Transnet and the French Development Agency (AFD) have announced a key partnership to decarbonise South Africa's state-owned ports and railway operator.
Transnet, the AFD, and with the support of the European Union, announced the initiative to accelerate its transition toward net-zero emissions during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
AFD is proposing a €300 million (R6 billion) loan in support of the ports and rail operator’s ambitious decarbonsation and corporate sustainability goals.
“The funding package from AFD will assist us in revitalising our infrastructure while supporting the clean energy initiatives under the capital investment programme,” said Transnet chief executive, Michelle Phillips.
“In addition, this initiative will contribute significantly to supporting Transnet’s decarbonisation journey while actively exploring the company’s strategic role and potential opportunities within the green hydrogen value chain.”
As a sustainability-linked loan, disbursements will be tied to progress on strategic targets. These include diversifying into transition minerals and increasing the use and purchase of 300 GWh of renewable electricity per year – equivalent to 20% of Transnet’s electricity needs.
The French contribution will also aim to promote a shift from road transport to rail, including the rehabilitation of 550km of railway. It will participate in the modernisation of port infrastructure, strengthening service quality, reliability and competitiveness across Transnet’s network.
“Transnet is a long-standing partner of AFD, and is a key actor in South Africa’s low carbon transition,” said AFD chief executive, Rémy Rioux.
“Our support will enable Transnet to pursue opportunities that will emerge from the green hydrogen economy, contribute to the modernisation of its operations and reduce its environmental footprint.”
The AFD loan to Transnet forms part of France’s contribution to the Just Energy Transition Partnership, which AFD has been implementing since 2021, and fulfils France’s €1 billion commitment announced at COP26 in support of South Africa’s just energy transition. The sum includes a €7 million (R140 million) grant from the EU.
AFD will assist Transnet in advancing its green hydrogen strategy, a cornerstone of its decarbonisation pathway, across key sectors including ports, rail, pipelines and facilities.
The funding will support key studies, impact assessments, pilot projects, and technical assistance that will refine Transnet’s green hydrogen roadmap and accelerate the scale-up of low-carbon hydrogen initiatives across South Africa.
EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said through the continent’s investment strategy, Global Gateway, it was supporting concrete investments in South Africa’s green hydrogen economy.
“With its central role in rail, ports and pipelines, Transnet is essential to building a credible and scalable hydrogen ecosystem. This partnership will help deliver the expertise and infrastructure needed for South Africa’s 2050 net-zero goals,” Síkela said.
