Quantum Leap: Secure Intercontinental Link Established Between South Africa and China

In a groundbreaking achievement published in *Nature* on March 19, 2025, scientists from South Africa and China have established the world's longest intercontinental ultra-secure quantum satellite link, stretching 12,900 kilometers. This marks the first quantum satellite communication link in the Southern Hemisphere. The collaboration, involving Stellenbosch University and the University of Science and Technology of China, utilized the Chinese quantum microsatellite Jinan-1 to generate quantum keys in real-time through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). This enabled the secure encryption of images transmitted between ground stations using one-time pad encryption, considered unbreakable. Stellenbosch University's optimal environmental conditions allowed for an exceptional key generation rate of 1.07 million secure bits during a single satellite pass. According to Dr. Yaseera Ismail, this achievement showcases South Africa's potential to develop a thriving quantum ecosystem. Prof Francesco Petruccione stated that this positions the country as a significant player in the global quantum technology landscape.