Africa is at the brink of a transformative economic shift where green industrialisation offers an unprecedented opportunity for climate-resilient growth. Pioneering economies like Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria are leading policies that link industrial development with renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and green manufacturing. This new frontier not only combines industrial expansion with sustainability goals but can also create jobs, reduce emissions, and position Africa competitively in global markets.
Why green industrialisation matters for Africa
Africa’s economies rely heavily on manufacturing and resource extraction, but conventional industrialisation often comes at the cost of environmental degradation and high carbon emissions. Green industrialisation integrates clean energy technologies, circular economy principles, and sustainable production processes to more effectively decouple growth from pollution. This approach is vital for tapping into the continent’s vast renewable energy potential, meeting international climate commitments, and addressing rising urbanisation and energy demand without adding to compounding climate risks.
Policies driving green industrialisation in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria
- Kenya has aggressively driven the growth of its renewable energy infrastructure, mainly geothermal and solar power, in order to support green manufacturing hubs and industries that utilise clean energy. Its National Climate Change Act provides frameworks for green industrial practices and emission reductions in the manufacturing sector.
- South Africa’s Just Energy Transition policy links its industrial transformation to ambitious coal phase-out plans, investments in EV infrastructure, and expansion of renewable energy. The country’s Industrial Policy Action Plan includes green technology incentives and local EV component manufacturing, aiming to retain industrial competitiveness while reducing carbon footprints.
- Nigeria’s policy interventions are aimed at clean energy access for industrial zones and promoting sustainable manufacturing methods. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff program promotes industries to adopt solar and wind energy. Efforts to establish an EV market complement broader sustainable urban mobility ambitions aimed at reducing air pollution and dependency on fossil fuels.
How can green industrialisation create impact?
This transformation is expected to deliver “triple wins” of economic growth, emissions reduction, and job creation. Clean energy industrialisation can result in a reliable power supply and lower cost of production in the long term. Manufacturing of EVs and clean tech builds new industries and supply chains with export potential. Moreover, the integration of circular economy approaches minimises waste and resource extraction impacts, enhancing environmental resilience.
How Strategy&Ops supports Africa’s green industrialisation journey
- Tailored policy and strategy advisory: At Strategy&Ops, we foster collaborations with government advisors and industries to develop green industrial policies that align with national climate goals and socio-economic contexts.
- Investment mobilisation for green infrastructure: We assist in creating finance solutions and public-private partnerships for renewable energy project funding, EV launches, and sustainable manufacturing facilities.
- Capacity building and stakeholder engagement: Our multidisciplinary team deliver training programs and facilitate multi-sector collaboration to deliver inclusive, equitable industrial transitions.
- Data-driven monitoring and impact evaluation: Through advanced analytics and ecosystem modelling, we monitor progress and maximise interventions for sustainable industrial development.
By harmonising industrial growth with sustainability imperatives, Strategy&Ops can position African organisations to lead in climate-compatible development. This green industrialisation frontier is crucial not only for meeting climate targets but for building resilient, prosperous societies. Ready to advance green industrial strategies that fuel Africa’s sustainable growth? Contact our multidisciplinary team at info@strategyandops.net.
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References
Africa50 (2025) Africa launches landmark green industrialisation framework with $100 billion in new commitments. Available at: https://www.africa50.com/media/news/article/africa-launches-landmark-green-industrialisation-framework-with-100-billion-in-new-commitments/
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (2025) Africa’s green industrial dawn: A global call for action and partnership. Available at: https://www.cliffedekkerhofmeyr.com/news/publications/2025/Sectors/Industrials/industrials-27-may-2025-africa-green-industrial-dawn-aglobal-call-for-action-and-partnership
Earthshot Prize (2025) Green industrialisation: Africa’s opportunity to lead a climate-smart future. Available at: https://earthshotprize.org/news/green-industrialisation-africas-opportunity-to-lead-a-climate-smart-future/
ECDPM (2025) Green industrialisation in an age of disruption: Africa, Europe and the global economy. Available at: https://ecdpm.org/work/green-industrialisation-age-disruption-africa-europe-and-global-economy
Institute for Economic Justice (2025) G20 factsheet #7: Green industrialisation – Building a fair and sustainable future. Available at: https://www.iej.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IEJ-G20factsheet7-Green-Industrialisation-web.pdf
UCT School of Public Governance (2025) Pathways to green African industrialisation: Report launched at Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa. Available at: https://commerce.uct.ac.za/school-public-governance/articles/2025-09-11-pathways-green-african-industrialisation-report-launched-africa-climate-summit-addis-ababa
UN General Assembly (2025) General Assembly adopts resolution on green industrialisation. Available at: https://press.un.org/en/2025/ga12718.doc.htm
Green Industrialisation Africa (2025) Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII). Available at: https://greenindustrialization.africa/