Germany Commits Further Funding Of About R5.2 Billion To South Africa

Germany has committed additional funding of EUR276.5 million (approximately R5.2 billion) from 2024 to 2026 to South Africa and reaffirmed its commitment of cooperation in areas like economic development and climate change.

The two nations met at the 2024 Intergovernmental Negotiations on South African-German Development Cooperation, which were held from 25 - 27 November 2024 in Berlin, SA News reported.

Germany was represented by officials from the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) while South Africa was represented by officials from the National Treasury.

"Both South Africa and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to the four focal areas of bilateral development cooperation, namely peaceful and inclusive societies; climate energy and the just transition; sustainable economic development, training, and employment, and health and pandemics," National Treasury said in a statement Tuesday.

The BMZ and National Treasury mentioned the importance of their more than 30 years of joint development cooperation for advancing the interests of both countries.

The BMZ underscored the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JET-P) as a key example of international cooperation, noting Germany's strong commitment to helping South Africa transition to a clean and fair climate future.

National Treasury further shared the importance of ensuring the "Just" part of the transition, to protect jobs and the economy of the coal region during discussions about JET-P.

South Africa and Germany also plan to support their existing collaboration in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and skills development.

The ministry shared its plan to support additional initiatives focused on helping people move from learning to earning. The BMZ also made further commitments to address violence and crime, promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and fight corruption, in recognition of South Africa's efforts to improve governance and combat gender-based violence.

With South Africa holding the G20 Presidency, both countries look forward to strengthening their cooperation on global issues, such as tackling climate change and ensuring fair energy transitions.

Last month, Brazil officially handed over the G20 Presidency to South Africa during the closing ceremony of the annual summit in Rio de Janeiro on Nov. 19. The handover ceremony was carried out by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

South Africa will make history as the first African country to lead the G20, with about 130 meetings planned for 2025.