Context

In 2013, Germany and South Africa signed a joint declaration of intent, which resulted in the South African-German Energy Partnership. It is the central platform for energy policy dialogue between the two countries. The partnership aims to contribute to the global energy transition. It also intends to drive the exchange and trade of innovative energy technologies such as batteries, electromobility, electrolysers and environmentally friendly fuels. It also aims to diversify supply chains and make them more climate-friendly.

Objective

Dialogue between South African and German actors from the worlds of politics and business is well established and institutionally mainstreamed, which facilitates innovation, resilient value chains and trade in climate-friendly energy technologies.

Approach

The project works with the relevant ministries and other public institutions in South Africa and Germany, as well as with actors from business, science and research and civil society.

It supports dialogue between the two countries on current energy policy challenges and potential solutions. To achieve this, it initiates expert analyses, dialogue platforms and the exchange of experience to facilitate a secure, environmentally friendly and socially balanced energy transition.

The project also promotes economic and technological cooperation. As part of this, it brings together companies, public institutions and other market players, and improves access to information on financing and investment opportunities.

Current priority areas include:

• Power grids and energy storage systems
• Green hydrogen and power-to-X
• Industrial value chains for energy
• Environmentally friendly mobility

Last updated: September 2026