South Africa has secured an investment commitment amounting to EUR11.4 billion for its Just Energy Transition (JET), internet connectivity and pharmaceuticals industry.

Announced at the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, by the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, the investment package follows a EUR4.7 billion commitment announced at the EU-South African Summit in Cape Town in March, according to the South African government.

‘Team Europe is doubling down on its ambition to work with South Africa to become global leaders in the just energy transition, sustainable infrastructure, digital connectivity and pharmaceutical value chain,’ the European Union (EU) said on its website.

While the lion’s share of the package is aimed at the the transition to clean energy, it also covers connectivity, green logistics and infrastructure, and vaccine production.

According to an EU fact sheet, EUR1.2 billion has been set aside for the ‘just’ part of the JET, such as re-skilling and employment creation; climate mitigation and adaptation (including water security, climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable land management); research and innovation in collaboration with universities and businesses; and greening municipal service delivery.

EUR1.3 billion has been earmarked for logistics such as strengthening transport corridors and expanding sustainable public transport options, as well as supporting digital infrastructure.

Building South Africa’s local vaccine-manufacturing capacity has been allocated EUR292 million.

The package also contains a commitment to the US$5.8 billion Coega Green Ammonia Project near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, which is expected to produce 1 million tons of green ammonia a year.

21 October 2025
Image: Unsplash