South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) published the Framework for Quantum Technology-Driven Research and Innovation in South Africa, dated January 20, 2021. The document was compiled by a National Working Group for Quantum Technology on behalf of the department.
According to a subsequent perspective article published in AVS Quantum Science, the framework proposed a budget on the order of USD 5 million per annum and outlined a strategy to concentrate efforts in quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum sensing. Priority areas included a national quantum network, novel quantum imaging systems, and quantum software development rather than hardware development.
The framework established the basis for the South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SA QuTI), to be coordinated through a consortium of five universities with three main centers and two emerging centers, alongside the Centre of High-Performance Computing as the provider of quantum computing infrastructure.