South Africa is included on a list of countries “automatically eligible” for Horizon Europe funding, which means they do not have to pay to participate in the EU’s flagship funding programme. Noting that South Africa has accessed over 1 billion rand ($64 million) in EU research funding, the committee says it was briefed about “the risk of South Africa being required to contribute financially to future programmes”. However, he said it is “premature to speculate” about potential changes in the country’s arrangement with the EU, including whether South Africa might formally “associate” with Horizon Europe. ‘Natural progression’If it enters an association agreement with the EU, South Africa would be the first sub-Saharan country to do so. Zondi noted that South Africa and the EU already co-fund other research partnerships, which helps reduce dependency and nurtures more equal partnerships, he said.