South Africa

Our focus

South Africa and UNDP in action

Integrated development solutions driven by national priorities and the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029.

The new South Africa Country Programme (2026–2030) responds to the country's evolving development landscape and builds on lessons from previous programme cycles, the National Development Plan 2030, the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024–2029, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026–2030. Developed through extensive consultations with government, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, women and youth representatives, the programme reflects a shared commitment to addressing South Africa's interconnected challenges of inequality, unemployment, poverty, governance constraints and climate vulnerability.

Aligned with the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029, the programme focuses on two transformational shifts: (i) inclusive economy and governance transformation, and (ii) climate action, natural wealth and resilience. Through these priorities, UNDP will support productive and inclusive markets, strengthen institutional capability and public service delivery, advance digital transformation, unlock sustainable finance, accelerate the Just Energy Transition, and promote the sustainable management and beneficiation of natural assets.

Using a systems-based and portfolio-driven approach, UNDP will work across sectors and partners to address the root causes of development challenges while creating opportunities for women, youth and vulnerable communities. The programme combines policy support, financing solutions, innovation and area-based interventions to strengthen resilience, expand economic opportunities and support sustainable development outcomes that leave no one behind.

Our work

See how our integrated signature solutions – powered by digitalization, innovation and development financing – are accelerating impact and scale in South Africa

 

Inclusive Economy and Governance Transformation

We support inclusive economic transformation and effective governance by addressing the interconnected challenges that limit human development and shared prosperity. Through strengthening productive and inclusive markets, enhancing institutional capability, improving public service delivery, advancing digital transformation and promoting transparency and accountability, we help expand economic opportunities and build confidence in public institutions. Our work prioritises women, youth and underserved communities, ensuring that development is inclusive, resilient and sustainable while leaving no one behind.

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Climate Action, Natural Wealth and Resilience

We support climate action, natural wealth beneficiation and resilience by addressing the interconnected challenges of climate vulnerability, biodiversity loss, environmental pressures and energy transition. Through strengthening climate-resilient systems, scaling nature-positive solutions, accelerating renewable energy and green economic opportunities, and mobilising sustainable finance, we help unlock the value of South Africa's natural assets while reducing risks to communities and livelihoods. Our work prioritises vulnerable populations, climate-sensitive regions and biodiversity-rich landscapes, ensuring that development outcomes are inclusive, resilient and sustainable, leaving no one behind.

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Gender and Women's Empowerment

Gender equality, centered on human rights, is both a development goal on its own and a critical factor for achieving sustainable development. It underlies one of the guiding principles of the 2030 Agenda for Development – the concept of 'leaving no one behind'. UNDP supports partners to eliminate gender inequalities through targeted, gender-focused programmes and by working to ensure that all development efforts take into account the experiences, needs, and contributions of women. By removing structural barriers to gender equality and promoting women’s participation in the decisions that affect their lives, success in eradicating poverty and inequality, building resilience to disasters, climate change, and conflict, and driving sustainable development can be achieved.

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