When the term green economy was first coined more than two decades ago, its authors had probably not anticipated the traction that this contested concept would gain as an ‘action-oriented pathway to sustainable development’. Like sustainable development, the diaphanous nature of the green economy lends itself well to various interpretations. Spurred on by the global energy, finance and food crises, green economic development is increasingly becoming the development framework used by the majority of multi-lateral institutions. The concept has also found its way, in different forms, into the policy and regulatory environment of southern Africa.
In southern Africa, the concept of the green economy has taken root primarily as an economic growth paradigm that could steer development trajectories in more inclusive, resource-efficient and climate-resilient directions. Policy reforms in key sectors – energy, agriculture, waste, natural resources and transport – are being proposed. In Mozambique, a national green economy roadmap has been developed, while Zambia, Namibia and South Africa have initiated national discussions around green jobs, employment opportunities geared towards protecting or restoring environmental quality. Mauritius's Maurice Ile Durable, the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, and the Green Fund in South Africa are national environmental funds oriented towards supporting green economy transitions through targeted investments. More is being planned.
While green economy policies promise to deliver on the social, economic and environmental goals of development, there are growing concerns whether the concept addresses the structural underpinnings of the region's development challenges. Will reorientation of capital towards green investments and innovations provide the foundation for just, ecologically sustainable development? Can another technological transformation, albeit a green one, provide the basis for revitalising economies in southern Africa, most of whom are still heavily dependent on extractive industries for economic growth? Moreover, have the notions of justice and inclusivity been addressed or is there a hint of trickle-down economics that naively assumes the equitable distribution of profits and opportunities emerging from green economy policy interventions? This special issue, which will focus primarily on experiences from South Africa's green economy transition, will begin to draw out some key lessons that could inform green economy policy processes in the region.
The green economy (and its manifestations) must be interrogated to ensure that it addresses issues of central importance in the region – rapid urbanisation, poverty alleviation, food security, ecological sustainability, climate resilience and job creation. Policies and strategies must be probed to ensure that the proposed benefits of a green economy are achieved, by design and not by default. And, like all policy reforms, the trade-offs of transitioning to a green economy must be assessed in line with the development vision articulated for the region; that is, to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development that will eradicate poverty and enhance the standard and quality of life of all.