Africa's future prosperity hinges on its ability to prioritize science and technology -- the engines of innovation and sovereignty -- and on harnessing the energy of its youth through education and innovation platforms, said Blade Nzimande, South Africa's minister of science, technology and innovation.
BRICS is shifting from economic cooperation to scientific power. Ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit this weekend, the Chennai Declaration was adopted in August during the 14th BRICS Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministerial Meeting in India, aiming to build a resilient framework for science, technology, and innovation.
Speaking about BRICS cooperation's role in promoting innovation in a recent interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Nzimande said the mechanism is creating new opportunities for scientists in the Global South. He explained why innovation is non-negotiable.
"If you look at fast-growing countries, they have placed science, technology and innovation at the center of their work. Take China for instance. What you see in China for instance - this rapid, amazing development is as a result of putting more resources into science, technology and innovation. It's no longer a nice-to-have, science, technology and innovation -- it's a must-have," said Nzimande.
He added that the BRICS cooperation mechanism gives African nations a chance to move from bystanders to participants in the technology race transforming everyday life.
"If we are able to develop our own instruments, our own products through science, it guarantees us some sovereignty. When you're a sovereign nation, you are able to interact with other nations with pride and confidence," said the minister.
On AI and emerging technologies, Nzimande said Global South countries must develop their own blueprints to meet their populations' needs.
"What is going to be important is not just to talk about AI generally. AI for what? In our case, AI for health innovation is a huge priority. AI to deal with the effects of climate change, AI for renewable sources of energy. If we're not clear about our priorities, you can have AI but it's not going to take you anywhere. We can't just copy other countries," he said.
Nzimande sees Africa's youth as the continent's most important asset as the fourth industrial revolution gathers pace.
"Young people are very important for the development of any country, even more in the African continent where more than 60 percent of the population is youth. They've got energy and we have to harness that energy correctly. Education is very important, as well as making young people also to be able to have platforms to innovate," said Nzimande.
The 18th BRICS Summit will gather leaders from 11 full member states, 10 partner countries, and invited guests in New Delhi on Saturday and Sunday.
The theme of the summit is "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."
South African minister says sci-tech innovation, youth key to Africa's future
