The G7, South Africa and the Sustainable Climate Agenda for Africa

The research paper examines the intersection of G7 initiatives, such as the Energy for Growth in Africa Initiative and the Mattei Plan, with South Africa's role as a representative for African climate priorities. It highlights the tension between Western-led green transitions and African concerns over 'green protectionism' (specifically the EU's CBAM), the need for adaptation financing based on the 'common but differentiated responsibilities' principle, and the geopolitical competition for critical minerals. The author argues that the G7 must provide concrete deliverables and respect African agency to effectively bridge its goals with South Africa's upcoming G20 presidency.

• South Africa faces significant financial and structural hurdles in its energy transition, with an estimated cost of 98.7 billion US dollars over five years. While it has a net-zero target for 2050, its 2030 Integrated Resource Plan still relies heavily on coal (44%) and gas (28%), and the government has admitted it is unlikely to meet its 2030 emission reduction goals.
• South Africa and other African nations view the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as 'green protectionism' that violates WTO rules. South Africa specifically anticipates an annual loss of approximately 110 million US dollars in export revenue from steel, iron, and aluminium once CBAM is fully implemented.
• The Italian G7 presidency introduced the Energy for Growth in Africa Initiative to develop clean energy infrastructure and attract private capital. This initiative is designed to coordinate with other frameworks, including the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), the Mattei Plan (which has a 5.5 billion euro commitment), and the EU Global Gateway.
• There is a geopolitical 'scramble' for Africa's critical minerals, which hold 30% of the global total. While the G7 promotes diversified and sustainable supply chains, African leaders express concern that these policies may be used to exclude China and limit African agency in choosing partners.
• South Africa advocates for the 'common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities' (CBDR-RC) principle from the Paris Agreement, arguing that industrialised economies must bear the primary responsibility for mitigation and financing. The author notes that the G7 Apulia communiqué ignored this principle and provided no specifics on reforming the international financial architecture.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (2024). The G7, South Africa and the Sustainable Climate Agenda for Africa. https://saiia.org.za/research/the-g7-south-africa-and-the-sustainable-climate-agenda-for-africa/

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. The G7, South Africa and the Sustainable Climate Agenda for Africa. 2024. https://saiia.org.za/research/the-g7-south-africa-and-the-sustainable-climate-agenda-for-africa/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=The G7, South Africa and the Sustainable Climate Agenda for Africa |date=27 August 2024 |url=https://saiia.org.za/research/the-g7-south-africa-and-the-sustainable-climate-agenda-for-africa/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairs2024south, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{The G7, South Africa and the Sustainable Climate Agenda for Africa}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2024}, month = aug, url = {https://saiia.org.za/research/the-g7-south-africa-and-the-sustainable-climate-agenda-for-africa/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }