South Africa (SA) has launched a new digital governance training programme in partnership with Russia, aimed at strengthening skills in the public service as government looks to improve efficiency and service delivery.
The initiative, led by the National School of Government in collaboration with the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), brings together SA officials and Russian delegates for a week of training focused on artificial intelligence, data management and digital governance systems.
Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration Pinky Kekana says the programme forms part of a broader co-operation agreement signed in December 2025.
“This programme is part of a cooperation agreement signed between the National School of Government and RANEPA to promote academic exchange, joint learning programmes, research collaboration, and broader public sector development,” Kekana said. “In our current world of rapidly changing dynamics, no state anywhere in the world can build its future in isolation.”
The partnership also reflects growing collaboration between SA and Russia in skills development and public sector training, with Moscow highlighting the importance of shared learning in a changing global environment.
Russian Minister-Counsellor Evgenii Sadikov said such exchanges are increasingly relevant amid global challenges.
“International collaboration on academic exchanges and shared programmes is a rapidly growing and promising area of cooperation,” Sadikov said. “From climate change to digital transformation, education remains a bridge between countries.”
He added that the programme aligns with broader BRICS co-operation efforts.
However, officials acknowledge that international models cannot simply be copied into the SA system.
Acting Principal of the National School of Government, Phindile Mkwanazi, said the focus is on adapting lessons to local conditions.
“Participants will look at case studies and practical examples of how digital transformation has been implemented elsewhere,” Mkwanazi said. “But we encourage them to think critically about how those approaches would work in the SA environment. Our conditions are different, so solutions must be adapted and localised.
–ChannelAfrica–
