introduced into the Global Health Strategy of the Netherlands and the Innovation Strategy for Health Sciences of South Africa. Learn more about the partnership between the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). And receive a wide overview from the on the research in health.
08:00 – 12:00 A Nexus Approach to Addressing Global Science and Humanities: Focus on South Africa and China
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 08:00 – 12:00
Organising institution: South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Jade)
The interdependence between water, energy, food, and climate systems demands a shift from siloed to integrated approaches. Changes in one domain profoundly affect others, and the escalating impacts of climate change amplify these interconnections. Globally, policy instruments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement have emphasised the need for coherent, interdisciplinary responses.
However, nations of the Global South face unique challenges in meeting these commitments, including limited financial resources, infrastructural gaps, and uneven access to technology. To navigate these complexities, science diplomacy has emerged as a critical mechanism for fostering collaboration, co-learning, and knowledge exchange between nations.
This session will explore how South Africa and China are advancing shared priorities in sustainable development through integrated science, policy, and innovation systems. It will also demonstrate how the nexus approach, i.e. linking water, energy, food, and climate, can inform decision-making, strengthen resilience, and support equitable transitions.
08:00 – 12:00 Masterclass on Empowering SMMEs through Digital Tools for E-Commerce
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 08:00 – 12:00
Organising institution: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Diamond)
This in-person session, co-hosted by DSTI, NYDA, DTIC, and UNECA, targets youth-led and township-based small businesses. The event aims to equip SMMEs with practical digital skills to enhance business development, access new markets, and integrate e-commerce solutions. Participants will benefit from expert presentations, real-world testimonials from alumni of the Digital Upskilling Programme, and interactive discussions on overcoming barriers to digitisation. The agenda includes insights on e-commerce trends, digital toolkits for exporters, and support mechanisms such as R&D tax incentives. The session is designed for early-stage SMMEs, unemployed graduates, and ecosystem enablers, fostering resilience and growth in South Africa’s dynamic business landscape.
08:00 – 12:00 South Africa-Japan Hydrogen Workshop Series: Charting Future Cooperation Between South Africa and Japan and Series Wrap-up
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 08:00 – 12:00
Organising institution: TBC
Venue: CSIR ICC (Ruby)
This session builds upon the outcomes of the South Africa–Japan Hydrogen Workshop Series and ongoing bilateral dialogue, with a focused emphasis on advancing project formation within South Africa’s emerging hydrogen economy. It seeks to examine emerging institutional, technical, and financial challenges, while exploring realistic and collaborative pathways for future cooperation, including potential frameworks for public–private partnerships. Structured around three core pillars, 1) policy development, 2) industrial and technological advancement, 3) international hydrogen supply chain formation and institutional support mechanisms—the programme will convene leading experts from government, industry, and academia. Ultimately, the event aims not only to exchange knowledge, but also to catalyse concrete, action-oriented cooperation toward the realization of a sustainable and competitive hydrogen economy in both countries and beyond.
10:15 – 12:15 Emerging Models of Farmer Development for Technology Transfer and Scaling Up
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 10:15 – 12:15
Organising institution: Agricultural Research Council
Venue: CSIR ICC (Onyx)
Research is a major input to cutting edge agricultural development and is crucial in ensuring a diverse, resilient, productive and sustainable agricultural sector. Oftentimes, the flow of information between researchers and producers is neither efficient nor effective. Public Agricultural Research and Extension services is tasked with developing and providing improved technical know-how for agricultural producers, to help improve their contribution to society’s wellbeing. In recent history, research and development organizations have developed specifically targeted models and programmes to guide impactful delivery and realisable change in the lives of farmers serviced. There is a stark need to consolidate the experiences in fostering impactful change in farmers’ livelihoods and transformation of food systems. The extent to which successes are gained, and lessons are being learnt will be explored through the session. The session will highlight some models, strategies and required actions for farmer development through joint agenda setting and scaling up.
11:15 – 15:15 Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Health in Africa Workshop
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 11:15 – 15:15
Organising institution: Deep Learning IndabaX
Venue: CSIR ICC (Emerald)
12:15 – 14:15 AI for Good: Accelerating Economic Digital Inclusion Across Sectors in Africa
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 12:15 – 14:15
Organising institution: Fetsi Impact Hub
Venue: CSIR ICC (Diamond)
This side event explores how AI can be a catalyst for inclusive economic growth across Africa’s key sectors from public sectors to private services and education. The focus is on AI and data literacy, equitable access, and building capacity so that all communities can participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
Through dialogue, showcases, and collaborative action, the session aims to:
- Identify pathways to integrate AI into development priorities.
- Strengthen local innovation ecosystems and digital skills.
- Encourage partnerships that align technology with social impact.
The goal is to ensure AI becomes a force for inclusion, not inequality — enabling Africans not only to adopt technology, but to create and govern it responsibly, driving sustainable transformation across the continent.
12:15 – 15:15 Empowering Emerging Voices to Engage with Decision Makers: A Collaborative Initiative by INGSA-Africa and the NRF
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 12:15 – 15:15
Organising institution: African Chapter – International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA-Africa)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Onyx)
Join us if you’re passionate about science advice, diplomacy, and evidence-informed policy in Africa. The African Chapter of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA-Africa), in collaboration with the National Research Foundation (NRF), invites all Science Forum South Africa 2025 attendees to a vibrant side event celebrating African leadership in science-policy engagement. This interactive session will showcase transformative capacity-building programmes that are empowering early- and mid-career researchers across the continent. Hear directly from emerging science-policy leaders as they share their mentorship journeys, insights, and the policy challenges they’ve tackled. A hands-on training segment will introduce practical tools for science communication, helping participants craft compelling, policy-relevant messages. Whether you’re a student, researcher, policy maker, funder, or science communicator: come connect, learn, and collaborate with INGSA-Africa and NRF in advancing science advice and diplomacy across Africa.
12:15 – 14:15 Indigenous Knowledge-based Technology Innovation Student Interface
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 12:15 – 14:15
Organising institution: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Amethyst)
The global rates of unemployment, poverty and inequality are on the rise. Conventional interventions seem to be failing in reversing the scourge of these challenges. It is therefore essential to re-think the role of research, development and innovation in relation to socio-economic development of local communities. Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) offers a new way of thinking which is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8. This promotes sustainable and inclusive economic growth, productive employment and equality. The DSTI’s IK-Based Technology Innovation Directorate has invested in IK-Based Laboratories that support undergraduate and post-graduate students. These dedicated research facilities conduct world class research both locally and internationally with the research focus on African Natural Medicines, Cosmeceuticals, Nutraceuticals, Health Infusions. The Directorate also facilitates technology transfer initiatives and supports SMME’s commercialising IK-Based safe and quality products under the Bioinnovation Enterprise Programme with youth and women being central in this initiative.
12:30 – 14:30 How Satellite Technology Helps Communities Overcome Artificial Scarcity and Drive Development
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 12:30 – 14:30
Organising institution: TBC
Venue: CSIR ICC (Crystal / Garnet)
14:00 – 16:00 South Africa – Sweden University Forum+ (SASUF+) Launch and Celebration
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Organising institution: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)
Venue: CSIR ICC (Ruby)
The future in science, innovation, and higher education depends on strong, inclusive, and action-driven partnerships. The South Africa – Sweden University Forum+ (SASUF+) Launch and Celebration session at SFSA 2025 invites researchers, industry representatives, students, policymakers, and societal partners to explore how multilateral collaborations are transforming research, education, and innovation across borders. This is not just a showcase, it’s an invitation. Participants will discover new opportunities for engagement, calls for funding, and pathways to activate themselves within SASUF+ over the next three years. Through inspiring examples and practical insights, the session will highlight how universities, industries, and communities can co-create solutions that drive tangible impact in line with Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Join us to connect, collaborate, and be part of shaping the next phase of SASUF+ partnerships for sustainable and inclusive growth.
14:45 – 16:45 From Hustle to Digital Scale: Enabling MSMEs to Trade Smarter through Inclusive Innovation
Date: 25 November 2025
Time: 14:45 – 16:45
Organising institution: The Business Development Agency
Venue: CSIR ICC (Amethyst)
How can digital platforms truly work for entrepreneurs?
This session, hosted by eXobe and supported by The Business Development Agency (Pty) Ltd, brings together policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore how inclusive, platform-enabled trade ecosystems can unlock new opportunities in South Africa’s growing digital economy. While global e-commerce platforms dominate, many entrepreneurs face challenges such as high transaction fees, limited visibility, and lack of fulfilment support. This dialogue will unpack how innovation, digital infrastructure, and co-designed policy solutions can help entrepreneurs of all sizes trade smarter and scale sustainably.
The session will feature a live demonstration of eXobe, a new entrepreneur-first e-commerce platform currently in pilot phase and set to launch in 2026. Participants will be invited to share insights, experiences, and ideas on how digital trade can become more inclusive, innovative, and responsive to real entrepreneurial needs. Together, we’ll shape practical pathways for an equitable and future-fit digital marketplace.