AfDB Supports South Africa's Green Growth with US$474.6 Million Loan
Key Ideas
  • The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a US$474.6 million loan for South Africa's Infrastructure Governance and Green Growth Programme to support the country's low-carbon economy.
  • The programme focuses on energy security, low-carbon transition, efficient transport, green industries, job creation, and skills development, including initiatives in electric vehicles and green hydrogen.
  • South African Finance Minister welcomed the support, emphasizing the importance of implementing critical reforms in energy and transport sectors to meet international commitments on climate change.
  • The loan package includes grant elements for energy efficiency and rail sector improvements, with expectations to enhance South Africa's logistics systems and regional connections.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved a significant loan of US$474.6 million for South Africa's Infrastructure Governance and Green Growth Programme (IGGGP), aimed at supporting the country's initiatives towards a low-carbon economy. This loan marks the second phase of AfDB's support for South Africa's Just Energy Transition, following a previous US$300 million programme that contributed to increasing financial stability and renewable energy capacity in the country. The IGGGP program is designed to address key areas such as enhancing energy security through power sector reforms, facilitating a low-carbon transition, and improving the efficiency of the transport system. Additionally, the program includes support for green industries, job creation, and skills development, with a specific focus on initiatives related to electric vehicles and green hydrogen. The Finance Minister of South Africa, Enoch Godongwana, expressed gratitude for AfDB's support, highlighting the government's commitment to implementing crucial reforms in the energy and transport sectors while striving to fulfill international obligations related to climate change. The loan package not only provides financial assistance but also incorporates grant elements targeting energy efficiency enhancements and improvements in the rail sector. It is anticipated that these planned reforms will play a pivotal role in fortifying South Africa's logistics systems and strengthening regional connections. Kennedy Mbekeani, the AfDB's Director General for Southern Africa, emphasized that this loan approval signifies more than just financing; it serves as a roadmap for shaping Africa's energy future, reflecting a positive outlook towards sustainable development in the region.
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