Powering a Greener Future in SADC – The UNECA IKI Consortium

UNECA Energy Transition Minerals Project — Coordinated by Wits Enterprise 

Wits Enterprise played a key role in supporting the launch of a major continental initiative aimed at transforming the mining sector across Southern Africa. The project, funded by Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Government of Germany, and led by Prof. Nellia Mutemeri, focuses on building environmentally and socially responsible value chains for energy transition minerals in the SADC region.

In March 2025, Wits Enterprise successfully coordinated the first in-person consortium meeting for the initiative on behalf of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The event brought together experts, institutions, and stakeholders from six countries to discuss sustainable mining strategies and low-carbon transitions.

Key Highlights:

• Project focus: Decarbonizing SADC’s mining sector and building inclusive, climate-aligned value chains.

• Wits Enterprise’s role: Full event and travel logistics management for the consortium.

• Long-term impact: Empowering women and youth in the circular economy, and positioning SADC for green industrial growth.

“It made me proud to say, ‘Wits are the co-hosts’! The event was a great success. Everyone was happy — and I particularly loved the corporate gifts!”— Prof. Nellia Mutemeri, Lead Academic

This project underscores Wits Enterprise’s capacity to support complex, multinational initiatives that align with global sustainability goals — and positions the university as a key player in Africa’s green transition