Msanzi Now: KwaZulu-Natal Introduces New Centre for Quantum Computing and Technology
Pachon in Motion
Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has unveiled a new Centre for Quantum Computing and Technology (CQCtec) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The centre was established in June but officially opened its doors on November 28 with postgraduate programmes, research fellowships, and industry partnerships, all which are expected to create opportunities for young scientists, engineers, and technicians in KZN.
CQCtec is a branch of the South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SAQuTI), launched in 2021 as the country’s first coordinated national strategy for quantum technologies, with branches at four other universities in the country. The new branch is funded jointly by South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and UKZN, with aims to advance research, commercialize quantum technologies, and train a new generation of African quantum scientists.
At the launch Dr. Gina stated that the centre represents a step into the global “quantum revolution” as well as increased opportunity for advancements at home. Developments made at CQCtec are expected to have applications nationwide, primarily in the sectors of healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, communication and climate studies.
Building Expertise at Home
The new centre will hire researchers, software developers, lab technicians, engineers, administrative personnel, and support staff, supplying the province with an abundance of job opportunities in addition to the professional degrees students will receive upon graduation. Because quantum technology is expected to play a role in a variety of professional fields, graduates will have the opportunity to fill roles that have typically relied on global suppliers and foreign-trained specialists. CQCtec looks to alleviate the reliance on imported talent and instead recruit South Africans for these positions.
As more South Africans are looking abroad to pursue higher education, the centre acts as an incentive to keep skilled professionals working locally. A 2024 report found that 90% of undergraduate and postgraduate students in South Africa were looking to live and work abroad to gain professional experience, contributing to a nationwide exodus that has taken degree-holding professionals to other countries. For decades, South Africa has suffered from “brain drain”, referring to skilled professionals leaving home in pursuit of higher paying opportunities abroad. Consequently, crucial sectors like engineering and healthcare have become short staffed with few individuals qualified to fill these positions. CQCtec hopes to equip South Africans with the skills to staff these sectors, simultaneously reducing unemployment and advancing the technology.
The director of the centre, Professor Thomas Konrad, relayed these ambitions at the launch, stating: “South Africa needs quantum technologies to solve fundamental social, environment and economic problems; to enable the country to build a quantum computing and technology economy.”
His statement recapitulates why quantum technology is not only an academic pursuit, but a developmental tool that could strengthen South Africa’s long-term socio-economic resilience.
International Leadership
In addition to directing the centre, Professor Konrad coordinates the African Quantum Alliance (AfriQA), an organization dedicated to developing Africa’s quantum computing capabilities across the continent. In connecting AfriQA and CQCtec, Professor Konrad seeks to uplift South African priorities around quantum technology to the continental and international level. On the global stage, quantum technology is currently dominated by the United States and China, each investing billions in the development of advanced processors, secure communication systems and national quantum computing platforms. CQCtec seeks to enter this competition for global leadership in the quantum technology sector.
At the launch, Dr. Gina said “Quantum technologies are reshaping global industries, economies and societies. For too long, Africa has trailed behind global innovation trends. Today marks a decisive step in changing that narrative.” Through CQCtec, South Africa seeks to leverage African perspectives, challenges, and opportunities to the international level through its advancement of quantum technology.
The centre has already established partnerships with leading quantum organizations in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, creating pathways for joint research, training opportunities, and international commercialisation of quantum technology. These collaborations are expected to help South Africa integrate into global quantum supply chains and strengthen its technical capabilities.
Dr Gina echoed this sentiment, stating the centre would help build a local quantum economy and place South Africa on the global map. “We would like to see startups, spin-offs, high-tech factories, and quantum coding teams bringing in wealth,” she said at the launch. “This will create jobs and generate exports while benefiting health, security, finance, environmental monitoring, manufacturing, transport, logistics, and drug discovery.”
By investing in homegrown talent, building links with global experts and committing to long-term innovation, the country is positioning itself to compete in one of the world’s most rapidly advancing fields. For KwaZulu-Natal, the centre brings the promise of jobs, skills development and economic renewal. For South Africa, it offers a chance to lead scientific innovation and gain international recognition. And for the continent, it signals a future in which African institutions play a larger role in shaping the technologies that will define the decades ahead.