Written by: Nombulelo MalingaNkangala District, Mpumalanga – Globally, 2.3 billion people still lack access to clean cooking, which refers to safe, modern energy solutions such as liquefied petroleum gas and bioethanol. Millions of households continue to rely on wood, coal and paraffin, exposing women and children to toxic smoke, environmental degradation and the burden of hours spent collecting firewood. Household air pollution from these fuels causes more than three million premature deaths each year.Against this backdrop, the United Nations in South Africa, together with the Joint SDG Fund and technically led by UN Women, with participation from UNIDO and SEforALL, convened the Dialogue on Pathways for Women’s Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship through Clean Cooking Solutions in Nkangala District. The event also marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, reaffirming women’s rights and leadership as central to sustainable development.Welcoming participants, the Nkangala District Municipality highlighted its commitment to being a “future-ready, climate-smart hub” and an economic centre for renewable energy.Dr. Hazel Gooding, Deputy Representative of UN Women South Africa, emphasised the urgency of accelerating clean cooking solutions:“Millions of households still rely on harmful fuels. Women spend hours collecting firewood, while toxic indoor air pollution takes lives and limits economic participation. Clean cooking is not just about energy; it is about empowerment. When households have access to modern clean solutions, women are safer, healthier and able to participate fully in economic and social life.”Mr. Thebe Mamakoko, Senior Energy Negotiator at the Department of Electricity and Energy, added:“As a department, we are honoured to join this engagement on accelerating clean cooking, which supports inclusive economic growth. Success at scale requires unified standards and strong coordination to mobilise financing and ensure long-term sustainability. Commitment, coordination and clarity of vision will deliver clean, safe and modern energy for households across South Africa.”The dialogue moved from high-level framing into panel discussions, where experts and entrepreneurs examined South Africa’s clean cooking value chains, industry practices in manufacturing and distribution, and pathways for women-led enterprises. Later sessions focused on strengthening institutional coordination and developing financing strategies to empower women entrepreneurs.Convened under the mandate of the Joint SDG Fund, one of the UN’s flagship instruments for accelerating integrated SDG solutions, the Dialogue brought together government leaders, UN agencies, financiers, entrepreneurs, innovators and community voices to generate actionable recommendations for national policy and a gender-responsive acceleration of clean cooking solutions.Entrepreneurs in attendance, including clean cooking innovators, training providers and alternative energy suppliers, expressed appreciation for the dialogue and echoed the urgency of advancing clean cooking solutions. They noted that while innovation is strong, barriers remain in accessing financing and in moving from concept to implementation at scale. These concerns fed directly into the Dialogue’s outcomes, where participants identified priority thematic areas to guide the next phase of South Africa’s clean cooking journey.Outcomes:
As a starting point, participants identified five key thematic areas to guide the next phase of South Africa’s clean cooking journey. These areas provide a strategic framework for collaboration and policy development:Clean Cooking Landscape and Existing Value Chains: Mapping current practices and opportunities for scale.Industry-Specific Practices: Advancing manufacturing, distribution and women’s empowerment within clean cooking value chains.Pathways for Women Entrepreneurs: Unlocking opportunities across the sector and ensuring women’s leadership in enterprise development.Institutional Coordination and Implementation: Strengthening arrangements to advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.Financing Plan Development: Designing strategies to empower women entrepreneurs and ensure long-term sustainability.These thematic areas will inform future work, ensuring that clean cooking is advanced not only as an energy intervention but as a driver of inclusive economic growth, gender equality and community well-being.

The United Nations, the South African Chefs Association (SACA), and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recently launched Roots & Recipes: Indigenous Foods for a Sustainable Future — a book that celebrates South Africa’s indigenous cuisine while promoting food security, health, and climate resilience.The launch took place at the Nirox Sculpture Park in the Cradle of Humankind, bringing together chefs, farmers, policymakers, and community leaders to honour the country’s diverse food heritage and explore its role in sustainable development.Caption: Panel discussion at the book launchPhoto: © UN South AfricaSpeaking at the launch, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, the Gauteng Member of the Executive Committee, described the cookbook as “a partnership between government, chefs, farmers, scholars, and communities. It embodies the best of what we can achieve when we work together: a fusion of science and tradition, innovation and heritage.”She reflected on the deeper meaning behind the project, noting that “to reclaim our indigenous foods is to reclaim our independence. To cultivate what is ours, in our soil, in our kitchens, in our schools, is to plant the seeds of resilience.”Ms. Ramokgopa emphasized the book’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger and Climate Action, adding: “We are saying that African food is not primitive—it is prophetic. It holds the wisdom that can feed the future.”Nelson Muffuh, the UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa, highlighted the initiative as part of a broader UN effort to transform food systems and promote sustainable consumption and production.“Roots and Recipes is a celebration of heritage and a practical guide for sustainable livelihoods,” said Mr. Muffuh. “The answers to hunger, malnutrition, economic empowerment, and even climate stress are often right under our feet in indigenous crops like sorghum, millet, Bambara groundnut, and wild greens.”He underscored three key reasons these foods matter: “First, climate resilience — these crops are tough. They thrive in heat and drought when others fail. Second, nutrition — they are rich in fibre and micronutrients. Third, livelihoods — when we create demand for these foods, smallholders, especially women, win.”The speakers called on South Africans, particularly youth, to embrace and innovate with indigenous foods. Ramokgopa urged young people to see the cookbook not just as a collection of recipes, but as a call to action: “Let this book inspire you not only to cook, but to innovate. To start food businesses, to experiment with recipes, to use social media to tell the stories of our land.”Muffuh echoed this sentiment, encouraging the public to “take this book home, try a recipe, share a meal, and make it trend. Let us turn heritage into a movement, one plate at a time.”Roots & Recipes: Indigenous Foods for a Sustainable Future showcases traditional South African dishes from across the provinces, blending culinary storytelling with sustainability science. Developed in partnership with the SACA, the project connects culture, climate, and community, showing how food can drive both health and economic development.As Ms. Ramokgopa concluded, “This is not an ending. It is a beginning — of a movement to eat consciously, to farm sustainably, and to celebrate proudly. Let us teach our children that umngqusho, morogo, and amadumbe are not the foods of poverty, but the foods of power.”Media Contact:Mr Luthando Kolwapi, Partnerships & Communications Officer Luthando.Kolwapi@fao.orgCaption: Excited guests at the book launchPhoto: © UN South AfricaCaption: Panelists at the Roots & Recipe Cookbook launchPhoto: © UN South AfricaCaption: A vote of thanks to the guests from Luthando Kolwapi, Resource Mobilization, Partnerships & Communications Consultant at FAO Photo: © UN South Africa

The ongoing Second G20 Social Summit in South Africa marks a pivotal moment for global governance and inclusive development. As stakeholders from civil society, community organisations, faith and traditional leaders, labour unions, entrepreneurs, and indigenous groups gather ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Meeting, the message is clear: social development and justice must stand at the heart of international cooperation.For South Africa, this conversation is deeply relevant. Our Country Analysis and the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030) underscore the urgency of tackling structural poverty, inequality, and governance deficits while building resilience against climate and economic shocks. These priorities are not abstract—they reflect the lived realities of millions and the aspirations of a nation committed to transformation.Social development and justice are foundational to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Without addressing inequality, hunger, and exclusion, progress on other goals—whether economic growth, education, or climate action—will remain elusive. South Africa’s context illustrates this interdependence: despite being an upper middle-income country, persistent disparities in access to jobs, education, and social protection continue to undermine social cohesion and stability. The Cooperation Framework responds to these challenges through the following underlying and integrated priorities:• Supporting Economic Growth and Social Inclusion• Tackling Structural Poverty and Inequality• Promoting Good Governance, Accountability, and Rights• Building Resilience through Sustainability and Risk Preparedness The G20 Social Summit amplifies these imperatives on a global stage. Under South Africa’s G20 Presidency and its theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, the Summit seeks to elevate social justice and inclusion to the same level of urgency as macroeconomic and trade issues. This is not only about representation—it is about transforming governance to reflect the voices and needs of those historically marginalised. The United Nations in South Africa is proud to accompany and support this effort. Through our exhibition space at the Summit, we showcase the work of UN agencies driving progress on food security, gender equality, climate resilience, and social protection. These interventions align with the six SDGs transitions from the 2023 SDG Summit and included in our Cooperation Framework —food systems, energy access, digital connectivity, education, jobs and social protection, and climate action—each offering catalytic impact across the SDGs. As global leaders prepare to meet, the call from South Africa resonates worldwide: people—not profit, not politics—must be at the centre of development. Advancing social development and justice is not optional; it is essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda and ensuring that no one is left behind.   

Johannesburg, 17 November 2025 – On any given morning in South Africa, a young entrepreneur opens her small logistics start-up not knowing whether the power will stay on long enough to meet a delivery deadline. A farm worker in Limpopo wonders if unpredictable rainfall will again wipe out the harvest that feeds his family. A recent graduate in Mamelodi scrolls through job boards, navigating a labour market that feels distant, exclusive, and unforgiving.Their realities, mirroring the struggles and hopes of millions, set the backdrop for the launch of the South Africa Business Initiative for Impact (SABII), a new bridge between business, government, and the United Nations.SABII was launched as a B20 side event during South Africa’s G20 Presidency, marking a landmark collaboration between the UN in South Africa, Naspers South Africa, the UN Global Compact South Africa Network, and B20 South Africa.As the national anchor for the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), SABII brought the momentum of the “Unstoppable Africa” movement to South Africa, uniting the UN and business leaders to drive tangible progress in four key areas: Energy Transition for Economic Security, Digitization for Inclusive Growth, Human Capital Development for Shared Prosperity, and Food Systems Transformation for Resilient Livelihoods. More than just a launch, SABII served as a call to action, an invitation to rethink partnerships, rebuild trust, and envision a future where development was powered not only by policy, but by people. Opening the event, Ms Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, CEO of Naspers, framed SABII’s mission around the lived experiences of ordinary South Africans. She emphasized that success must extend beyond companies to benefit communities, and that young people should encounter opportunities not obstacles in the digital and economic landscape. Drawing on the spirit of the “Unstoppable Africa” movement, she positioned SABII as a platform amplifying historically marginalized African voices in global growth conversations.UN in South Africa Resident Coordinator, Nelson Muffuh, urged translating ambition into measurable action as South Africa assumed its G20 presidency. His message was reinforced by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, speaking via video, who stressed that partnerships must deliver results. She highlighted the critical role of finance in fostering inclusive growth, noting that a prosperous Africa strengthens global prosperity. “Let us make SABII a living example of what collective leadership can achieve. Let us ensure this platform delivers results that matter not just for South Africa, but for the continent. And let us keep SABII connected to global frameworks like GABI and the G20 priorities, so that our national efforts amplify Africa’s voice on the world stage.” - UN in South Africa Resident Coordinator, Nelson Muffuh B20 Sherpa Mr Cas Coovadia offered a sober, pragmatic perspective on the global economic landscape. With geopolitical instability and a fragmented global order, he argued, collaboration is no longer optional. Businesses must track commitments, ensure implementation follows recommendations, and align priorities across borders making partnership both an economic necessity and a pathway to inclusive, sustainable growth, he said. The UN Assistant Secretary-General and the UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director, Regional Bureau for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, declared, “This moment matters,” challenging the outdated narrative of Africa as a passive aid recipient. Highlighting African innovation from the Takealot Data Hub to the Timbuktu Innovation Initiative she emphasized that Africa’s creativity and competence are now benchmarks shaping global markets.Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director, United Nations Global Compact, amplified Africa’s business narrative by stressing the power of narrative and collaboration. African business must be amplified, not merely appended. SABII, she noted, is more than a platform it is a vehicle to reshape how Africa’s business story is told to the world.The SABII launch convened a powerhouse of thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers to discuss Africa’s most pressing development frontiers, from digital transformation and green energy to human capital and climate-smart agriculture, sparking bold conversations on how the continent can harness its potential for inclusive, sustainable growth.Digitization: Sustaining Livelihoods in an increasingly digital world The first panel focused on how digital access is transforming everyday life and the economy. Speakers from Takealot, McKinsey Africa, and the Ministry of Small Business Development highlighted a crucial point: technology is becoming one of the most powerful tools for reducing inequality. Digital platforms are already helping small businesses reach new markets and giving young people new income opportunities. The panel also stressed that this future must be accessible to everyone. That means affordable data, reliable connectivity, and digital skills that match the jobs of tomorrow. They also warned against over-regulation of platform work. Instead, South Africa needs smart, balanced policies that protect workers while still allowing innovation to grow.Energy Transition: Green Mobility The second panel turned to the realities of South Africa’s energy transition. With experts from renewable energy companies, mobility platforms, and green technology, the conversation made one thing clear: the shift to clean energy is not just environmental, it is economic.Electric vehicles, renewable power, and green mobility can reshape entire industries, create new jobs, and make South Africa more competitive globally. But to make that shift possible, the country needs the right incentives, easier access to finance, and support for black-owned energy businesses trying to enter this fast-growing sector. Panelists also stressed that the transition must be fair. South Africans who depend on traditional transport and energy systems must not be left behind.Human Capital Development: Investing in Skills DevelopmentAnother important discussion centres on youth development, skills, and the future of work. Leaders from government, academia, and youth development organisations agreed that South Africa’s greatest competitive advantage is its young population.But this advantage only becomes real when young people have skills that match a rapidly changing Labour market. Speakers called for modernized training systems, stronger digital skills programmes, and more support for young women, who face even greater barriers. They also emphasized the need for fair and evidence-based systems that ensure young people benefit from new opportunities.Food Systems Transformation and Climate-Smart AgricultureThe conversation on food systems and climate-smart agriculture reminded everyone that food security is directly linked to climate security. As South Africa faces more frequent droughts, floods, and climate shocks, farmers need more support.Experts called for investments in climate-resistant crops, better farming technologies, and supply chains that can withstand extreme weather. This shift is not only about protecting food; it is about protecting livelihoods across rural and urban communities.Across all the panels, a clear message emerged: South Africa’s progress depends on partnership, intentional inclusion, and bold reimagining. Government, business, civil society, and the UN must work together to unlock opportunities across the digital, green, and agricultural economies, ensuring that youth, women, and marginalized communities are not just participants, but beneficiaries. Innovation must extend beyond technology to a new mindset, one willing to redesign old systems, embrace new models, and position Africa not as an observer, but as an active leader in global development conversations.The SABII programme demonstrated that South Africa possesses the ideas, expertise, and leadership to drive meaningful change, but what is now required is coordinated, measurable action that puts people at the center of progress. From digital transformation and green mobility to climate-smart agriculture, the path forward is clear: transformation must be partnership-driven, inclusive, and grounded in shared responsibility.   Closing the event, Dr. Leila Fourie, CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, reminded attendees that thriving societies create thriving markets, a message that captured the spirit of the day. More than a launch, SABII represents a platform for collective action, a new chapter in South Africa’s social and economic renewal, and a renewed commitment to elevating Africa’s voice, strengthening public-private cooperation, and ensuring inclusive development lies at the heart of national progress.