UNITED NATIONS SOUTH AFRICA ANNUAL RESULTS REPORT 2025

Executive Summary

The United Nations South Africa Annual Results Report 2025 presents the achievements of the final year of the 2020–2025 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, highlighting how the UN Country Team supported South Africa in advancing national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during a year marked by South Africa's historic G20 Presidency and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The report underscores a shift from crisis response towards long-term resilience, inclusive growth and institutional transformation.

Despite continued structural challenges—including high unemployment, inequality and poverty—South Africa experienced improving macroeconomic conditions in 2025. Economic growth strengthened to 1.1%, inflation eased to 3.2%, governance reforms continued under the Government of National Unity, and South Africa successfully elevated African priorities on the global stage through its G20 Presidency.

The report highlights results across four strategic priorities:

1. Inclusive, Just and Sustainable Economic Growth

The UN expanded economic opportunities by strengthening township economies, supporting women entrepreneurs, promoting decent work and advancing the Just Energy Transition. Major achievements included:

• Over 12,100 township retailers digitally registered and connected to markets and financial services.
• 1,500 women entrepreneurs supported through business development initiatives.
• 230 young people trained in green energy skills.
• Expanded support for smallholder farmers, export readiness, circular economy initiatives and labour market reforms that improve worker protection and productivity.

2. Human Capital and Social Transformation

The UN strengthened health systems, education and social protection while improving access to services for vulnerable populations. Key achievements included:

• Mobilisation of 10,000 health system change champions to support National Health Insurance reforms.
• Training of thousands of healthcare workers and improvements in HIV, TB, maternal health and emergency preparedness.
• Distribution of learning materials benefiting approximately 500,000 children.
• More than 3 million learners reached through Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
• Expanded youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services reaching over 44,500 adolescents and young people.

3. Effective, Efficient and Transformative Governance

The UN supported stronger institutions through policy development, improved labour market statistics, enhanced social protection data systems and strengthened governance, accountability and public sector capacity. Technical assistance also advanced judicial reforms, evidence-based policymaking, and gender-responsive governance while improving responses to gender-based violence and femicide.

4. Climate Resilience and Sustainable Resource Management

Climate action remained a central priority through support for South Africa's Just Energy Transition, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and circular economy initiatives. The UN mobilised approximately R700 million in climate finance, supported over 10,000 hectares under sustainable management, expanded renewable energy solutions in underserved communities and strengthened climate adaptation and disaster preparedness. The report emphasises a people-centred transition that creates green jobs while ensuring vulnerable communities are not left behind.

Supporting South Africa's G20 Presidency

A defining feature of 2025 was the UN's coordinated support to South Africa's G20 Presidency under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability." The UN system aligned expertise across seven thematic pillars, including digital transformation, financing for development, climate action, industrial development, governance, social protection and youth employment. UN agencies provided technical advice, policy papers, seconded experts, and supported ministerial processes that advanced African priorities in global decision-making.

Working Better Together

The report demonstrates the effectiveness of the One UN approach, with 24 UN entities delivering integrated support through stronger partnerships with government, civil society, the private sector and development partners. The Cooperation Framework enabled greater policy coherence, coordinated programming and more efficient delivery of development assistance aligned with South Africa's National Development Plan and the SDGs.

Looking Ahead

As the 2020–2025 Cooperation Framework concludes, the report identifies important lessons for the next cycle. It emphasises that lasting progress requires integrated solutions, stronger national systems, sustained investment, innovative financing and deeper partnerships. Looking to 2026 and beyond, the United Nations will focus on accelerating the SDGs by scaling successful interventions, supporting structural reforms, strengthening resilience and advancing inclusive economic transformation, climate action and social cohesion.

Overall, the report presents a positive narrative of transition and renewal. It demonstrates how the United Nations helped South Africa strengthen institutions, expand opportunities, improve essential services and build resilience while supporting the country's emergence as a global leader through its G20 Presidency. The achievements provide a strong foundation for the next Cooperation Framework and continued progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.