As a leading member of LeadIT since 2022, South Africa is playing an important role in shaping conversations about the future of low-carbon industry. The country’s steel sector sits at the centre of this conversation, posing important questions about how a country rich in industrial capability, minerals, and renewable-energy potential can build a low-carbon economy that is also inclusive, competitive, and just?
At the end of May, LeadIT spent several inspiring days in South Africa exploring these questions, culminating in a high-level, action-oriented event in Johannesburg. South Africa’s Green Industrialization: Steel value chains & carbon markets brought together voices from government, business, trade associations, and civil society to discuss what green industrialization could mean in practice. It had two priority areas of focus:
- Decarbonization of the iron and steel value chain, and
- Carbon markets in support of the implementation of Article 6 of the UNFCCC’s Paris Agreement.
A full report of the event can be accessed below
This short interview series captures some perspectives on the opportunities, barriers, and choices ahead. They touch on decarbonizing steel production and building new markets, enabling policy, strengthening local value chains, and South Africa’s place in global markets. Together, the interviews offer a snapshot of green industrialization in a rapidly shifting global economy from the viewpoint of an emerging economy.
Industry perspective: what it takes to decarbonize steel
Mark Jones is the Managing Director of Scaw Metals, LeadIT members, and one of South Africa’s largest steel producers. He discusses some of the practical challenges facing South African industry as they begin to shift toward lower-carbon production. The interview looks at the need for policy coherence, the market for scrap metal and the responsibility of business.
Government perspective: creating the conditions for green industrialization
In this interview, Nyakallo Dlambulo, who is the Director of Ferrous Metals at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) reflects on the policy choices needed to support South Africa’s green industrial future. Her work focuses on industrial policy, localisation, and the strategic direction of key manufacturing.
Trade association perspective: the economic challenges
Philippa Rodseth is the Executive Director of the Manufacturing Circle, which advocates for South African manufacturers. In this interview, she highlights the economic situation facing the iron and steel sector, where domestic capacity currently exceeds demand.
Industrial facilitator perspective: the importance of the right solutions
The Localisation Support Fund is a public/private partnership that acts as a bridge between policy priorities and industry action, working to drive localisation across the manufacturing sector. Irshaad Kathrada is the Chief Executive Officer and in this interview, he explains why now is the time to find the right low-carbon pathways for South Africa.
Download the report
If you would like to explore South Africa’s green industrialization in more detail, you will find below a report of the event proceedings authored by the Summit’s Rapporteur, Shimukunku Manchishi, Senior Policy Officer (Trade) at the African Future Policies Hub.
