The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Coega Development Corporation (Coega), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance research, technology development, innovation and knowledge sharing.
Coega said this partnership will enhance industrial competitiveness, catalyse job creation, and position South Africa as a leader in sustainable technology development.
Themba Koza, Coega’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said about the partnership “I am grateful that our conversations have progressed to this agreement. It is reflected in our Strategic Plan for 2025-2030. Last year, we visited the CSIR and set our intentions. We want to learn from the CSIR. This partnership strengthens our identity as a learning organisation. We want to collaborate to advance catalytic interventions intended to support research that will positively impact the quality of life of South Africans. There is no doubt about the synergy between our two organisations.”
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Kenny Tenza, Executive Manager for Business Development and Commercialisation at CSIR, highlighted the scope of collaboration, which includes smart infrastructure and the internet of things (IoT); smart special economic zones, trade and logistics; energy; learning factory and automotive; smart buildings and infrastructure; cybersecurity, next-generation information and communication technologies; applying circular economy principles to build environmentally friendly infrastructure and bridging the digital divide for rural communities in the Eastern Cape and South Africa as a whole.
The MoU is for a period of five years, with provisions for renewal and expansion of collaboration areas.
Picture: COEGA