South Africa | United Nations Development Programme

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UNDP South Africa Country Programme Document (2026-2030)

The UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) for South Africa 2026–2030 outlines the strategic partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of South Africa to advance inclusive and sustainable development. The programme aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, the Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2029), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The CPD responds to key national challenges including poverty, unemployment, inequality, climate vulnerability, governance constraints, and energy transition pressures. It positions UNDP as a development partner supporting economic transformation, institutional strengthening, climate action, and resilience building. The programme is structured around two interconnected transformation portfolios: Inclusive Economy and Governance Transformation Focuses on strengthening economic growth and governance systems by supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), improving digital and financial inclusion, expanding employment opportunities for youth and women, and strengthening public institutions for transparency and accountability. Climate Action, Natural Wealth and Resilience Supports South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, including biodiversity conservation, climate finance, renewable energy expansion, nature-based solutions, and disaster risk reduction. Through partnerships with government, development finance institutions, the private sector, civil society, and international partners, the programme aims to create inclusive economic opportunities, strengthen governance systems, protect natural resources, and build resilient communities across South Africa.

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Publications

Clearing the Air: Targeting Black Carbon for Faster Improvement on Air Quality in South Africa

This policy brief explores how targeting black carbon emissions can rapidly improve air quality, public health and climate outcomes in South Africa. It…

Blog

Beyond the Big Hole

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News

Unlocking Regional Trade Opportunities for South Africa's Women and Young Entrepreneurs

Press Releases

UNDP launches call for applications for CreativeTech startups to join timbuktoo Launchpad.

Stories

Leveraging AgriTech for Export Readiness in South Africa

Stories

Where African Innovation Finds Its Future

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Creating Opportunities for Young African Animators in Africa's Growing Creative Economy

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GEF Small Grants Programme Opens Call for Video Proposals on Innovative Water, Waste and Energy Projects

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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.

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Report

UNDP South Africa Annual Report 2025

UNDP South Africa Impact Report 2025: When Africa Led In 2025, South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency for the first time on African soil—a defining moment that placed African priorities at the centre of global conversations on development, finance, innovation, climate action and governance. For UNDP South Africa, this was an opportunity to demonstrate how global leadership can be translated into tangible results that improve lives, strengthen institutions and create lasting systems for development. The UNDP South Africa Impact Report 2025, When Africa Led: Global Influence. Local Impact. Systems That Last, captures a defining year in which South Africa's G20 Presidency demonstrated how African leadership can shape global conversations while delivering tangible results for people and communities. The report highlights how UNDP worked with government, development partners, academia, civil society and the private sector to advance inclusive growth, innovation, climate resilience, digital transformation and good governance. From digitally registering 30,000 township retailers and mobilising R700 million for climate adaptation, to supporting 47 pan-African startups, preparing 114 agri-SMEs for global markets and training 250 learners for South Africa's Just Energy Transition, the report showcases the power of partnerships, innovation and systems-based solutions to create lasting impact. Download the report to explore how global influence was translated into local progress across South Africa and the continent.

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Podcast

Video

Built Different

Built Different is a thought-leadership podcast that challenges dominant development narratives and explores how change is being built differently on the African continent. It amplifies African voices, ideas, and leadership, shaping innovative, locally grounded solutions with global relevance. Hosted by UNDP South Africa, the podcast goes beyond projects to unpack the mindsets, systems, and choices driving real impact. It is a platform for honest dialogue, narrative shift, and reimagining development through African perspectives, on African terms.

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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

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