South Africa is quietly positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation quantum and laser technologies. Professor Andrew Forbes and his team at the University of the Witwatersrand are pioneering research that could revolutionise how data is transmitted across the world — potentially making today’s fibre-optic and 5G networks look slow by comparison. The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has hailed the work as concrete evidence that local scientists are leading deep-tech innovation and securing a competitive economic future for the country.
In a nondescript laboratory at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, Professor Andrew Forbes and his team are working on technology that sounds like science fiction but is rapidly becoming science fact. They are developing advanced laser systems capable of transmitting data at speeds that dwarf anything currently available on the global internet — potentially thousands to millions of times faster than today’s fibre-optic cables and wireless networks.
This is not incremental improvement. It is a fundamental shift in how information can be moved, processed and used. The implications stretch far beyond faster video streaming or quicker downloads. This technology could transform artificial intelligence, enable real-time global collaboration at unprecedented scales, revolutionise medical imaging, secure communications, and open entirely new frontiers in scientific research.
The Science Behind the Breakthrough
Professor Forbes specialises in quantum optics and structured light. His team is harnessing the unique properties of light — specifically, the ability to encode information in multiple dimensions of a single photon. Traditional fibre-optic systems send data as pulses of light along glass fibres. The new approach uses complex patterns of light (known as structured light or orbital angular momentum beams) to carry vastly more information simultaneously.
Early experiments have shown transmission speeds that are orders of magnitude higher than conventional systems. In practical terms, this could mean downloading the entire content of the internet in seconds rather than hours or days. For artificial intelligence systems that require enormous amounts of data to train and operate, this represents a game-changing leap.
Why This Matters for Africa
Africa has long been described as the continent with the fastest-growing digital population. Yet connectivity remains uneven, expensive, and often unreliable. The ability to transmit massive amounts of data at ultra-high speeds could help close the digital divide more effectively than traditional infrastructure projects.
Imagine rural clinics in the Eastern Cape or remote schools in Limpopo being able to access real-time medical imaging, AI-assisted diagnostics, or high-quality educational content without depending on slow or costly satellite links. This technology could accelerate telemedicine, distance learning, precision agriculture, and smart city development across the continent.
Government Recognition and Strategic Importance
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has publicly celebrated Professor Forbes’ work as a landmark achievement. Officials describe it as “concrete proof that South African scientists are leading the charge in deep tech innovation.” The department sees this research as critical to building a competitive national economy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
South Africa has historically punched above its weight in certain scientific fields, particularly in astronomy, palaeontology, and materials science. Quantum optics and photonic communication represent a new frontier where the country could establish genuine global leadership rather than simply adopting technologies developed elsewhere.
Challenges on the Path to Commercialisation
Despite the excitement, significant challenges remain. Translating laboratory breakthroughs into practical, scalable systems requires substantial funding, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and strong industry partnerships. Energy efficiency, signal stability over long distances, and integration with existing infrastructure are all active areas of research.
There is also the broader question of how South Africa and the rest of Africa can ensure they benefit economically from these innovations. History shows that many African scientific breakthroughs have been commercialised elsewhere. Ensuring local ownership, patent protection, and manufacturing capacity will be critical.
A Moment of National Pride and Strategic Opportunity
Professor Forbes’ work comes at a time when South Africa is actively trying to reposition itself as a technology and innovation hub on the continent. From the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope project to growing fintech and renewable energy sectors, the country is investing in areas where it can compete globally.
This latest development in quantum and laser technology strengthens that narrative. It shows that South African universities and researchers are not merely consumers of cutting-edge science — they are creators of it. For a country often defined by its challenges, stories like this offer a powerful counter-narrative of ingenuity, excellence, and future possibility.
As the world races toward ever-faster and more intelligent digital systems, South Africa’s contribution through Professor Andrew Forbes and his team could prove to be one of the most important technological advances to emerge from the continent in decades.
