The Science Forum South Africa 2025

The Science Forum South Africa 2025 will take place from 24 to 28 November 2025 at the CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.

The Forum is proudly co-hosted by the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) initiative. The SDCfA promotes science collaboration across Africa and beyond towards leveraging and connecting technology innovation with humanity. Collaboration that embeds a culture of learning – underpinned by sound governance.

The theme for the Forum is Igniting Conversations about Science – Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.

The objective of the Forum is to ignite vibrant discussion on the role of science in society, between all stakeholders, the scientific community, government, industry and civil society at large.

The Forum programme will comprise of opening and closing plenaries, igniting conversations and discussions by and involving leading South African and international scientists, experts and thought leaders.

The SFSA 2025 brings an additional full day of panel discussions to add on the traditional one day and half of sessions. The panel discussions are structured under the following tracks:

• Youth in science, technology and innovation (STI) and Africa;
• Science, technology and innovation partnerships in G20;
• Bridging science and economic diplomacy in policymaking;
• Shaping innovation – Powering the future industries;
• Global science for humanity – Agriculture, health, climate change, just transition;
• Bringing science communication and science journalism together.

An exhibition will also be hosted at the SFSA 2025, with key institutions and partners of the National System of Innovation and international exhibitors.

A series of side events in the lead-up to the SFSA will be convened.

Key objectives

• To create a platform for a vibrant debate on the role of science, technology and innovation in society;
• To promote international science, technology and innovation partnerships; and
• To create a platform for key science, technology and innovation actors, including senior government leaders, academics, scientists, industry, civil society, and students to interact.

Background

Across the world nations increasingly seek to harness the potential of science as an instrument for growth and development. Science is also an integral part of the global effort to advance sustainable development. The interface between science and society and the interrogation of the role of science in society has therefore never been more critical.

The event was designed as a “public science” event open to all interested stakeholders, which provides a platform for discussion and debate on the role of science in South African and African society as well as globally.

The programme brings together more than 4 500 participants for discussion and debate, and includes an exhibition and public outreach activities.