Rural development is vital for South Africa’s sustainable economic future. The farming sector is perhaps the most important, as food security and poverty reduction depend on it.

Since 2003, the South African government has been funding free electricity for the poorest households. This is because it recognises that poverty is a barrier to electricity access.

This phase-down of coal will bring significant changes to South Africa. This makes the need for a just transition away from coal fundamental to ensure no one is left behind.

Early planning, local economic diversification and participatory planning to empower communities are critical for a Just Transition, says the PCC.

The IEA says that clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies must grow to USD $2.8 trillion annually by the early 2030s.

The EU is firmly on its clean energy transition, with renewables and green technologies at the front and centre of new economic partnerships.

Spain is investing in South Africa’s green transition to develop renewable energy, electric vehicles and water projects.