EU and South Africa Mark Three Decades of Research Partnership

The European Union and South Africa recently celebrated a significant milestone in international research collaboration. On 17 June 2026 in Brussels, officials and researchers gathered to reflect on 30 years of bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation. This partnership, rooted in a formal agreement signed in 1996 and entering into force in November 1997, stands as one of the European Union's most enduring and comprehensive science and technology agreements with any third country.

The event highlighted how the collaboration has evolved from initial exchanges into a robust framework supporting joint projects across critical global challenges. South Africa remains the European Union's largest research and innovation partner on the African continent and leads African nations in participation within the EU's flagship funding programme, Horizon Europe.

Foundations of the Bilateral Agreement

The Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement between the EU and South Africa established the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee, known as the JSTCC. This body oversees bilateral activities and ensures alignment with broader strategic priorities. The most recent JSTCC meeting took place in Pretoria in November 2024, building on previous sessions that have guided the partnership through successive European framework programmes.

European higher education institutions have played a central role from the outset. Universities across member states have contributed expertise in areas ranging from health sciences to engineering, while South African counterparts have brought unique perspectives on biodiversity, renewable energy and astronomy. The agreement has facilitated researcher exchanges, joint publications and shared access to research infrastructures, strengthening academic networks on both sides.

Key Areas Driving Impact in Higher Education

Cooperation spans multiple priority domains that directly involve European universities and research centres. Public health initiatives through the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership have supported clinical research capacity in both regions. Nuclear medicine projects under the NuMeRI programme have advanced cancer diagnostics and treatment, drawing on expertise from institutions in Germany, France and the Netherlands alongside South African partners.

Green transition efforts feature prominently. The LEAP-Renewable Energy and LEAP-Sustainable Energy initiatives promote collaborative work on clean technologies, involving engineering faculties at universities in Spain, Italy and Sweden. Astronomy collaboration around the Square Kilometre Array project connects radio astronomy groups at leading European universities with South African facilities, fostering training programmes for early-career researchers and PhD candidates.

Capacity-building through the European-South African Science and Technology Advancement Programme network has supported mobility schemes that allow academics and doctoral students to undertake placements across partner institutions. These exchanges have enriched curricula and research methodologies in participating European higher education settings.

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Integration with Horizon Europe and Broader Frameworks

The partnership aligns closely with Horizon Europe, the European Union's primary research and innovation funding programme running from 2021 to 2027 with a budget of approximately 95.5 billion euros. South African entities participate as third-country partners in many calls, contributing to projects that address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Africa Initiative programmes within Horizon Europe have further amplified opportunities. The fourth iteration, covering the 2026-2027 work programme, includes dedicated topics encouraging joint EU-African proposals. European universities have responded by forming consortia that include South African higher education partners, enhancing the international dimension of their research portfolios.

Benefits for European Academics and Institutions

Participation in these collaborations offers tangible advantages for European higher education. Researchers gain access to diverse datasets, unique field sites in southern Africa and complementary expertise in areas such as marine science and biodiversity. Joint projects often lead to high-impact publications and strengthened grant applications for subsequent funding rounds.

University administrators note improved international rankings and reputation when institutions demonstrate successful global partnerships. Mobility programmes supported by the agreement help attract talented PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers from South Africa, enriching campus diversity and research output. European funding bodies have recognised the partnership as a model for equitable North-South collaboration.

Challenges and Evolving Priorities

Despite successes, the partnership faces ongoing considerations around equitable participation, intellectual property arrangements and alignment with national priorities in both regions. Discussions continue regarding future association arrangements for South Africa within European framework programmes beyond the current cycle.

European universities have adapted by developing internal support structures for international collaboration, including dedicated offices for global partnerships and training on cross-cultural research ethics. These measures help maximise the benefits while addressing potential barriers such as visa processes and differing regulatory environments.

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Future Outlook and Opportunities

Looking ahead, the partnership is expected to deepen through continued engagement in Horizon Europe successors and the AU-EU Innovation Agenda. Emerging themes include artificial intelligence applications for sustainable development, climate resilience and digital transformation in higher education.

European higher education leaders anticipate expanded opportunities for joint degree programmes, co-supervised doctorates and shared research infrastructures. The 30-year milestone provides a foundation for scaling successful models while incorporating lessons from three decades of practical experience.

Perspectives from Stakeholders

Representatives from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation emphasised the strategic value of the relationship during the Brussels event. South African officials from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation highlighted mutual learning and capacity development as core outcomes.

Academics involved in flagship projects described tangible career benefits, including expanded publication records and international networks that support promotion and tenure processes at European institutions. University leaders noted the role of such partnerships in fulfilling institutional missions around global engagement and knowledge exchange.