By: Energy capital & power

Pan-African financial institution the African Development Bank (AfDB) has awarded a $1 million grant to the National Business Initiative (NBI) to support green skills development in South Africa.

The funding, which will be provided through the AfDB’s Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA), will support the first phase of the Just Energy Transition Skilling for Employment Program (JET SEP).

“By linking a strong private sector coalition with government, academia and NGOs, the FAPA grant will play a catalytic role in shaping skills policy and job creation in the green economy,” stated Kennedy Mbekeani, Director General-Southern Africa, AfDB.

Key activities under the grant include feasibility studies for skills development zones and capacity building within the technical and vocational education and training system. These zones will serve as hubs for inclusive skills delivery and local economic development during the energy transition.

JET SEP is led by the NBI in partnership with global management consulting firm Boston Consulting Group and aligns with the South African government’s JET Skilling Implementation Plan.