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AFD Celebrates 30 Years of Partnership with South Africa: Three Decades of Sustainable Development and Innovation for a Greener Future
2024 marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the AFD Group and South Africa, celebrating 30 years of collaboration aimed at maintaining sustainable development and driving innovation for a greener future. This partnership has spanned three decades, contributing to key projects that have supported South Africa's growth, resilience, and sustainable future.
The story of this partnership dates back to a transformative moment in South Africa's history. On 27 April 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, leading to the appointment of Nelson Mandela as the first president of the new rainbow nation. A few months later, in July, French President François Mitterrand became the first Western head of state to visit post-apartheid South Africa. During this visit, Mitterrand proposed the opening of the AFD and PROPARCO offices, setting the stage for a long-term collaboration.
Key Milestones of AFD and PROPARCO's Partnership with South Africa:
- 1994-1999: The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) signs its first operation with AFD, financing urban infrastructure projects. In 1999, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) also partners with PROPARCO, focusing on supporting SMEs and small-to-medium industries (SMIs).
- 2000-2009: DBSA becomes a shareholder of PROPARCO, while Johannesburg embarks on its first AFD-backed water project in 2004. AFD’s collaboration with SANParks begins in 2008, focusing on biodiversity conservation, and by 2009, AFD extends support to major state-owned enterprises such as Airports Company South Africa, Transnet, and Eskom.
- 2011-2019: AFD’s focus shifts towards renewable energy projects, including collaborations with Eskom and the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority. The City of Cape Town signs its first sustainable development operation with AFD in 2012. In 2018, AFD begins supporting cultural industries, including grants for the Tsimologong Digital Content Hub and the Robben Island Museum.
- 2020-2023: In July 2019, the CEOs of the DBSA and AFD meet with the UN Secretary-General to promote the role of public development banks in reorienting financial flows towards a more sustainable economy, launching the Global Finance in Common initiative. In 2021, DBSA issues its first green bond with AFD to finance climate projects, and South Africa launches the Just Energy Transition Partnership at COP26. This partnership continues with key milestones in 2022 and 2023, focusing on addressing inequalities and advancing the energy transition.
A Thriving Future Together
As part of FSACCI, both AFD Group and PROPARCO remain committed to supporting South Africa's sustainable growth, investing in a future driven by inclusivity, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Looking ahead, the AFD Group is proud to continue playing an integral role in South Africa’s journey, with a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges of today and building a more sustainable and equitable tomorrow.
Here’s to the next 30 years of shared progress and prosperity!
Watch here: AFD Celebrates 30 Years of Partnership with South Africa
