Stakeholders from government, business, academia and civil society have reviewed and validated recommendations aimed at accelerating green and inclusive industrialisation in Southern Africa.
The two-day workshop, held in Pretoria on 21–22 July 2026, was convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the United Nations Trade and Development.
Four areas under review
Participants assessed regional studies covering green industrialisation, technology transfer and innovation, the circular economy, and the renewable-energy transition. The wider project supports Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe in linking climate action with industrial development.
The recommendations call for stronger coordination across industrial policy, trade, investment, innovation and climate action, as well as greater support for productive capacity, domestic technology capabilities and strategic green value chains.
Keeping more value in the region
A central concern is whether Southern Africa can use the green transition to build manufacturing capacity rather than remain primarily a supplier of raw materials. Participants also highlighted the role of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, access to finance, skills and regional trade.
The workshop validated recommendations for further policy development. It did not adopt a binding regional framework or approve new industrial projects. The findings are expected to inform country-specific policy briefs and wider national and regional policy processes.
Sources and references
- UNECA: National workshops on innovative climate action to accelerate green industrialisation in Southern Africa
- UNECA Stories: South African stakeholders review and validate recommendations towards accelerating green industrialisation in Southern Africa, 22 July 2026
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