The green economy is not a fad; it is a global drive born out of necessity. The elements that define this subset of the economy are low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive.
What the green economy does is build the economy through activities that prioritise “green” living. This can take the form of technology, infrastructure, assets with lower carbon footprints, more efficient energy use and practices that protect, preserve and improve biodiversity and ecosystems – and it’s of particular importance to South Africa too.
The sector can be instrumental to the economy in the form of public and private investment, job creation and innovation.
“The green economy is becoming a central part of how economies grow, how industries operate, and how markets evolve,” says Gugu McLaren-Ushewokunze, Head of Economic Inclusion, National Business Initiative (NBI). “For SMEs, this presents a significant opportunity. Businesses that adopt sustainable practices are increasingly better positioned to access new markets, strengthen competitiveness and meet evolving customer and supply chain expectations.”
She notes that, in South Africa, the transition to a greener economy is also creating demand for new products, services, and technical skills across sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable agriculture, water management, and green manufacturing. “SMEs have an important role to play in this transition, particularly because they are key drivers of local economic participation and job creation.”
Building and Sustaining Jobs for the Youth
As South Africa leans into the green economy, it is creating new demand for skills, services, and enterprises.
According to McLaren-Ushewokunze, the green economy is helping to create more sustainable employment opportunities for young people by opening pathways into emerging industries and occupations expected to grow over the long term. “As South Africa advances its Just Transition, there is increasing demand for technical and occupational skills linked to installation, repair and maintenance, renewable energy systems, resource efficiency, and green infrastructure.
“At the same time, the transition is creating new opportunities for innovation, enterprise development, and improved business practices that can strengthen competitiveness and drive job creation. This creates pathways for young people to access practical training, workplace exposure, entrepreneurship opportunities, and decent work aligned with future economic demand.”
However, in spite of the opportunities that arise, many young people in township communities continue to be limited by barriers to their participation.
The NBI, a not-for-profit development organisation working with business, government, and civil society to address South Africa’s most pressing challenges, aims to address this gap head-on through digital tools and demand-led skilling, entrepreneurship support, and connecting youth and small businesses to opportunities in the green economy, especially the Installation, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) sector.
Their support takes the form of an integrated ecosystem of tools:
- Green Economy Toolkit: A practical guide for youth and SMMEs to understand, enter, and grow within the green economy.
- IRM Hub Portal: A business support platform connecting township enterprises to funding opportunities, compliance support, and market access.
- IRM Learning App: A mobile-first platform offering accessible training, micro-learning, and pathways into certification and employment opportunities.
“The NBI sees the Green Economy Toolkit as a practical resource that can help entrepreneurs better understand and position themselves within the growing green economy,” she shares. “We expect businesses to use the toolkit to identify emerging market opportunities, strengthen their business readiness, improve sustainability practices, and better understand the skills, standards, and support mechanisms linked to green sectors.”
The NBI also invites relevant stakeholders and content providers to contribute resources, content, and insights to the toolkit, strengthening the value and relevance of the platform and making green economy information more accessible to township SMMEs. “In doing so, the toolkit aims to support businesses in moving from knowledge and awareness to interest and practical action within the green economy.
McLaren-Ushewokunze explains that the NBI supports entrepreneurs through its programmes and partnerships to strengthen access to relevant training, industry-aligned skills development, and capacity-building opportunities. “This includes working with TVET colleges, industry partners, and ecosystem stakeholders to support demand-led skilling and improve readiness for participation in the green economy.
“While the NBI itself is not a certification body, we help connect businesses and individuals to accredited training pathways, technical support, and industry networks that can assist them in obtaining the qualifications, competencies, and practical experience required within specific sectors and value chains.
Practical Skills Development
The NBI is working directly within communities and has partnered with TVET colleges in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape to bring opportunities through the tools closer to young people.
“Our approach ensures the green economy transition is inclusive and locally impactful. There is significant potential to create jobs and support enterprise growth, while fostering inclusive economic participation and sustainable development in local communities.
“By aligning skills development and enterprise support with market demand, we are positioning young people to be active participants in South Africa’s transition,” she concluded.
The Green Economy in South Africa
According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, nine key areas have been identified in the green economy. Programmes that South African youths can look out for are:
- Green buildings and the built environment.
- Sustainable transport and infrastructure.
- Clean energy and energy efficiency.
- Resource conservation and management.
- Sustainable waste management practices.
- Agriculture, food production and forestry.
- Water management.
- Sustainable consumption and production.
- Environmental sustainability.
As South Africa transitions to a more sustainable country that places emphasis on conservation, preservation and green living, there are ample opportunities for young people who currently find themselves unemployed. Not only does this sector create jobs, but it also has ample ideas that entrepreneurs can turn into businesses.
The green economy is not a fad; it is a global drive born out of necessity. The elements that define this subset of the economy… Read More
