South African Deputy Minister Unveils Quantum Computing Centre

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, today unveiled the Centre for Quantum Computing and Technology (CQCtec) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, marking a historic milestone for South Africa and the African continent. The centre aims to build local expertise in areas including quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing, positioning the country to advance in a transformative technology frontier. Quantum computers are expected to solve complex problems faster than classic computers, with applications in fields such as drug discovery, medical research, climate solutions, and cybersecurity. This initiative represents a decisive step towards changing Africa’s narrative in global innovation trends.

South African Quantum Technology Initiative Overview

The Centre for Quantum Computing and Technology (CQCtec) launched at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in June 2025, marking a historic milestone for South Africa and the African continent. Funded jointly by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and UKZN, the centre aims to build local expertise in quantum computing, communication, and sensing technologies. This initiative addresses a historical lag in African innovation and positions the country to advance in a rapidly transforming technological landscape with potential applications in fields like pharmaceuticals and cybersecurity.

CQCtec is a node within the broader South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SAQuTI), launched in 2021 as the nation’s first coordinated quantum strategy. The centre’s vision includes globally competitive research, training a strong pipeline of graduates, and commercializing quantum technologies to contribute to a South African quantum economy. Focus areas include breakthroughs in cybersecurity, healthcare, logistics, and finance. The initiative recognizes global competition, particularly from the United States and China, in patent applications for quantum communications and computing.

Professor Thomas Konrad, Director of the Centre, emphasized the need for quantum technologies to solve social, environmental, and economic problems in South Africa. The centre aspires to be an international hub for verifying and validating quantum devices, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the development of Africa’s first quantum computer. The DSTI reaffirmed its commitment to working with UKZN and other partners to expand South Africa’s quantum technology ecosystem, placing Science, Technology, and Innovation at the center of national development.

Centre for Quantum Computing and Technology Launch

The Centre for Quantum Computing and Technology (CQCtec) was unveiled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in June 2025 by Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina, marking a historic milestone for South Africa and the African continent. The centre aims to build local expertise in quantum computing, communication, and sensing—technologies with applications across pharmaceuticals, finance, and cybersecurity. Jointly funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and UKZN, CQCtec will serve as a hub for multidisciplinary research, positioning South Africa to advance in this transformative field.

CQCtec’s vision includes becoming globally competitive in quantum research, training a strong pipeline of local graduates, and commercializing quantum technologies to foster a South African quantum economy. The centre is a node within the broader South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SAQuTI), launched in 2021, and collaborates with other nodes at four universities nationwide. Professor Thomas Konrad, the Centre’s Director, emphasized the need for quantum technologies to address fundamental social, environmental, and economic problems within the country.

Recognizing global competition, the Deputy Minister highlighted significant patent application shares held by the United States and China in quantum communications and computing. She stressed the urgency of South Africa’s efforts and the importance of strategic independence, new industries, and talent development. The centre’s focus on translating research into commercial products is expected to generate high-tech jobs, create spin-off companies, and support new exports across diverse sectors like health, security, and manufacturing.

Quantum Technology Applications and Potential

The newly unveiled Centre for Quantum Computing and Technology (CQCtec) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal marks a historic milestone for South Africa and the African continent. Established in June 2025 and funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and UKZN, the centre aims to build expertise in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. This initiative intends to position South Africa as a continental leader in the Second Quantum Revolution, addressing a historical lag in African innovation trends.

Quantum technologies are expected to significantly impact industries like drug discovery, medical research, climate solutions, and cybersecurity. CQCtec focuses on translating research into commercial products, potentially generating high-tech jobs and fostering a South African quantum economy. Key areas of application include pharmaceuticals, finance, materials development, environmental monitoring, logistics, and defence. The centre is a node within the larger South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SAQuTI), launched in 2021, connecting it with other university-based efforts.

Professor Thomas Konrad highlights the potential of quantum computing, noting the international race to build larger quantum computers with billions of dollars invested. He emphasized that quantum computing promises unprecedented supercomputing power, utilizing quantum bits (qubits) for information storage and processing. The centre also aspires to be an international hub for verifying and validating quantum devices, with long-term goals including participation in building Africa’s first quantum computer.

National Strategy for Quantum Technology Development

The Centre for Quantum Computing and Technology (CQCtec) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal represents a key component of South Africa’s national strategy for quantum technologies, launched in 2021 as the South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SAQuTI). Established in June 2025 and funded jointly by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and UKZN, CQCtec aims to build local expertise in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. This initiative seeks to position South Africa as a continental leader in the Second Quantum Revolution, addressing a historical lag in African innovation.

CQCtec’s vision includes globally competitive research, training a pipeline of local graduates, and commercializing quantum technologies to foster a South African quantum economy. The centre will focus on applications in areas like pharmaceuticals, finance, materials development, cybersecurity, and environmental monitoring. Recognizing global competition—particularly from the United States and China in patent applications—the centre emphasizes the urgency of investment and coordination to achieve strategic independence and create new industries.

Professor Thomas Konrad, Director of CQCtec, highlights quantum computing’s potential for supercomputing power, noting international investment in building larger quantum computers. Research will also focus on quantum software with applications in health, finance, and logistics, alongside addressing the potential threat to current cryptographic codes. A long-term goal is to participate in a collaboration to build Africa’s first quantum computer, solidifying South Africa’s role in this emerging technological landscape.