Cafe counter with two staff in hairnets serving a customer; pastries on display.

United Nations Development Programme

Leaving no South African Behind!

Recent news

Photograph of a diverse group standing in front of a yellow building with a sign.
Press Releases
UNDP South Africa launches DIME to Modernise South Africa’s Independent Economy - Unlocking Township Growth through Digital Innovation, Inclusion, and Industrialisation

Read more
Five people in business attire pose at an event, orange banners in the background.
Press Releases
UNDP and UJ Unveil South Africa’s First UniPod, Accelerating Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Read more
Stories
Unlocking Diaspora Capital for Sustainable Growth: Lesotho’s Potential Path to a Sovereign Sustainable Diaspora Bond

Read more
Photograph of a female speaker at a podium on a purple AWIEF 2025 conference stage.
Stories
UNDP advances women-led engagement in the informal economy at the 11th Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum 2025

Read more

UNDP
@LARGE

UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

Stories

Report

UNDP South Africa Annual Report 2024

In a year marked by global uncertainty and national transformation, UNDP South Africa remained a steadfast partner in advancing inclusive development, climate resilience, and democratic governance. Our 2024 Annual Report captures the bold steps taken alongside government, civil society, and the private sector to turn challenges into catalytic opportunities. From bridging the digital divide and empowering youth through future-ready skills, to supporting mining communities in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition—this report is a testament to action, innovation, and impact. Key highlights include: Over 70,000 people connected to affordable internet 123 young women trained as solar technicians Support to 10,000+ mining community members shaping a green economy Deployment of 300+ youth election observers nationwide Pioneering efforts in biodiversity finance and ecosystem restoration With a record delivery rate of 91%, our work in 2024 laid strong foundations for the future—particularly as South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency in 2025. This report reflects our commitment to building a just, inclusive, and sustainable South Africa.

Download Report
Annual report cover with city skyline and Siyakha banner; UNDP branding.

Stories

Video

UNDP 2024 Results - Working together to Shape South Africa's Development Path

Siyakha (we are building)—Working together to Shape South Africa's Development Path In times of global uncertainty, South Africa continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination. This past year, while headlines often focused on challenges, our nation quietly but decisively wrote a different story—one of innovation, partnerships, collaboration, and tangible progress. One defined not by obstacles, but by action. UNDP South Africa stands as a catalyst and trusted partner in this journey. With a presence deeply embedded in the country’s growth story, we have worked alongside government, business, and communities to drive solutions that deliver real impact. In 2024 alone, we connected 70,000 people to affordable internet, empowered over 700 young people with the skills needed for tomorrow’s economy, and amplified the voices of 10,000 mining community members in shaping South Africa’s energy future. We supported township entrepreneurs in formalizing their businesses, unlocking access to finance and markets. And through our collaboration with government, the private sector, and civil society, we ensured that national priorities—economic inclusion, climate action, and good governance—translated into meaningful progress. From corporate boardrooms to classrooms, from mining towns to digital hubs, UNDP is working with partners to shape an inclusive, sustainable, and globally relevant future. The stories in this report reflect that spirit: young entrepreneurs harnessing technology, women leading in renewable energy, and communities engaging in the energy transition. Our commitment to every person and community we serve is reflected in our record 91% delivery rate. We carry that commitment forward in 2025, as we support the government's development priorities and its G20 presidency during the crucial year ahead. Great things happen when leadership, action, and partnership come together. The path ahead is complex, but neither UNDP nor South Africa has ever shied away from hard work. And as we look to the future, one thing is clear: we are not just responding to change—we are driving it. Together, we rise beyond challenges. Together, we take action.

Watch video
Desert landscape with a winding road, SIYAKHA branding, and UNDP logo.

South Africa at a Glance

63.1

million

Population

66.5

years

Life expectancy at birth

0.741

rank

human development index

45.5

percent

Youth unemployment

56.8

percent

Poverty

44.7

percent

Women in Parliament

Take Action

UNDP South Africa.
UNDP on YouTube
Watch here
UNDP Library
Latest publications
UNDP Database
Join here