South Africa is accelerating its role in the global green energy transition — moving beyond raw materials toward value-added manufacturing. Join Prof. Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, for a focused discussion on how hydrogen and battery research can be commercialised into manufacturing, jobs, and export opportunities.

This briefing will explore South Africa’s innovation pipeline, beneficiation potential, and opportunities for UK–South Africa collaboration across clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology partnerships.

Dr Blade Nzimande

Dr Blade Nzimande has served as South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation since 3 July 2024. He previously held the roles of Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology (2019–2024), Minister of Transport (2018–2019), and Minister of Higher Education and Training (2014–2017).

He is the General Secretary of the South African Communist Party and holds several leadership positions, including chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education and deputy chair of the party’s Central Committee.

Dr Nzimande earned a PhD in Sociology from the University of Natal. He has lectured at the University of Zululand and the University of Natal, and has served on councils and committees across higher education institutions and government structures.

He is also an author of academic articles and a book on education and political violence, focusing on the impact of conflict on schooling in South Africa.