UNIDO South Africa

Congratulations to the finalists and winners in the GCIP South Africa programme who were acknowledged at the 2025 awards event in Johannesburg last night! UNIDO salutes these #innovators for their pioneering #cleantech solutions - you are not just solving today’s challenges; you are laying the foundation for Africa’s industrial future. Global Cleanech Innovation Programme Global Environment Facility UNIDO Technology Innovation Agency #innovation and #entrepreneurship UNIDO Cleantech Innovation Karin Reiss-Haimbala Mchenge Nyoka #cleantech #entrepreneurship Daria Shumilova Theresa Grader

Congratulations once again to the fantastic co-hort of GCIP-SA #innovators, and thank you to Technology Innovation Agency for hosting such an impressive event! UNIDO is proud of this project and its impact in the 16+ countries where it is supporting start-ups & #entrepreneurs. Global Cleanech Innovation Programme Karin Reiss-Haimbala Mchenge Nyoka Daria Shumilova Alessio Brina Theresa Grader

Congratulations to the finalists and winners in the GCIP South Africa programme who were acknowledged at the 2025 awards event in Johannesburg last night! UNIDO salutes these #innovators for their pioneering #cleantech solutions - "you are not just solving today’s challenges; you are laying the foundation for Africa’s industrial future." (Dr. Diego Masera, UNIDO Regional Representative for Southern Africa) Global Cleanech Innovation Programme #innovation #entrepreneurship UNIDO Cleantech Innovation Karin Reiss-Haimbala Mchenge Nyoka #cleantech Daria Shumilova Theresa Grader

Keynote Alert!? We are honored to welcome?Prof. Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, as he delivers the?keynote address?at the?GCIP-SA Awards Ceremony! Recognising?cleantech innovation?is vital in tackling climate challenges, driving economic growth, and creating a?sustainable future. Join us as the Minister highlights the role of science, technology, and entrepreneurship in shaping a greener, more resilient world. Watch Live: ?Facebook:?https://lnkd.in/ds5-G4aj YouTube:?https://lnkd.in/dUU6j8Bm Join the conversation:?#GCIPSA #Cleantech #Innovation #Sustainability #GreenFuture?#TIA #DSTI

Season's greetings to all our valued partners and stakeholders! UNIDO the dti (Department of Trade and Industry: Republic of South Africa) Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) Flanders in Southern Africa National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa Technology Innovation Agency VITO Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) TaylorMade Water Solutions Reyneke Wines Afrimat Hemp Kulu Eco-Services PHAMBILI BIO ENERGY Success Food

UNIDO Southern Africa Celebrating Newly Renovated Office Space in Pretoria In September 2024, UNIDO’s Southern Africa regional office celebrated the opening of its newly renovated office space at the campus of the dti (Department of Trade and Industry: Republic of South Africa) in Pretoria. The ribbon-cutting event brought together Ambassadors and high level representatives from Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Eswatini, European Union, Flanders in Southern Africa, France, GIZ, Japan, Namibia, Switzerland and USA, the head of the UN in South Africa, high-level representatives from international agencies, the South African government, project partners, and key stakeholders. A Partnership Driving Industrial Development In his welcome address, Dr. Diego Masera, UNIDO Representative for Southern Africa, expressed his gratitude to the dtic for its longstanding support. He emphasized the vital role that this partnership has played in advancing the shared goals of industrial development, sustainability, and economic empowerment in South Africa and the broader Southern African region. "Through partnerships like this, we can expand our work and impact, promoting growth that benefits all sectors of society,” said Dr. Masera. Dr. Masera highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in industrial development, recognizing the critical contributions of the nine Southern African countries represented by the UNIDO office. He also acknowledged the support of international partners outside of Africa, noting their contributions to sustainable industrialization and the just energy transition in the region. "Your presence reminds us that industrialization and sustainability are global efforts requiring collective will and cooperation," he added. A Commitment to Southern Africa’s Future Dr. Masera reaffirmed UNIDO’s commitment to supporting the development aspirations of Southern African governments and peoples. He outlined how UNIDO’s mission aligns with regional priorities, particularly in areas such as economic development, social inclusion, women and youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability. "These are not just future goals; they are commitments that guide our daily work and help us deliver tangible results across the region." He further recognized the crucial role of governments and institutions that fund UNIDO’s initiatives. "Industrialization is not merely an economic strategy; it's a powerful tool to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for millions. Your contributions help build a future of hope, opportunity, and prosperity for Southern Africa." Dr. Masera emphasised: "As part of the UN family, UNIDO remains committed to supporting the governments and people of Southern Africa in achieving its development goals through inclusive and sustainable industrialization. As we move forward, let’s do so with renewed energy, determination, and a shared sense of purpose.”

The second stop today for members of the SA Industry Adaptation (SAIA) project was Thiele Farms, another company supported by the project. Thiele is a piggery farm in Paulpietersburg, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, that runs 24/7 and employs 155 people. It operates a feed mill, grows various crops and runs a Bradford cattle herd. Operations are highly dependent on security of energy supply, so the farm recently installed a 120kW solar system to supplement their energy demand during loadshedding. Thiele received grant support and technical assistance from the SAIA project, enabling them to develop a biogas plant to complement the solar plant, thereby further reducing their dependence on the grid and increasing their energy security. ?? Although the biogas plant is not yet fully complete and commissioned, Thiele hosted an open day for farmers from the area today to expose them to the technology. The event was very well attended and farmers made full use of the opportunity to engage with the SAIA team and the technology suppliers, and have their questions addressed first-hand. The biogas plant comprises four digesters with a generation capacity of 160kW, based on piggery manure and maize silage. The technology is well known, readily available, and has been successfully implemented in the country. It allows for upscaling to increase the capacity of the plant (depending on the availability of the feedstock), and can be easily replicated in similar industries and as well as other industries where there is availability of quality feedstock. There is enough water in the piggery effluent to ensure that the biogas plant will have no impact on water resources.?In addition, the liquid digestate with its additional organic fertiliser benefits will be used for irrigation purposes, further contributing to sustainable farming. Thiele is one of three companies selected for co-financing and technical support by the SAIA project through a transparent Call for Applications process, together with Afrimat Hemp and Reyneke Wines. The SAIA project supports industries to: - Transition to more climate resilient operations - Avoid negative impacts on the environment and people - Better prepare for future climate change impacts The project is funded by the Flanders in Southern Africa and implemented by UNIDO, jointly with the National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa and the Technology Innovation Agency. It was launched in January 2024, with the current phase coming to an end on December 2024. However, it achievements and activities forms the basis for follow-on projects and it also provides a platform for ongoing economic and political collaboration between Flanders and South Africa. Mark Tiepelt Karin Reiss-Haimbala Mchenge Nyoka Nokwazi Moyo #biogas #smartfarming #waterefficiency #energyefficiency

Optimizing energy and water efficiency in the butternut value chain This week, a number of the beneficiaries of the SA Industry Adaptation (SAIA) project are being interviewed for a video that will showcase examples of climate adaptation innovations and technologies supported through the project, and the impact of these on increasing the resilience of the agro-processing industry's to the impacts of climate change. We’re starting with Success Foods in Northern KwaZulu-Natal at the beautiful Jozini Dam, which is the main irrigation source for pumpkin processing and production at the company. The founder of Success Foods, Ms. Mbali-Success Mkhaliphi, is transforming the food industry with a mission to “unlock the success of nature” through eco-friendly, organic butternut pumpkin products that enhance quality of life. Centered on sustainable, zero-waste practices, Success Foods produces a versatile range of butternut pumpkin products that cater to secondary food producers, health-conscious consumers, vegans and busy professionals seeking convenience and nutrition. The company’s eco-friendly approach uses biochar fertilizer to grow organic butternuts, drip irrigation powered by solar and biogas, and water-saving techniques, all designed to reduce environmental impact. In their solar and biogas-powered facility, Success Foods processes top-quality butternut pumpkin products like puree and powder, using advanced techniques to preserve the butternut’s natural flavour, colour and nutrients. The product line from Success Foods features canned butternut pumpkin puree for end users, offering a convenient option for cooking and baking. For secondary food processors, bulk butternut pumpkin puree serves as a versatile ingredient ideal for a wide range of applications from soups to sauces. Its smooth texture and rich flavor make it an excellent base or enhancer for both sweet and savory recipes, allowing secondary food processors to create diverse and innovative products. The SAIA project is supporting Success Foods with the following: ? Improving water use efficiency at primary and secondary level ? RE/EE integration at agro-processing level? ? Installing an irrigation system for butternut primary production ? Design of a water/energy-efficient agro-processing plant ? Enabling market access through processing of samples of puree and pasta. Commenting on the impact of the support under the SAIA project, Ms. Mkhaliphi said: “Success Foods has benefited immensely from its participation in the SAIA Accelerator programme. The programme has equipped the business with essential skills, access to specialist consultations and support to meet rigorous food health and safety standards.” United Nations Flanders in Southern Africa National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa Technology Innovation Agency Karin Reiss-Haimbala Mchenge Nyoka #waterefficiency #energyefficiency

The expanded facilities at Project Imifino were introduced to stakeholders at the Ibhayi Brewery in Gqeberha today. Imifino was launched as a partnership project between local enterprise TaylorMade Water Solutions (TMWS) and ABInBev in 2020. The system uses integrated constructed wetlands and raised beds to treat up to 25 cubic metres/day of effluent from the Ibhayi Brewery, producing reusable water after further ultra-filtration processing and converting nutrients from the effluent into fresh crops (spinach). In March 2022, the project was selected for technical assistance and grant support through the SA Industry Adaptation (SAIA) project. The SAIA project supported TMWS in procuring a containerised ultra-filtration plant, which was supplied and co-funded by Flemish technology company Waterleau. The plant was commissioned in September 2024. The programme for the launch of the expanded facilities included messages from the the dti (Department of Trade and Industry: Republic of South Africa), Flanders in Southern Africa, UNIDO, and Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. This was followed by an overview of the achievements of the SAIA project, and presentations by SA BREWERIES LIMITED, Waterleau, and Taylormade Water Solutions. The programme was concluded with a visit to Project Imifino and the expanded facilities. The presentations will be posted on the SAIA website shortly. Karin Reiss-Haimbala Mchenge Nyoka National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa Technology Innovation Agency #energyefficiency #waterefficiency #water_energynexus

Thank you to all the presenters at the Capacity Building Workshop on Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Agriculture and Agro-processing, held in Gqeberha yesterday under the SA Industry Adaptation project. We also appreciate the active audience participation - the success of the workshop would not have been possible without you! Attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of local climate risks and vulnerabilities, practical climate resilient agricultural and processing skills, insights into the role of innovation in addressing climate challenges through local and international case studies - and extremely useful new connections. A summary of key take-aways from the workshop and action points for future collaboration - as well as presentations from the workshop - will be accessible on the SAIA website shortly. UNIDO Flanders in Southern Africa National Cleaner Production Centre of South Africa VITO Technology Innovation Agency Agricultural Research Council University of Johannesburg TaylorMade Water Solutions Karin Reiss-Haimbala Mchenge Nyoka Campling Paul the dti (Department of Trade and Industry: Republic of South Africa) #energyefficiency #WaterEnergyNexus