On 25 May 2012 the Members of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Organisation decided that more than 70% of the SKA, which will be the world’s largest radio telescope, will be located in South Africa, as well as Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia. This is the first time Africa will host a major global research infrastructure of such significance. The decision was due recognition of Africa’s many comparative advantages to host cutting-edge astronomy facilities and the outstanding scientific, technical and engineering expertise of the African teams working on projects such as the MeerKAT precursor telescope. From an African perspective, the location of the SKA in Africa will boost for the continent’s human capital development and will enable significant science and technology orientated foreign investment in Africa. Africa will finally receive due recognition as a partner in the global scientific enterprise. There are also rich opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation with Europe in this regard, which this Mission plays an active role to promote.