Olusegun Ariyo
The United States Has Announced its Withdrawal from the just Energy Transition Partnership (IETP) With South Africa, signaling what looks like a troubling retreat from global climate leadership and an abandonment of vital financial commitments to the world’s most climate-impacted nations.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order as he attended an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at Capital One Arena, on January 20, 2025, in Washington. Photo credit: Evan Vucci/AP
President Donald Trump signed an executive order as he attended an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at Capital One Arena, on January 20, 2025, in Washington. Photo credit: Evan Vucci/AP
South Africa, the first country to secure a JETP agreement, was set to receive over $1.5 billion in financial support from the US to transition from coal to renewable energy; however, their exit now leaves a significant funding gap.
This decision follows a troubling pattern of the United States rolling back its climate commitments, including its earlier announcement to exit the Paris Agreement.
According to 350Africa, the US’s pullback from the JETP marks a dangerous precedent, particularly as the world faces an escalating climate crisis and growing inequality.
Landry Ninteretse, 350Africa’s Regional Director, said: “By withdrawing from the JETP, the United States is abandoning its responsibility to support countries like South Africa, which are on the frontlines of the climate crisis and will now face an even steeper climb in achieving its clean energy commitments.
“This is a regressive step, and a betrayal of the trust placed in wealthy nations to honour their financial obligations towards the global transition to clean energy. The US must recognise that climate justice requires concrete, sustained support for developing nations, not retreat from multilateral commitments.”
Tshepo Peele, South Africa Team Lead, said: “While the US withdrawal from JETP certainly impacts the financial framework for South Africa’s energy transition, the urgency of a just, renewable-powered future remains unchanged. South Africa must continue to honour its climate commitments, and this moment should push the government to accelerate its plans for a green economy, moving away from coal and scaling up renewables.
“With South Africa hosting the G20 this year, it presents a crucial opportunity to strengthen the country’s climate leadership, advocate for increased international support, and prioritise forging new, stronger partnerships with countries and institutions committed to ensuring a just and equitable energy transition.”
350Africa calls on South Africa and its remaining international partners to ensure the momentum of the energy transition is not stalled.
“South Africa’s commitment to a clean and equitable energy future is more important than ever, and efforts must be made to secure alternative sources of funding to fill the gap left by the US’s retreat,” submitted the group.
