As countries globally start to rebuild their coronavirus-battered economies, there is a growing realisation that doing so with climate change in mind is critical. This week, as part of its EU Investment for Transformation initiative, the European Union’s Delegation to South Africa part-funded and participated in an exchange on green SMME recovery.
Given the key role being played by small business in employment creation and the economy, supporting sustainable small businesses to adapt and thrive will be a vital part of South Africa’s COVID-19 recovery plan. Policy responses put in place now will have long-term effects on the structure, competitiveness and long-term sustainability of the country’s economy.
The EU’s charge d’affaires a.i., Raul de Luzenberger said: “We are consolidating our strategic and preferential partnership with South Africa through continued investment, meaningful transformation and sustainable economic growth. Notably, EU companies significantly contribute towards skills development in South Africa, including green skills. He added: “We have made a substantial offer to the National Treasury to contribute to restore inclusive growth in South Africa.”
The event was one element of a three-part project that has green economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic as its theme, with a particular focus on support to green SMME recovery.
Video 1: Project context – Click here.
Video 2: Green SMME resilience – Click here
The full discussion of event 2 can be viewed by clicking here.
In the lead-up, green economy and policy experts from various national government departments (including the Presidency, National Treasury’s Jobs Fund, the departments of Science and Innovation; of Trade, Industry and Competition; of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries; as well as of Small Business Development) were engaged to provide input into the green SMME focussed themes that were discussed by speakers and participants during these events.
This week’s online dialogue, the second in the series, was hosted by GreenCape with the financial support of the EU’s Partnership Instrument and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU) in the context of the International Climate Initiative (IKI).
