Summary
As one of Africa's largest economies and a significant emitter, South Africa is navigating a profound shift toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future, one that demands both urgent action and inclusive growth.
This transition can only succeed with the full participation of women in the workforce and in leadership. Yet persistent gender gaps across key green sectors continue to limit access to critical talent, reduce business competitiveness, and exclude women from the economic opportunities the transition creates.
South Africa's Green Edge: Women's Employment and Leadership in a Sustainable Economy examines three sectors at the heart of South Africa's green transition: solar energy, green hydrogen, and fresh fruit production, chosen for their strategic importance to low-carbon growth and their strong investment potential. The report builds an evidence base for the private sector, identifying practical interventions to unlock women's economic participation and leadership while strengthening business performance in the green economy.
By adopting these strategies, companies can access broader talent pools, drive more inclusive innovation, and contribute to South Africa's climate ambitions while creating equitable opportunities for women and men alike.
The report was made possible through the generous support of the Climate Investment Funds' Women-Led Coal Transitions (WOLCOT) grant mechanism, as part of the Accelerated Coal Transitions program, and reflects IFC's commitment to advancing private sector-led climate solutions that are both inclusive and aligned with national development goals.
