South Africa’s Climate Finance Accelerator Launches Fourth Proposal Round
The Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) South Africa, backed by the UK Government, has announced the opening of its fourth round for project proposals. This initiative aims to foster low-carbon projects that are critical to South Africa’s transition towards a net-zero economy.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applications are welcomed from businesses and project developers focused on projects in the following sectors:
- Energy
- Transport
- Waste management
- Water
- Sustainable agriculture
Project Requirements
To qualify for the programme, projects must:
- Have completed a comprehensive feasibility study
- Require a minimum investment of USD $3 million
Application Timeline
Potential applicants can submit their proposals from 10th December 2025 until 6th February 2026.
Support Offered
The CFA significantly enhances the bankability of climate projects, making them more appealing to investors. Selected applicants will receive tailored support including group training sessions and personal guidance from experts specialising in financing, technology, and inclusivity, which can substantially improve their funding prospects.
The Importance of This Initiative
The G20 Leaders’ Declaration from the Johannesburg Summit in November 2025 underscored the need to mobilise both public and private funding to promote just energy transitions in developing nations. This commitment aligns with the South African G20 Presidency’s efforts to close investment gaps in sustainable energy, particularly across Africa. The CFA serves as a concrete example of the UK’s support for this initiative and its Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) commitment.
Achievements to Date
Since its inception, the Climate Finance Accelerator South Africa has facilitated nearly $100 million in climate financing through its previous calls for proposals. For insights into past accomplishments, further details can be found on the National Business Initiative (NBI) website.
Quotes from Officials
Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to South Africa, remarked:
“I am pleased to announce that CFA South Africa is now accepting applications. This programme has successfully supported many innovative low-carbon enterprises, with investments surpassing $100 million in its alumni.”
“This latest round represents our ongoing commitment to facilitate a fair transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future as part of the UK-South Africa climate partnership.”
Kailas Nair, Chief Growth Officer of Plentify, reflects on their experience:
“The CFA team’s support was instrumental in refining our capital-raising approach and connecting us with key stakeholders in the energy sector. We found immense value in the programme and recommend it to other South African startups.”
Calls for Innovative Solutions
Shameela Soobramoney, CEO of the National Business Initiative, emphasized:
“South Africa is in urgent need of bold and investment-ready climate solutions. The CFA is one of the most effective platforms for enhancing the bankability of low-carbon businesses. This new call presents an opportunity to expedite impactful projects and secure necessary funding.”
Mike Mulcahy, CEO of GreenCape, added:
“GreenCape looks forward to the innovations that will emerge from this fourth phase of CFA SA. This programme channels vital investment into green technology firms that foster job creation and economic growth.”
Further Information
Since its inception, the CFA has provided capacity-building support to 43 projects in its prior iterations, which includes technical and financial training. This initiative has directly engaged both local and international investors, leading to investment decisions exceeding $100 million.
The Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) is executed in ten countries—including South Africa—and is a crucial part of the UK’s global climate efforts to facilitate financing and assist nations in achieving their climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. In South Africa, it is partnered with the National Business Initiative (NBI) and GreenCape, with further support from PwC UK.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-supports-south-africas-low-carbon-transition-with-new-climate-finance-accelerator
