South Africa’s government has announced it will focus on social transformation, economic sustainability and job creation and training as part of the country’s energy transition strategy.
During a G20 meeting in Cape Town last week, the country’s Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientso Ramokgopa said there was a need for an energy transition model that emphasizes partnerships between developed and developing nations, while positioning South Africa as a key player in the global push to double energy efficiency and sustainability by 2030.
“We welcome partnerships that view African countries not merely as recipients of energy investments, but as co-creators of the solutions needed for a global just transition,” Ramokgopa stated, adding, “Whether in grid investment, hydrogen development, critical minerals or skills exchange, Africa is ready to lead.”
Ramokgopa called on G20 member countries to develop and implement practical frameworks for concessional financing, de-risking energy infrastructure and unlocking transmission grids. The Minister also called for the development of further initiatives to support the financial viability of the energy transition, including energy-efficiency tax incentives, infrastructure performance certification and product labelling programs.
He concluded that South Africa’s G20 Presidency offers the country a unique platform to champion energy equity and climate justice for Africans while driving global cooperation and attracting financing for green energy projects across the continent.
