Two men in yellow vests stand in front of a solar panel and check the alignment of the modules. © GIZ

Promoting employment in an increasingly green economy

Career Path Development for Employment (CPD4E)

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  • Client

    German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

  • Co-financier

    European Union (EU), Swiss State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (SECO)

  • Country
  • Political sponsors

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  • Runtime

    2022 to 2028

  • Products and expertise

    Economic development and employment

Context

South Africa has been in an economic crisis for several years, and unemployment is very high. For young people, in particular, it is difficult to access education and training and find work.

The country also faces the major challenge of transitioning from a coal-based energy supply to a climate-neutral economy. The transition will significantly increase employment and training needs.

To address this, South Africa teamed up with international partners to launch the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) in 2021, which is supported by the project.

Electricians receive the training they need to become energy efficiency consultants.

Objective

Employment prospects for young South Africans in the transition to an efficient, socially just and green economy (just transition) have improved.

Approach

The project works closely with South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and with other public and private partners. It takes a holistic approach in order to promote jobs for the energy transition, in particular:

  1. Supporting policy frameworks: The project improves coordination between training programmes and trains stakeholders in reinforcing efforts to promote employment.
  2. Expanding vocational training programmes: It develops vocational training in line with needs, to increase job opportunities for young people.
  3. Promoting jobs: It advises small and medium-sized enterprises and startups on creating new jobs.
  4. Facilitating career transitions: It develops support programmes such as internships and mentorships to support career entry –  with a focus on young women and their economic empowerment.

The European Union (EU) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) are providing financial support.

Young women from the township of Mamelodi undergo training on sustainable installation, maintenance and repair.© GIZ

Last update: May 2025

Additional information