UNIDO is the UN’s specialised agency mandated to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development. Through policy support, technical cooperation, capacity building, technology transfer and strategic partnerships, UNIDO works with governments and industry to advance economic transformation that is both climate aligned and socially inclusive.
UNIDO and Green Industrialisation
Across Africa and globally, UNIDO is supporting the shift towards green industrialisation – an approach that links industrial growth with decarbonisation, clean energy transitions and innovation.
This global momentum is reflected in the Belém Declaration on Global Green Industrialisation, launched at COP30, which provides a shared framework to accelerate industrial decarbonisation, foster clean technology innovation, and expand opportunities for emerging and developing economies. UNIDO plays a coordinating role in advancing this agenda, mobilising finance, technology and partnerships to support delivery.
Regionally, UNIDO’s work aligns closely with Africa’s priorities, particularly as the energy industry nexus becomes increasingly central to competitiveness, resilience and job creation. The 2025 UNIDO General Conference resolution led by the Africa Group underscores the need for integrated solutions that link energy systems, industrial policy and climate objectives.
In parallel, UNIDO is spearheading the CLEVA Africa Programme (Cleantech Value Chains in Africa), developed with the African Energy Commission (AFREC) to strengthen regional cooperation, develop integrated cleantech value chains and position Africa as a competitive hub for clean technology manufacturing.
UNIDO also supports the Sustainable Industrialisation Hubs Coalition – a legacy initiative of the 2025 G20 hosted by South Africa that brings together policy, infrastructure, technology and investment to accelerate green industrial transformation.
On the ground, UNIDO’s work includes strengthening industrial spaces and hubs as engines of economic development and significant contributors to national climate goals. Through these efforts, UNIDO continues to support African partners in driving a just, innovative and climate-resilient industrial future.
UNIDO South Africa
Through its cross-cutting programme of action in South Africa, UNIDO promotes the operationalization of the SDGs, championing in particular the implementation of SDG 9, with the aim to “build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”.
Projects and interventions in SA are aligned with the national priorities of the country, and are conceptualised and implemented in close collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) as UNIDO’s line department in the country. The projects are coordinated through the Regional Office for Southern Africa in Pretoria, which covers the following countries: SA, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
