UK grants £3 million for 10 climate change mitigation projects in S.Africa

The United Kingdom (UK) has allocated £3 million to 10 climate change mitigation projects in South Africa under its UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) Programme, the British High Commission announced last month. The funding is to support South Africa’s efforts towards a just transition to a low-carbon, inclusive, climate-resilient economy and society.

The funding comes after the launch of the programme’s first call for proposals in South Africa in July last year. 

The selected projects focus on three priority areas of climate change action and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. The funding will help South Africa improve energy efficiency, deployment of renewable  energy, accelerate sustainable Mobility and access to sustainable finance. 

“As host of COP 26 and a long standing development, trade and investment partner, I am delighted that we are launching this range of projects aimed at supporting green, resilient and inclusive economic growth in South Africa. The world is focusing on both climate and COVID-19 recovery and we want to support South Africa to be at the forefront of the movement to build back better,” Nigel Casey, the British High Commissioner said.

The projects were selected through a competitive process and respond to the climate change mitigation priorities of a number of key government institutions, in an effort to support South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon, inclusive, climate-resilient economy and society.

South African organisations like SANEDI, Energy and Water SETA (EWSETA), National Business Initiative (NBI), Renewable Energy Industry Associations (SAREC, SAWEA, STASA, SAPVIA) are some of the beneficiaries. 

The organisations leading the projects and their partners will build capacity, raise awareness and offer technical assistance to a range of national, provincial and municipal government stakeholders. The projects will be implemented by a number of local and international organisations from the private and non-governmental sector, civil society and academia.