President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa wants to harness its abundant solar and wind energy resources to put the country at the forefront of the clean energy transition.
He also called on the international community to support African countries in strengthening renewable energy security.
"As African countries, we cannot be bystanders in our own development. We are taking the necessary steps to decarbonize our respective economies while pursuing sustainable development."
This was included in the President's weekly newsletter published on September 26, which focused on the need to address climate change.
The president said transformation of Africa's energy landscape is a top priority.
But he said the continent could not do it alone and needed support from more developed countries.
Ramaphosa added that the energy transition needs to be accompanied by increased investment in smart, digital and efficient green technologies.
He said this must happen in carbon-intensive sectors such as transport, industry and electricity.
Ramaphosa further explained that the transition to a low-carbon economy and society must be just and inclusive, and must also be appropriate to national circumstances and development plans.
