Africa Science and Technology Research Mission

3rd Japan – South Africa Joint Science and Technology Committee Meeting (Report)

Following the 1st Japan – Africa Science and Technology Ministers’ Meeting held in October 2008 in Tokyo, Japan dispatched the African Science and Technology Research Mission, comprised by ministries engaged in Science and Technology and Japanese research institutions, as one of the concrete measures to strengthen the partnership between both regions. South Africa is the only country in Africa that Japan has signed the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement.

The African Science and Technology Research Mission visited South Africa from the 23rd to the 26th of February. During the visit the following events were undertaken.

 

 

 

 

Regional seminar on SADC – Japan Collaboration on Science, Technology and Innovation (23rd February)

A regional seminar was held with the participation of the African Science and Technology Research Mission and members of SADC, together with the NEPAD Secretariat. In the meeting, SADC explained about SADC engagement in Science and Technology, NEPAD Secretariat explained about the implementation of the Consolidated Plan of Action (CPA). SADC side expressed the importance of cooperation with Japan at a sub-regional level as well as regional (Africa-wide) or existing bilateral ones. The Mission members explained about Science and Technology policy in Japan, overview and international cooperation activities of their institutions, etc. Moreover, both sides discussed on future cooperation areas and confirmed continuing collaboration for sustainable development.

Reception hosted by Ambassador Ozawa
(23rd February)

Following the regional seminar on SADC – Japan Collaboration on Science, Technology and Innovation, Ambassador of Japan to South Africa Mr. Ozawa hosted a reception for the African Science and Technology Research Mission and members of SADC and NEPAD that attended the regional seminar. As the guest of honour Deputy Minister for Science and Technology H.E. Mr Derek Hanekom attended the reception. The members of the Japanese Mission interacted actively with their counterparts during the reception.

Visits to South African Research Institutions
(24th February)

The members of the African Science and Technology Research Mission visited different South African Research Institutions according to their interests and gained an understanding of the current research activities in those institutions. Among the institutions visited, it includes the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), ARC-Institute for Soil, Climate and Water, Council for Geoscience, Council for Mineral Technology, South African Weather Service, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), CSIR-Climate Change, Meraka Institute, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

3rd Japan – South Africa Joint Science and Technology Committee Meeting
(25th February)

The 3rd Japan – South Africa Joint Science and Technology Committee Meeting was held on the 25th February. The Japanese side co-chaired by Minister Miyashita of the Embassy of Japan and attended by members of the Embassy, ministries and research institutions involved and JICA discussed actively about current Science and Technology policies and future cooperation areas with the South African side, co-chaired by Deputy Director General Auf der Heyde of the Department of Science and Technology and attended by members of DST, DFA and NRF.