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This report by the Climate Bonds Initiative examines how green and transition bonds can facilitate South Africa's shift from a coal-dependent energy system to a low-carbon economy. It analyzes the specific challenges of the South African market, the roles of major emitters like Eskom and Sasol, and provides frameworks for credible transition finance to avoid greenwashing.

This policy brief assesses the Africa Energy Guarantee Facility (AEGF), a risk mitigation instrument launched by the European Investment Bank to attract private investment into Africa's sustainable energy sector. While the AEGF aims to unlock $1.4 billion in clean energy investment by providing insurance against political and sovereign risks, the document argues that its success depends on African policymakers creating enabling regulatory frameworks and reducing the high transaction costs and risks that currently deter private investors.

This policy brief argues that regional integration via the AfCFTA and a strategic partnership with the European Union are essential to overcoming Africa's energy deficit and financing gaps. It highlights that while Africa has vast renewable potential, the transition is stalled by a lack of technical capacity, fossil fuel subsidies, and fragmented markets. The authors recommend shifting EU aid from bilateral to regional modalities and prioritizing the local adaptation of green technologies.

This research paper examines the energy cooperation between Russia and South Africa within the BRICS framework, analyzing Russia's strategic pivot toward emerging markets and South Africa's shift from a failed large-scale nuclear deal toward renewable energy projects.

A letter from the Life After Coal Campaign to South Africa's Minister of Energy, Jeff Radebe, requesting a meeting to discuss the country's energy trajectory and advocating for a just transition from coal and nuclear power to renewable energy.

This policy brief examines South Africa's energy transition and its strategic international partnerships. It highlights the country's reliance on coal while pursuing a target of 30% clean energy for new capacity by 2025. The document details South Africa's role as a regional energy hub via the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and its complex relationship with the EU, which balances broad strategic partnerships with specific bilateral cooperation and South-South engagements (BRICS, IBSA).

This research paper examines the challenges South Africa faces in diversifying its energy sources away from coal to ensure energy security and meet climate change mitigation goals, emphasizing the need for institutional reform and a coordinated government vision.

This report analyzes the barriers and opportunities for clean energy investment in South Africa, focusing on the transition from a coal-dependent energy system dominated by the state-owned utility Eskom to a more diversified renewable energy mix. It examines national policies, regulatory frameworks, and the role of provincial and local governments in promoting sustainable energy.

This case study examines the role of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) in financing and overseeing Local Community Trusts (LCTs) within South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). It analyzes the structural and governance challenges that often lead to the failure of LCTs, contrasts these with successful examples like the Sibona, Letsatsi, and Amandla trusts, and provides a comprehensive set of best practices and recommendations for development finance institutions (DFIs) and other stakeholders to ensure equitable benefit-sharing in the energy transition.

This policy brief examines the 'unjust' nature of the energy transition for youth in South Africa's Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM). It argues that while the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is necessary, young people are being marginalised through exclusionary land allocation policies, a lack of sustainable employment following the closure of coal-fired power stations, and the limited scope of renewable energy projects that fail to provide meaningful skills or long-term job security.

This fact sheet from the Institute for Economic Justice outlines the necessity and framework for a just transition within South Africa's food system. It argues that the current industrial food system is characterized by deep social inequality, corporate dominance, and significant environmental damage, contributing approximately 18% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. The document proposes a transition based on food sovereignty, focusing on equitable livelihoods, environmental sustainability through agroecology, and the universal right to food and nutrition.

This fact sheet from the Institute for Economic Justice outlines the necessity and framework for a just transition within South Africa's food system. It argues that the current industrial food system is characterized by deep inequality, corporate dominance, and environmental degradation, and proposes a transition based on human rights, ecological stability, and equitable livelihoods.

A statement by Natural Justice arguing that African nations must accelerate their transition to sovereign renewable energy systems to avoid the economic instability and foreign control caused by global conflicts and fossil fuel dependency.

The 2026 Market Intelligence Report by GreenCape outlines renewable energy (RE) investment opportunities in South Africa, identifying a potential market of R161.2 billion by 2030. The report focuses on large-scale RE projects and behind-the-meter (BTM) solutions, while detailing the transition from public procurement to a private offtake market and the structural unbundling of Eskom.

This synthesis report discusses the role of South Africa's 2025 G20 presidency in advancing the 'just transition' agenda, building upon a Ministerial Statement from October 2024 that emphasizes structural actions in national economies and the international financial system to scale up climate action.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the role of the G20 in supporting Africa's energy transition and climate financing. It critiques the Indonesian and Indian G20 presidencies for failing to address Africa's specific needs, noting a significant gap between the continent's climate funding requirements and actual inflows. The document proposes a strategic agenda for the upcoming Brazilian and South African presidencies, focusing on increasing the flow and quality of climate finance, reforming debt treatments, and enhancing participation in carbon markets.

This case study examines South Africa's heavy reliance on coal and the resulting fiscal implications for its energy transition. It details the role of state-owned enterprises, the structure of fossil fuel revenues and subsidies, and the government's climate commitments via its Nationally Determined Contribution.

A statement by WWF South Africa arguing that the country must urgently accelerate climate mitigation and adaptation efforts due to increasing extreme weather events and high per-capita emissions.

This case study compendium by Natural Justice examines human rights violations associated with green energy projects in Africa, arguing that the 'just' component of the Just Energy Transition is often neglected. Through examples in South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, and Senegal, the document highlights systemic failures in public participation, land rights protections, and environmental safeguards, providing policy recommendations to center human and environmental rights in the energy transition.

This research paper examines the viability of using power ships—marine vehicles with installed power plants—as a short-term remedy for South Africa's energy crisis, comparing them to existing open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs).