NRF Agendas Focus on AI, Women in Science, and Bioeconomy at G20 RIWG

From 24-26 February, the National Research Foundation (NRF) participated in the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) meetings, held at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. These strategic engagements brought together global and regional stakeholders to advance collective strategies in key areas of research and innovation, with foci on the role of Bioeconomy, Women in Science, and the Artificial Intelligence in mitigation of shared global challenges.

AI Task Force: Harnessing AI for societal impact

The AI Task Force deliberated on how artificial intelligence (AI) can enable data-driven programming and decision-making in response to regional societal needs, such as healthcare challenges, poverty, and energy crises. Discussions highlighted the importance of real-time science, technology, and innovation (STI) measurement and feedback mechanisms that align with the African Observatory of Science, Technology, and Innovation (AOSTI) and are guided by the continental STI strategy.

Ethical considerations took centre stage with an emphasis on the need for regionally relevant AI practices that minimise biases and promote transparency; build on insights from the Namibia meeting in September 2023 on Recommendations of Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and African Perspectives; the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy; and UNESCO’s AI ethics framework.

The task force also explored AI’s role in the advancement of research and innovation across sectors, from healthcare to poverty alleviation, and underscored the need for robust training programmes. Institutions such as the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) were spotlighted for their efforts in increasing AI expertise and retention through job creation and skills development. Additionally, the NRF’s Dr Tshiamo Motshegwa, Director for the African Open Science Platform (AOSP), reaffirmed the NRF’s commitment to strengthen investments and partnerships, that leverage existing initiatives such as the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in Sub-Saharan Africa; the AU-EU Innovation Agenda; and the AOSP to foster global collaboration.

G20 Women in Science Roundtable Discussion

Dr Dorothy Ngila, Director: Knowledge and Institutional Networks at the NRF, facilitated a roundtable discussion on 25 February, at the G20 Women and Girls side event. Its aim was to enhance women’s participation and leadership in science. The discussions recognised the need for systemic, structural changes within scientific institutions to close the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It also emphasised the importance of integrating sex, gender, and intersectional analysis into research processes to promote gendered knowledge and innovation. It recognised a pipeline approach to strategic interventions to support women and girls in science and highlighted the significant gaps in the uptake and retention of women and girls in the engineering pipeline.

Efforts to uplift underrepresented groups and support inclusive science practices were central to the conversation, reinforcing the notion that progress in research and innovation cannot be achieved without full and equal participation of women and marginalised groups.

This side event was a precursor to the launch of the G20’s Women 20 South Africa on 26 February in Pretoria, which focused on the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women in the global workforce and scientific community. W20 is one of the G20’s engagement groups and is comprised of women from academia, entrepreneurship, and civil society who work on a voluntary basis to create a fair and sustainable world through gender equality. Dr Ngila serves as a South African delegate to W20 and co-chairs the task team on Education, STEM and the Digital Divide (ESDD).

Initiative on Bioeconomy: Advancing the Global South’s participation in bioeconomy

In recognition of the immense potential of the bioeconomy for sustainable development, the NRF, represented by Dr Sepo Hachigonta, Acting Executive Director: Business Advancement, participated in the working group session on bioeconomy in support of calls for an integrated G20 approach to ensure meaningful participation from the Global South. Discussions focused on the consolidation of efforts that address business and market development; build skills capacity; manufacture essential infrastructure and technologies; and secure equitable international financial arrangements.

A key priority was the development of skills along the bioeconomy value chain, coupled with the strengthening of regional and international cooperation. The discussions emphasised the importance of de-risking bioeconomic initiatives and scaling their positive impacts to ensure that Africa and other regions in the Global South benefit from this emerging global sector.

The NRF’s participation at the G20 RIWG meetings reinforces its commitment to the advancement of South Africa’s research and innovation agenda, while aligning it with global frameworks and advocating for regional priorities. The NRF will continue to play a strategic role in support of the DSTI as it engages in G20 discussions in 2025 and thus seeks to foster inclusive, sustainable scientific progress on the global stage. The outcomes from these sessions will be translated into frameworks and recommendations for the implementation of activities in the various areas under the G20.