UK Launches Climate Finance Accelerator to Boost South Africa’s Low-Carbon Shift

The UK Government announced on December 14, 2025, the opening of the fourth call for proposals under the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) South Africa, providing technical assistance to low-carbon projects accelerating the nation’s net-zero transition. Funded through the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the program has already mobilized over $100 million in investments for CFA alumni across sectors like energy, water, transport, waste, and sustainable agriculture. This initiative aligns with the G20 Leaders’ Declaration from the November 2025 Johannesburg Summit, prioritizing public-private finance for just energy transitions in developing nations.​

Program Overview and Eligibility Criteria

The CFA South Africa, implemented by the National Business Initiative (NBI) and GreenCape with PwC UK support, targets innovative low-carbon businesses requiring a minimum investment of $3 million. Eligible projects must have completed full feasibility studies, including technical and financial assessments confirming engineering design, costs, risks, and viability, preferably at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or above demonstrating full-scale operational performance.​

Key Support Features

• Tailored coaching on capital-raising, investor pitches, and financial structuring to enhance bankability.​
• Group workshops, one-on-one expert sessions, and networking with investors.​
• Sector-specific guidance on finance, engineering, gender equality, disability inclusion, and social impact.​

Operating in ten countries Colombia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand, and Viet Nam the CFA forms part of the UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) efforts to build sustainable pipelines of bankable projects under the Paris Agreement.​

Strategic Importance and JETP Alignment

This fourth phase directly supports South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), addressing investment gaps in sustainable energy infrastructure across Africa as emphasized in the G20 declaration—a priority of the South African Presidency. The program exemplifies the UK-South Africa climate partnership, fostering a fair shift to a low-carbon economy with economic, social, and environmental benefits.​

As a technical assistance initiative originally spanning 2020-2024 but extended, CFA Phase 2 underscores the UK’s global climate action scale. In South Africa, it has proven effective in scaling climate solutions, with NBI CEO Shameela Soobramoney highlighting its role in strengthening bankability for bold, investment-ready projects.​

Key Statements from Officials

British High Commissioner to South Africa Antony Phillipson stated: “I am delighted that CFA South Africa is now open for applications. This hugely successful programme has already supported some of the country’s most innovative low-carbon businesses, with over $100 million invested in CFA alumni”. He added that it demonstrates the UK’s commitment through the UK-South Africa climate partnership and JETP to a sustainable future.​

Shameela Soobramoney, CEO of the National Business Initiative, remarked: “South Africa needs bold, investment-ready climate solutions, and the Climate Finance Accelerator remains one of the most effective platforms… This new call for proposals is a chance to accelerate impact and secure the funding needed to scale”. She urged developers in energy, water, transport, waste, and agriculture to apply for economic and climate gains.​

Reactions and Broader Impact

Coverage in Mirage News, Opportunities for Youth, and NBI platforms framed the launch positively, calling for low-carbon innovators and emphasizing enhanced visibility and funding prospects. Social media on LinkedIn and Facebook amplified the call, noting CFA’s track record in emission reductions. No opposing reactions surfaced in initial reports, with focus on its role as a leading platform for climate innovation.​

The program’s success—over $100 million mobilized—positions it as a model for similar efforts in Africa, directly contributing to South Africa’s low-carbon goals amid G20 commitments. DevTracker data confirms its four-year foundation, now evolving for sustained impact.​

Future Outlook and Application Details

Project developers gain credibility and investor access, boosting scale-up potential in a nation prioritizing net-zero infrastructure. As part of UK ICF, CFA bridges feasibility to finance, vital for Paris targets. Applications are open via CFA’s LinkedIn and partners, targeting projects ready for investment.​

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This accelerator reinforces bilateral ties, channeling UK expertise to South Africa’s green ambitions as global climate finance demands grow.