JSPS and the National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding. South Africa is the first African nation that JSPS has formed an official agreement with in the area of bilateral exchange.

On March 4, 2005, Dr. Baldwin Sipho Ngubane, South African Ambassador to Japan, and Mr. Vuyani Lingela, Counsellor of the South African Embassy, representing NRF’s delegation who were not able to come to Japan at that time, visited JSPS bringing the Memorandum of Understanding between JSPS and NRF which Dr. K. Mokhele, President of NRF had signed. The MoU came into effect on this date, signed by Prof. Motoyuki Ono, President of JSPS.

Prof. Ono mentioned, "South Africa is the first African country with which JSPS has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding and it is a great pleasure for both countries." Dr. Ngubane said in reply, "I expect that research exchanges between our countries will become more active."

Henceforth, JSPS and NRF will consult together regarding the implementation of a Joint Research Program between Japan and South Africa.