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Gearing Transition Finance to Enable Social and Economic Inclusion

Aim: To drive economic inclusion and fairness through sustainable finance, helping South Africa move towards a low-carbon economy.​

Project Objectives

Conduct research on what a “Just Transition” means for SMMEs and financiers in South Africa.
Develop innovative, inclusive criteria for evaluating and supporting SMMEs in the context of a Just Transition.
Facilitate connections between SMMEs, financiers, and investors to create tailored financing mechanisms.
Engage stakeholders and build capacity to strengthen the ecosystem for SMMEs.
Empower women and foster broader social inclusion in climate finance initiatives.
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“Capital is not the problem. The challenge lies in mobilising and deploying it effectively to create scalable and sustainable climate solutions. We need innovative approaches to finance to achieve our climate goals.”

Mafalda Duarte, The CEO Of Climate Investment Funds (CIF)

NBI Transition Finance Report 2025

Scaling transition finance to achieve a Just Transition in South Africa requires collaboration among investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs and communities. By aligning the efforts of these key role-players, South Africa can address climate change while fostering economic and social inclusion, ensuring no one is left behind.

Implementing a Just Transition from a financing perspective faces significant challenges, primarily due to a funding gap for projects, especially in underserved communities lacking advocates, and the early-stage nature of many more inclusive projects. There is also a knowledge gap in private equity and the broader financial sector concerning the Just Transition’s broader importance beyond green energy, battery storage and New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). 

Key Findings From the Report

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Ayabulela Manjezi Project Manager: Climate, Energy & Water

Phumla-Eneanya

Phumla I. Eneanya Project Co-ordinator: Social Transformation

Supported by:

Ford-Foundation
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