The Climate Action Initiative Summit, held virtually on 21 April 2026 under the theme Accelerating the Race to Net-Zero Through Collaboration, offered a timely reminder that climate action is no longer a distant aspiration, but a present-day leadership test. Organised by Climate Action Initiative South Africa, and supported by 67CEOS Foundation NPC and ZA Creative & Projects (Pty) Ltd, the Summit brought together policymakers, business leaders, financiers, innovators and youth voices around a shared national and continental challenge: how to move from climate ambition to implementation at scale.
The Summit was marked by substance, urgency and a strong sense of possibility. In her keynote address, Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, reinforced the importance of coordinated national action. The panel discussions that followed reflected the practical realities of the transition, with contributions from organisations such as Eskom, the Presidential Climate Commission, Naspers, KPMG, OneWorld Group, the African Youth in Energy Network and the Department of Agriculture.
That same spirit of collective action carried through to Earth Day 2026, observed globally on Wednesday, 22 April, under the theme Our Power, Our Planet. The campaign placed communities at the centre of climate responsibility, calling on individuals, organisations and institutions to defend environmental progress, fight climate change and protect biodiversity through meaningful civic engagement. Earth Day is more than an annual observance. It is a public reminder that environmental stewardship begins with everyday choices, but must also be reinforced by policy, investment and collaboration. In the South African context, the message is especially relevant.
Read more: https://t.co/cJK0SzQW9D
#EarthDay #ClimateAction #environmentalawareness
Startups that presented @ The Climate Innovation Showcase
Greenalot (Climate-tech)
Mohanoe Holdings (Agriculture)
Green Proteins (Cleantech)
Kheswa Agri-Consulting (Pty) Ltd (Agribusiness and Professional Services)
Climate Innovation Showcase
Adjudicators:
Ronell Govender, Global Sustainability Business Partner, Naspers-Prosus Group
Ben April, Associate Director, Climate, Financial Risk and Regulatory Advisor. KPMG
Moderator: Thapelo Phiri, Senior Associate: Agricultural and Climate Action Projects
Panel Discussion: Energy Transition for a Just and Inclusive Economy
Speakers:
Dr Vikesh Rajpaul, General Manager, Just Energy Transition (JET), Eskom
Lydia Kapangila, Founder & CEO, African Youth in Energy Network
Moderator: Amina Williams, Communications Strategist and Broadcaster
Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (Representing the Deputy President) delivers the welcome address, titled: Accelerating the Race to Net-Zero Through Collaboration.
#climate#ClimateAction#ClimateInnovation#climatesolutions
There is only one way we are going to accelerate the race to net-zero in Africa, by supporting climate-tech, agri-tech, clean-tech and green economy startups. They must be at the centre of policies, key activities and finance. They are agile, smart and very courageous in their ambition. They are the real MVPs, turning ambition into action.
We are excited that the following South African startups will be presenting their business model and innovation during the Climate Innovation Showcase segment, at the Climate Action Initiative Summit:
Greenalot
Kheswa Agri-Consulting (Pty) Ltd
YelloWaste
Green Proteins
The adjudicators/mentors are:
Ronell Govender, Global Sustainability Business Partner, Naspers-Prosus Group
Ben April, Associate Director, Climate, Financial Risk and Regulatory Advisor, KPMG
The Climate Action Initiative South Africa invites entrepreneurs and start-ups with high-impact climate solutions to apply for the Climate Innovation Showcase on 21 April 2026.
Read more and apply: https://t.co/fcvNuchuwz
#climate#innovation#climatetech#startup
Topic: Energy Transition for a Just and Inclusive Economy
Speakers:
Shalendra Subramoney, Senior Climate Specialist, Minerals Council
Dr Vikesh Rajpaul, General Manager, Just Energy Transition (JET), Eskom
This session will unpack the realities of South Africa’s energy transition, addressing renewable energy, energy efficiency and the imperative of ensuring no community is left behind. For corporates, this is a strategic opportunity to understand where investment, innovation and partnerships are most needed. It will be moderated by, Amina Williams, Communications Strategist and Broadcaster.
Date: 21 April 2026
Time: From 08:45
Platform: Virtual (Zoom)
Admission is free, register to attend: https://t.co/3bqiVk8gHy
#ClimateAction #climatechange #environment #netzero #leadership
In an environment where climate performance increasingly influences capital allocation, procurement decisions and market access, participation at the Climate Action Initiative Summit 2026 is not optional. It is strategic.
A high-level session on National Climate Ambition and Multi-Stakeholder Action will feature Blessing Manale from the Presidential Climate Commission and Belynda Petrie, CEO, OneWorld Group, offering policy clarity and insight into how government, business and civil society can align efforts to drive implementation. This session will provide corporates with a clear understanding of regulatory direction and partnership opportunities within the national climate agenda.
Date: 21 April 2026
Time: From 08:45
Platform: Virtual (Zoom)
Admission is free, register to attend: https://t.co/3bqiVk8gHy
#ClimateAction #climatechange #environment #netzero #leadership
The race to net-zero has begun. The question is not whether you will participate, but how visibly and how effectively you will lead.
At the Climate Action Initiative Summit 2026, representing the Deputy President, the Welcome Address will be delivered by Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Her address will outline South Africa’s national direction on climate action and the critical role of collaboration in achieving net-zero ambitions.
Date: 21 April 2026
Time: From 08:45
Platform: Virtual (Zoom)
Admission is free, register to attend: https://t.co/3bqiVk8gHy
#southafrican #ClimateAction #climatechange #environment #netzero #leadership
Meet the Climate Innovation Showcase adjudicators:
Ronell Govender, Global Sustainability Business Partner, Naspers-Prosus Group
Ben April, Associate Director, Climate, Financial Risk and Regulatory Advisor, KPMG
The Climate Action Initiative South Africa invites entrepreneurs and start-ups with high-impact climate solutions to apply for the Climate Innovation Showcase on 21 April 2026.
South African entrepreneurs and start-ups with high-impact climate solutions will present innovations that demonstrably reduce emissions, build resilience, improve resource efficiency, accelerate net-zero or enable nature-based solutions across multiple sectors.
To be selected for presentation, apply here: https://t.co/AOJKWaKxQl
Note: This is NOT a pitching competition but a platform to showcase your innovation, get experts' feedback, gain industry insights and promote your product in relevant ecosystem.
Terms and conditions apply.
#innovation #climateaction #climatechange
The Climate Action Initiative Summit 2026 convenes as a high-impact virtual gathering of policymakers, corporate leaders, innovators and development partners, united by a single imperative: to accelerate the transition to net-zero through practical collaboration. Taking place on 21 April 2026, the Summit is strategically positioned within the global momentum of Climate Week. This event provides a focused platform for translating policy ambition into measurable outcomes and scalable projects.
During the Climate Innovation Showcase segment, South African entrepreneurs and start-ups with high-impact climate solutions will present innovations that demonstrably reduce emissions, build resilience, improve resource efficiency, accelerate net-zero or enable nature-based solutions across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the summit are:
Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Belynda Petrie, CEO, OneWorld Group
Blessing Manale, Executive Head, Communications and Outreach, Presidential Climate Commission
Shalendra Subramoney, Senior Climate Specialist. Minerals Council
Dr Vikesh Rajpaul, General Manager, Just Energy Transition (JET), Eskom
The Climate Innovation Showcase adjudicators are:
Ronell Govender, Global Sustainability Business Partner, Naspers-Prosus Group
Ben April, Associate Director, Climate, Financial Risk and Regulatory Advisor, KPMG
Join us on 21 April 2026 to shape the future of climate action in South Africa and beyond. Admission is free, register to attend: https://t.co/3bqiVk8gHy
#southafrican #ClimateAction #ClimateChange #environment #netzero #leadership
PGMs industry players reflect after a highly insightful sessions at the PGMs Industry Day in Johannesburg.
Roger Baxter, Executive Chairman, Southern Palladium Limited
Comfort Mathenjwa, Executive: Sales & Mining Services, Enaex Africa
Dominik Sperzel, Head of Trading (SVP), Heraeus Metals Germany
Stanley Segula, Managing Director, Zimplats Holdings Ltd.
Colin Tan, Manager, Sales & Trading, Sino-Platinum Metals, Singapore
Follow @TheMiningTech and @bushveldcom
Applications are now open for the AU Digital & Innovation Fellowship
Following two successful cohorts that delivered measurable impact across AU systems by strengthening digital infrastructure, improving efficiency, and embedding innovation across departments, the Fellowship now returns for its next cycle.
Through this 12-month immersive programme, 12 tech-skilled young professionals will work within the African Union system, contributing directly to Africa’s digital transformation at the intersection of technology, policy, and innovation.
Apply here for join Cohort 3 here:https://t.co/2pNzNQLHe6
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION - APPOINTMENT OF SERVICE PROVIDER TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WITH PROVISION OF TECHNICAL EXPERTISE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ONE NATIONAL PLAN FOR THE MSMES ECOSYSTEM.
To access full documents, follow this link 🔗 https://t.co/ITFb1Ti8Ks
Advertising date 20 February 2025
Closing date: 13 March 2025 @ 11:00
Enquiries can be directed to [email protected]
ICYMI | Cyril Ramaphosa virtually chaired the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC).
The President addressed the newly appointed Commissioners, reflected on priority issues for the new term, and provided strategic guidance on the Commission’s work for the next five years.
#PCC #GovZAUpdates #ClimateChange