PROMOTING SCIENCE COLLABORATION

The Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) is a dynamic platform that fosters international collaboration in science, technology, and innovation to address Africa’s pressing societal challenges and contribute meaningfully to global development.

The SDCfA Hub is based at the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC) in Tshwane, South Africa—a global precinct for science and technology innovation, surrounded by a vibrant diplomatic and scientific community.

 

The development of the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa was initiated by South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

FOCUS AREAS

The focus areas outlined below reflect the key priorities that drive the SDCfA’s activities and long-term impact, both on the continent and internationally.

  • International Partnerships in Science and Innovation

    Facilitating dynamic, cross-border collaboration between African science institutions and global partners, particularly diplomatic communities and regional bodies.

  • Science Diplomacy for Sustainable Development

    Promoting international research partnerships aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address shared societal challenges.

  • Open Science and Societal Engagement

    Encouraging transparency, accessibility, and inclusive dialogue around the role of science in society, especially in policy and diplomacy contexts.

  • African Leadership in Global Science Policy

    Amplifying African perspectives in global science diplomacy discussions, policy development, and capacity-building initiatives.

  • Strategic Location and Network Strength

    Leveraging the concentration of diplomatic missions, research institutions, and international organisations in Tshwane as a hub for science diplomacy.

  • Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement

    Ensuring broad representation across Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI), and welcoming participation from regional and continental stakeholders.

  • Programme Implementation and Facilitation

    Coordinating and delivering networking, promotional, and facilitation activities to connect local and international science and innovation actors.

WHY THE CITY OF TSHWANE?

As one of South Africa’s three capital cities, Tshwane is the executive capital. Of the 196 foreign embassies and missions in South Africa, 46 represent countries in Africa. Most are located in Tshwane – as are international agencies and South Africa’s Science Councils.

The City also has a thriving community of private sector entities involved in science, research, development, and industrialisation.

The symbiotic location in Tshwane of those roleplayers, makes the City the ideal place for the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa – with the CSIR International Convention Centre, as its physical hub.

VISION

Science diplomacy enabling socio-economic development in Africa, through international collaboration in science and innovation.

PILLARS

  • Concentration of STI entities & foreign missions in Tshwane.
  • Working relationships with international bodies.
  • Strong economic position on African continent.
  • Existing collaboration and knowledge exchange initiatives.

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IN BRIEF

The SDCfA was initiated by South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to promote multilateral collaboration to address the challenges facing humanity.

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CONTACT

Call
+ 27 (0)12 841 3286

Email
info@africasciencediplomacy.org

Address
CSIR International Convention Centre, Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria, South Africa, 0001