As major economies shift towards green industrial policy to drive sustainable growth, South Africa faces a unique challenge: how to transition to a greener economy while tackling unemployment and poverty.
This paper explores global green industrial strategies, including the EU Green Deal Industrial Plan, the US Inflation Reduction Act and China’s Five-Year Plan, highlighting their impact on trade, competitiveness and green technology investments. It also examines how policies like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism create challenges for carbon-intensive economies like South Africa.
Drawing from international experiences, the paper provides insights to help shape South Africa’s green industrial strategy and ensure a just and sustainable transition.