South Africa
PAGE in South Africa
South Africa is one of the largest economies in Africa, benefiting from high levels of industrialisation and vast natural resources. The country has made considerable strides towards improving the well-being of its citizens, significantly lowering poverty rates, and increasing access to public services. Whilst the economy is still expanding, economic growth has slowed down in recent years, with many social and environmental challenges persisting. South Africa joined PAGE in 2015 and celebrated seven years of partnership in 2022.
Recognizing the potential of green economy strategies, the South African government embarked on a development path linking economic prosperity to environmental sustainability and social equity. Through the South African National Development Plan 2030, a long-term strategy adopted in 2012, the government significantly strengthened its ability to manage environmental costs and respond to the increasingly severe impacts of climate change.
Given the comprehensive green economy policy framework already in place when South Africa joined the partnership in 2015, PAGE work was structured around improving policy coordination, deepening collaboration between different stakeholders and supporting policy implementation. PAGE has helped to identify sectors and industrial segments with potential for inclusive green economy transformation, including circularity and strengthened capabilities through green economy learning and capacity development.
Milestones
- 2023
PAGE Sustainability report published
- 2020
- 2019
Third PAGE Ministerial Conference held in Cape Town
Green Jobs Assessment Institutions Network (GAIN) regional training hub for Africa launched by ILO and University of Pretoria at the Ministerial Conference
National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy; Carbon Tax Act
- 2018
National Academy on Green Economy held with stakeholders from all nine provinces
- 2017
Green Economy Learning Assessment developed
- 2016
National Steering Committee (NSC) established
Green Economy Inventory conducted
- 2015
South Africa joins PAGE
Results
South Africa News & Events
![Preview of Just Energy Finance Requires More than Mobilizing Capital: Insights from South Africa and Indonesia]()
Just Energy Finance Requires More than Mobilizing Capital: Insights from South Africa and Indonesia
24 October 2025Financing a just energy transition goes beyond mobilizing capital—it demands inclusive strategies that protect livelihoods, create decent jobs, promote social
![Preview of Navigating the Green Shift: Indonesia and South Africa Emphasize Skills Development on Their Paths for a Just Energy Transition]()
Navigating the Green Shift: Indonesia and South Africa Emphasize Skills Development on Their Paths for a Just Energy Transition
2 October 2025Policymakers from Indonesia and South Africa, two of the world’s leading coal producers, convened in an online policy dialogue on
![Preview of From Knowledge to Action : Building Capacity for Just Transition Finance]()
From Knowledge to Action : Building Capacity for Just Transition Finance
3 September 2025In a world transitioning toward green economies, ensuring that this shift is equitable, inclusive, and truly a “just transition” is
G20 Side Event: South Africa-Indonesia Policy Dialogue on Just Transition in Coal Mining Regions
8 July 2025On 3 July 2025, PAGE launched the first in a series of five virtual policy dialogues between South Africa and
![Preview of Global Experts Call for Economic Overhaul to Power Circular Transition]()
Global Experts Call for Economic Overhaul to Power Circular Transition
5 June 2025The global economy is in urgent need of rewiring—from its current linear “take-make-waste” model to one that is regenerative, inclusive,
![Preview of First PAGE Regional Academy for Africa]()
First PAGE Regional Academy for Africa
29 May 2025The Government of Morocco recently hosted the inaugural PAGE Regional Academy for Africa under the theme “Financing a Just Transition
![Preview of How is PAGE fostering Circular Economy?]()
How is PAGE fostering Circular Economy?
22 April 2025The circular economy is emerging as a transformative solution to address the environmental and economic challenges posed by traditional production
![Preview of Advancing Circular Economy and Waste Management]()
Advancing Circular Economy and Waste Management
30 March 2025This year’s International Day of Zero Waste 2025 on 30 March emphasizes the need for action in the fashion and
Knowledge Hub
pdfSouth Africa Sustainability Report
2023![Preview of PAGE South Africa Impact & Achievements infographic]()
PAGE South Africa Impact & Achievements infographic
2023
pdfSouth Africa Spotlight – Summary Report
2021
pdfSouth Africa PAGE Brochure
2019
pdfSouth Africa Green Economy Progress Measurement Framework
2020
pdfModelling an Inclusive Green Economy COVID-19 Recovery Programme for South Africa
2021
pdfGreen Economy Learning Assessment in South Africa
2016
