Nanotechnology offers developing countries great opportunities and challenges to advance economic, environmental, and social development aspirations. Improving production systems through techniques and processes that use natural resources more efficiently, and at the same time produce less waste, should be the cornerstone of any manufacturing strategy.Nanotechnology is an emerging technology that promises new and exciting potential for the developing world. And to fulfil these promises, South Africa must strategically position itself as a knowledge economy, through a collaborative effort involving the private sector, investment of large financial resources and well-thought-out, concurrent policies.But this can only be achieved if the State develops a strong research agenda and strengthens its national innovation system so that it can effectively meet the country's development needs. It should be noted that industrial growth is vital for economic development in African countries while being able to contribute significantly to poverty reduction.