South Africa’s vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) value chain currently lies in raw material output, electrolyte production, and locally manufactured balance of plant components. However, there is potential for a more significant role to be played along the value chain. To foster the growth of a domestic VRFB industry, it is crucial to…"

Renewable energy sources combined with energy storage play a vital role in South Africa's pursuit of energy security and achieving its net-zero objective by 2050. As South Africa grapples with a deepening energy crisis, energy storage technologies are gaining prominence, with batteries taking precedence in the short to medium term. Given the growing need for…"

This paper looks at the potential increase in regional gains, particularly in Lesotho and South Africa, through the wool value chain, with the aim of increasing regional productivity and the distribution of wealth through wool production. It also looks into the constraints that domestic, regional and international demand pose for the wool industry…"

The fundamental importance of the coal value chain to the South African economy means that its dual crises required a consistent, strategic and whole-of-government response. This study aims to provide a holistic analysis of the value chain as the basis for developing more strategic options. It first outlines the scope of the coal…"

Industrial policy in South Africa faces the challenge of overcoming profound inequalities while building a more dynamic, productive and competitive economy. In this context, the current disruption in the electricity system provides both opportunities and threats. This paper reviews the nature, impacts and causes of the disruption as the basis for understanding the…"

This policy briefs aims to provide an overview of the characteristics of the vulnerable groups in the petroleum-based transport value chain; an understanding of the dimensions of the impact and expected timeframes for the transition; and an overview of the proposed resilience plans. It first looks at the characteristics of those who are employed…"

This case study focuses specifically on the emerging export opportunities for South Africa in the development of green hydrogen. This refers to hydrogen that is produced through the process of electrolysis that is combined with a renewable energy source of power. While green hydrogen development has gone through a number of historical waves…"

UNU WIDER Research Brief This policy brief, Unlocking a regional plastics value chain between Mozambique and South Africa, forms part of the project: Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) Plastics are universal and integrated into different sectors of the economy. Industrial policy requires countries to look at moving up the value chain…"

WIDER Working Paper 2020/148 This working paper, Future-proofing the plastics value chain in Southern Africa, forms part of the project: Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) Abstract Plastics are ubiquitous across the region and play an important role in multiple industries. Most plastic products are based on a value chain that is grounded…"

This policy brief aims to lay the ground for a just transition in South Africa’s metals value chain as it pertains to climate change only. It contributes to understanding: a) the nature of the impacts facing the value chain; b) the characteristics of the stakeholders at risks (namely workers, communities and small businesses);…"

With greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions coming to the fore of nations’ climate policy concerns, the wine industry faces a new challenge. Viniculture (grape cultivation for winemaking) is directly susceptible to climate change impacts due to grapevines being highly sensitive to the surrounding environment, such as changes in weather patterns. In addition, the industry…"

With greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions coming to the fore of nations’ climate policy concerns, the wine industry faces a new challenge. Viniculture (grape cultivation for winemaking) is directly susceptible to climate change impacts due to grapevines being highly sensitive to the surrounding environment, such as changes in weather patterns. In addition, the industry…"

WIDER Working Paper 2019/70 This working paper, Assessment of demand in agro-processing machinery in the SADC region: A case study of the maize-milling machinery value chain in South Africa and Zambia, forms part of the project: Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) Abstract The SADC Industrialization Strategy and Roadmap 2015–2063 aims to…"

WIDER Working Paper 2019/38 This working paper, Moving up the copper value chain in Southern Africa, forms part of the project: Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) Abstract t: Interest in industrial hemp has revived in the past 20 years. Malawi is considering legalizing the cultivation of industrial hemp as an alternative cash crop…"

Session 7: Agricultural value chains and sustainability"

Session 7: Agricultural value chains and sustainability"

Session 9: Unpacking the water-energy-food nexus"

Session 2: Mining in Support of Industrial Development "

Session 8: Minerals Beneficiation "

This working paper presents an analysis of the dominant and growing agri-food system in South Africa, focusing on power and governance as two key factors that critically influence system outcomes. Current approaches towards agricultural development (including food security) tend to under-theorise these issues and thus they may not receive the necessary attention from…"