Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africa and its G20 counterparts are reassessing their approach to the Just Energy Transition, with a renewed focus on ensuring it drives inclusive development rather than being limited to carbon reduction.
Speaking at the second G20 Energy Transition Working Group meeting in Cape Town on Thursday, Ramokgopa emphasised that the energy transition must go beyond decarbonisation to also support industrialisation, job creation, and human development—especially in emerging economies.
"There is a growing consensus that the energy transition must be a development project. It cannot simply be about decarbonising the global economy," he said.
Ramokgopa stressed the need for tailored support from wealthier nations as developing countries shift towards cleaner energy systems. South Africa, which committed at COP26 in 2021 to phase out coal by 2050, continues to face challenges balancing environmental goals with economic realities.
The minister also highlighted Africa’s readiness to take a leading role in the global energy landscape, calling for equal partnerships rather than aid-driven approaches.
"We're not the last frontier for development. We're the next frontier of opportunity," Ramokgopa said. "We welcome partnerships that view African countries not merely as recipients of energy investments, but as co-creators of the solutions needed for a global just transition."
He pointed to areas such as grid investment, hydrogen production, critical minerals, and skills exchange as key sectors where Africa is prepared to lead and innovate.