Johannesburg, March 6 – Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, Premier of South Africa’s Free State province, has underscored the transformative potential of the G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB), highlighting its critical role in sustainable economic growth and environmental conservation.
Speaking at the first meeting of the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) held recently at the University of the Free State's Bloemfontein campus, Premier Letsoha-Mathae explained that the bioeconomy utilizes renewable, plant-based materials for energy and industrial purposes, with biotechnology central to producing goods and services.
“The GIB has introduced 10 voluntary, non-binding, high-level principles aimed at guiding global bioeconomy activities. These principles emphasize sustainable development, inclusivity, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource usage, and responsible innovation,” Letsoha-Mathae said.
“This underscores the importance for emerging economies, particularly in the Global South, to harness the opportunities presented by the bioeconomy,” she stated.
She further emphasized that the Free State provincial government remains dedicated to embedding sustainable development within economic, social, and environmental dimensions. A key objective of this commitment is enhancing food security and improving nutrition.
This strategy aims to nurture industries that produce bio-based products, services, and innovations, enhancing South Africa’s international competitiveness—especially in industrial and agricultural sectors. The ultimate goal includes creating sustainable employment, improving food security, and supporting the country's transition to a greener, low-carbon economy.
“These factors make South Africa a highly attractive destination for bioprospecting investments,” she noted.
During South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025, Minister Nzimande outlined priorities, including:
“The role of the RIWG is to advance a solidarity-driven agenda, promoting science-based policy advice for sustainability,” Minister Nzimande said.
The ongoing discussions within the RIWG will culminate in a ministerial meeting scheduled for September 2025. Minister Nzimande will oversee this critical meeting, during which key resolutions and strategic directions will be established.
“We encourage this Working Group to aim ambitiously, ensuring our collective efforts leave a lasting legacy on the global scientific and technological landscape,” Minister Nzimande concluded.
Speaking at the first meeting of the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) held recently at the University of the Free State's Bloemfontein campus, Premier Letsoha-Mathae explained that the bioeconomy utilizes renewable, plant-based materials for energy and industrial purposes, with biotechnology central to producing goods and services.
“The GIB has introduced 10 voluntary, non-binding, high-level principles aimed at guiding global bioeconomy activities. These principles emphasize sustainable development, inclusivity, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource usage, and responsible innovation,” Letsoha-Mathae said.
Dual Benefits for Emerging Economies
Premier Letsoha-Mathae stressed that the bioeconomy provides dual advantages by fostering economic growth through innovation and simultaneously reducing negative environmental impacts.“This underscores the importance for emerging economies, particularly in the Global South, to harness the opportunities presented by the bioeconomy,” she stated.
She further emphasized that the Free State provincial government remains dedicated to embedding sustainable development within economic, social, and environmental dimensions. A key objective of this commitment is enhancing food security and improving nutrition.
South Africa’s Bioeconomy Strategy
Around 150 G20 delegates at the gathering learned about South Africa’s longstanding efforts to promote biotechnology and bioeconomy. Initiated by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation with the national Biotechnology Strategy in 2001, these efforts evolved into the comprehensive Bioeconomy Strategy in 2013.This strategy aims to nurture industries that produce bio-based products, services, and innovations, enhancing South Africa’s international competitiveness—especially in industrial and agricultural sectors. The ultimate goal includes creating sustainable employment, improving food security, and supporting the country's transition to a greener, low-carbon economy.
South Africa: A Global Biodiversity Hub
Premier Letsoha-Mathae highlighted South Africa’s extraordinary biodiversity, ranking as the third most biologically diverse nation globally. The country is home to 10% of the world's known plant species and approximately 15% of all known coastal marine species. Unique features include its nine distinct biomes and the globally unique Cape Floristic Region.“These factors make South Africa a highly attractive destination for bioprospecting investments,” she noted.
Minister Nzimande Calls for Continued G20 Cooperation
At the same meeting, South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, emphasized the importance of continued cooperation among G20 countries to maximize mutual benefits from groundbreaking scientific advancements.During South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025, Minister Nzimande outlined priorities, including:
- Strengthening pandemic preparedness.
- Targeted research and development in emerging technologies, particularly in energy, agriculture, and mining.
- Development of critical high-end skills.
“The role of the RIWG is to advance a solidarity-driven agenda, promoting science-based policy advice for sustainability,” Minister Nzimande said.
The ongoing discussions within the RIWG will culminate in a ministerial meeting scheduled for September 2025. Minister Nzimande will oversee this critical meeting, during which key resolutions and strategic directions will be established.
“We encourage this Working Group to aim ambitiously, ensuring our collective efforts leave a lasting legacy on the global scientific and technological landscape,” Minister Nzimande concluded.
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