Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Nomalungelo Gina unveiled the Centre for Quantum Computing and Technology (CQCtec) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) on November 28, 2025, according to a DSTI press release. Speaking at the university’s Westville campus, the Deputy Minister described the centre as a historic milestone for South Africa and the African continent.
CQCtec was established in June 2025 and is jointly funded by the DSTI and UKZN. It operates as a node within the broader South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SA QuTI). Research areas include quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing, with applications in pharmaceuticals, finance, materials development, cybersecurity, environmental monitoring, logistics, and defense.
Professor Thomas Konrad, Director of CQCtec, said the centre was needed for South Africa “to solve fundamental social, environment and economic problems” and “to enable the country to build a quantum computing and technology economy.” A long-term goal is to contribute to the development of Africa’s first quantum computer.