African Development Bank Awards $1 Million Grant to Support Green Skills Development in South Africa

Strategic Insights -

The African Development Bank has awarded a $1 million grant to the National Business Initiative in South Africa to strengthen efforts in building a dynamic skills ecosystem that enables South Africans, particularly young people, to access emerging job opportunities in the green economy. This grant is part of the Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA) and aims to support the country's Just Energy Transition Skilling for Employment Programme (JET SEP). The programme, launched in 2024, coordinates private sector efforts to prepare the workforce for the energy transition, in tandem with the government's JET Skilling Implementation Plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The grant will support the first phase of the Just Energy Transition Skilling for Employment Programme, including feasibility studies for the design of skills development zones and capacity building within the public technical and vocational education and training system.
  • The programme aims to strengthen the national skills system, ensure that all South Africans are equipped to seize new opportunities in the green economy, and stimulate local economies in a way that leaves no one behind.
  • The grant builds on the African Development Bank's significant investment in South Africa's energy sector, with a focus on renewable energy.
  • The programme has garnered support from over 30 influential South African CEOs, public sector leaders, and civil society leaders in the past year.
  • The grant will play a catalytic role in supporting informed policy decisions in skills development and labour market programmes, linking a strong private sector coalition with government, academia, and NGOs.

Statistics:

  • 46.1% of young people aged 15 to 34 were unemployed in the first quarter of 2025, according to StatisticsSA.
  • The African Development Bank has invested $3.4 billion in South Africa's energy sector since 2007, supporting energy infrastructure, including renewable energy.
  • Over 30 influential South African CEOs, public sector leaders, and civil society leaders have supported the Just Energy Transition Skilling for Employment Programme in the past year.

Sources:

  • "African Development Bank awards $1 million grant to support green skills development for South Africans, with focus on youth" by M2 PRESSWIRE on July 3, 2025.
  • StatisticsSA (http://apo-opa.co/3I92YRD)
  • African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org)
  • National Business Initiative (NBI): www.nbi.org.za
  • About the African Development Bank Group: www.AfDB.org