A meeting took place in Pretoria between COP President Alok Sharma and a delegation of South African government ministers, including Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, and others.
The discussions focused on progress since COP26 in advancing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a long-term initiative aimed at enabling South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy and climate-resilient society. Under the Political Declaration issued in November 2021, the United Kingdom, European Union, France, Germany, and the United States committed to mobilising $8.5 billion over 3–5 years to support South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Ministers and the COP President welcomed the progress made so far and discussed financing instruments to ensure the partnership meets investment needs and aligns with South Africa’s fiscal framework. They also highlighted ongoing work on a South African-led Investment Plan to guide the use of funds and noted growing interest from wider sources of finance.
The meeting reaffirmed a commitment to a just transition that protects affected workers and communities while supporting innovation and quality jobs in sectors such as green hydrogen and electric vehicles.
The South African Presidential Climate Finance Task Team (PCFTT) and the International Partners Group (IPG) released a six-month update detailing progress, including the tabling of a Climate Change Bill, electricity sector reforms, finalisation of the Hydrogen Economy Roadmap, and the Renewable Energy Masterplan. Governance structures have been established, with Ms Joanne Yawitch appointed to lead the independent JETP Secretariat and working groups set up to focus on electricity, green hydrogen, transport, finance, and implementation modalities.
Discussions on the financing package are ongoing to ensure alignment with South Africa’s investment needs and fiscal realities. The JETP also incorporates consultations on just transition initiatives, including projects such as the Eskom Just Energy Transition Project at Komati and the Accelerating Coal Transition Investment Programme, supported by international financial institutions.
Key milestones leading up to COP27 include the establishment of working groups by June 2022, the release of draft and final JETP Investment Plans between July and October 2022, and sign-off by the IPG and PCFTT by early November 2022.
The partnership aims to accelerate decarbonisation, protect vulnerable communities, support renewable energy and green technology investment, and ensure a just transition aligned with South Africa’s climate and fiscal objectives.
