What China’s New AI Alliance Means for South Africa and the Future of Artificial Intelligence

PRETORIA/SHANGHAI — Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Prof Blade Nzimande has begun an official visit to China ahead of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), where Beijing is expected to launch a new global artificial intelligence governance body with South Africa among its founding participants.

Nzimande arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday, 15 July, where he met officials from the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission before visiting the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and the Shanghai Astronomy Museum.

The visit forms part of South Africa’s participation in the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the accompanying High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, which takes place in Shanghai this week under the theme “AI Partnerships for a Brighter Future.”

Strengthening Science and Innovation Ties

According to the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the South African delegation was welcomed by senior officials from the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission, who outlined the city’s science and innovation strategy, with particular emphasis on its network of high-tech parks and programmes to support technology entrepreneurs.

During the meeting, Nzimande thanked his hosts for their hospitality and highlighted South Africa’s own science and innovation priorities. He said the DSTI intends to deepen cooperation with Chinese science policy and research institutions to strengthen innovation ecosystems across South Africa’s provinces, districts and municipalities.

The Minister also sought Chinese support for South Africa’s plans to establish science and technology parks within the country’s Special Economic Zones as part of efforts to accelerate research, innovation and industrial development.

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The delegation later toured the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, two of the city’s flagship science institutions. The museums attract thousands of visitors each day and feature interactive exhibitions on artificial intelligence, astronomy, physics, quantum mechanics and the history of science.

This year’s conference is expected to be the most significant since WAIC was launched in 2018.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to attend the event in person and deliver the opening keynote, marking his first appearance at the conference. His participation is widely seen as a signal that Beijing intends to play a leading role in shaping global rules and standards for artificial intelligence.

Organisers say this year’s conference will run from 17 to 20 July and feature forums, exhibitions, innovation showcases, awards, talent recruitment and investment initiatives.

More than 1,100 companies are expected to exhibit over 3,000 products across more than 100,000 square metres of exhibition space, with over 300 new products making their global debut.

Discussions during the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance will focus on issues including AI safety, international governance frameworks, standards for foundation models and AI agents, bridging the global digital divide, fair participation in AI value chains, and governance frameworks for humanoid robotics and digital assets.

South Africa Set to Join New AI Organisation

A key outcome of this year’s conference is expected to be the establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), a multilateral body first proposed by Chinese Premier Li Qiang during WAIC 2025.

China has positioned the organisation as a platform to promote international cooperation on artificial intelligence, particularly among developing countries. The proposed body is expected to focus on expanding access to computing infrastructure, data, research collaboration and AI talent, while encouraging more inclusive participation in the global AI economy.

The initiative is also viewed as part of Beijing’s broader effort to shape international AI governance and offer an alternative framework to existing Western-led approaches.

The DSTI has confirmed that Nzimande is expected to participate in the signing of the multilateral agreement establishing WAICO, positioning South Africa among the founding members of the new organisation.

On the sidelines of the conference, Nzimande is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with China’s Minister of Science and Technology, Yin Hejun.

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The meeting is expected to review existing cooperation between the two countries in science, technology, and innovation, while identifying new opportunities for collaboration in research and emerging technologies.

The South African delegation includes the country’s Ambassador to China, the Director-General of the DSTI, and senior officials from the Presidency, National Treasury, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) and the South African Consulate in China.

Nzimande’s visit comes as countries around the world race to establish governance frameworks for rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technologies.

For South Africa, participation in WAIC and the proposed World AI Cooperation Organisation reflects Pretoria’s growing interest in shaping international AI policy while expanding partnerships that support digital infrastructure, scientific research and innovation-led economic development.

The outcomes of Nzimande’s bilateral meeting with Yin Hejun and the formal launch of WAICO are expected later this week as the conference continues through 20 July.