Latest news with #JustEnergyTransitionPartnership
Web Release
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Web Release
Daimler Truck Signs Letter of Intent for Vehicle Assembly in Senegal
Daimler Truck has signed a Letter of Intent with the Government of Senegal and Global Truck Systems (GTS) to establish a local truck assembly plant. As part of the agreement, Daimler Truck will serve as the exclusive supplier of dismantled truck kits (CKD – Completely Knocked Down) and act as the project's technology partner. The Senegalese government and GTS have formed a joint venture to lead the assembly operations. Production is expected to begin as early as 2026, with vehicles reaching customers the following year. The plant will assemble various Mercedes-Benz truck model series, tailored for government use—such as the Ministry of Defense, fire brigades, and police—as well as private sector needs including waste collection, construction, logistics, and transportation. Franziska Cusumano, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative: 'The CKD delivery, transfer of know-how, and technical support reflect our partnership-based approach with the German Federal Government and the Republic of Senegal.' Michael Dietz, CEO of Daimler Truck Middle East/Africa, added: 'This project signals our long-term commitment to West Africa. Through local assembly, job creation, and technology transfer, we aim to contribute to regional economic development.'Strong German-Senegalese Partnership Strong German-Senegalese Partnership Senegal has been a valued partner of German development cooperation for decades. Since 2019, both nations have worked under a bilateral reform partnership, which evolved into a climate and development partnership in 2023 through the Just Energy Transition Partnership. The CKD project is a direct outcome of this collaboration, promoting local industrial development and sustainability. Senegal's Commitment to Industrial Growth The Senegalese government is supporting the project by providing industrial land, offering customs and tax incentives, and facilitating local workforce training. This initiative aligns with Senegal's broader strategy to expand domestic production and meet growing mobility needs. GTS: Operational Lead GTS is responsible for setting up and operating the assembly plant. This includes recruiting and training personnel, planning production facilities, assembling vehicles from CKD kits, and equipping them with specialized bodies such as cranes or container frames. GTS will also oversee sales operations. Daimler Truck's Contribution Daimler Truck will ensure a reliable supply chain, enforce quality standards, and manage technology transfer. The company will also provide long-term service support, ensuring the high quality of locally assembled vehicles. This project is expected to create qualified local jobs and boost industrial capabilities in the region. Through this strategic partnership, Daimler Truck, GTS, and the Senegalese government are laying the groundwork for sustainable automotive manufacturing in West Africa, setting a benchmark for industrial cooperation, economic development, and technological advancement. Further information on Daimler Truck is available at: and
Business Wire
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Daimler Truck Signs Letter of Intent for Vehicle Assembly in Senegal
LEINFELDEN-ECHTERDINGEN, Germany & DAKAR, Senegal--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Daimler Truck has signed a Letter of Intent with the Government of Senegal and Global Truck Systems (GTS) to establish a local truck assembly plant. As part of the agreement, Daimler Truck will serve as the exclusive supplier of dismantled truck kits (CKD – Completely Knocked Down) and act as the project's technology partner. The Senegalese government and GTS have formed a joint venture to lead the assembly operations. Production is expected to begin as early as 2026, with vehicles reaching customers the following year. The plant will assemble various Mercedes-Benz truck model series, tailored for government use—such as the Ministry of Defense, fire brigades, and police—as well as private sector needs including waste collection, construction, logistics, and transportation. Franziska Cusumano, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative: 'The CKD delivery, transfer of know-how, and technical support reflect our partnership-based approach with the German Federal Government and the Republic of Senegal.' Michael Dietz, CEO of Daimler Truck Middle East/Africa, added: 'This project signals our long-term commitment to West Africa. Through local assembly, job creation, and technology transfer, we aim to contribute to regional economic development.' Strong German-Senegalese Partnership Senegal has been a valued partner of German development cooperation for decades. Since 2019, both nations have worked under a bilateral reform partnership, which evolved into a climate and development partnership in 2023 through the Just Energy Transition Partnership. The CKD project is a direct outcome of this collaboration, promoting local industrial development and sustainability. Senegal's Commitment to Industrial Growth The Senegalese government is supporting the project by providing industrial land, offering customs and tax incentives, and facilitating local workforce training. This initiative aligns with Senegal's broader strategy to expand domestic production and meet growing mobility needs. GTS: Operational Lead GTS is responsible for setting up and operating the assembly plant. This includes recruiting and training personnel, planning production facilities, assembling vehicles from CKD kits, and equipping them with specialized bodies such as cranes or container frames. GTS will also oversee sales operations. Daimler Truck's Contribution Daimler Truck will ensure a reliable supply chain, enforce quality standards, and manage technology transfer. The company will also provide long-term service support, ensuring the high quality of locally assembled vehicles. This project is expected to create qualified local jobs and boost industrial capabilities in the region. Through this strategic partnership, Daimler Truck, GTS, and the Senegalese government are laying the groundwork for sustainable automotive manufacturing in West Africa, setting a benchmark for industrial cooperation, economic development, and technological advancement.
Time Business News
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Seeking New Allies After Break with the U.S.
In a decisive shift in foreign policy, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his visit to Canada following a tense and fruitless meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in May 2025. This move marks the end of an era of reliable support from Washington, compelling South Africa to strengthen ties with Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union while striving to maintain its traditional policy of non-alignment. Collapse of U.S.-South African Relations The crisis in bilateral relations began in February 2025 when Trump signed an executive order halting all financial aid to South Africa — previously around $440 million annually, including PEPFAR funds — citing the Expropriation Act No. 13 of 2024 and allegations of discrimination against white populations. Tensions peaked during Ramaphosa's May 2025 Washington visit, when Trump's claims of 'white genocide' in South Africa shattered trust. Subsequent threats of tariffs and the expulsion of South Africa's ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, in March 2025 severed ties, forcing Pretoria to seek new partners. The extended visit to Canada — a key player in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) — underscores this strategic shift, on economic and diplomatic support outside the U.S. orbit. New Allies: Canada, the UK, and the EU After the U.S. aid cutoff in February 2025, Ramaphosa deepened partnerships with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and EU leadership, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. These countries have significantly increased investments in South Africa's energy transition and offered additional economic and strategic commitments: The EU allocated €4.7 billion in March 2025 for energy, infrastructure, and vaccine production, while exploring further funding for critical minerals and green technology to cement South Africa's role in global supply chains. allocated in March 2025 for energy, infrastructure, and vaccine production, while exploring further funding for critical minerals and green technology to cement South Africa's role in global supply chains. Canada boosted JETP funding by 57% post-COP26, reaching $2.5 billion , and likely offered expanded trade agreements in agriculture and renewable energy to offset potential U.S. tariff losses. boosted JETP funding by post-COP26, reaching , and likely offered expanded trade agreements in agriculture and renewable energy to offset potential U.S. tariff losses. The UK, through GuarantCo and British International Investment, provided $100 million in guarantees for 'green' projects, alongside plans to support skills training and defense cooperation to bolster South Africa's regional influence. Chatham House Analysts: 'By aligning with the EU, Pretoria mitigates the fallout from its conflict with Trump, leveraging the energy transition and critical resource partnerships as a strategic advantage.' However, new allies come with conditions, particularly regarding South Africa's role in global conflicts and economic orientation. Demands and Obligations of New Partners The UK and EU, concerned by separate U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine, urge South Africa to more actively represent 'Global South' interests. Pretoria's experience in resolving African conflicts positions it as a key advocate for initiatives like the African Union's 2023 peace plan. During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's April 2025 visit, Ramaphosa advocated for 'no-preconditions' talks, but the meeting was cut short. Professor Sifamandla Zondi, University of Johannesburg: 'Ukraine needs all the international legitimacy it can get—not just in Europe. South Africa could be Ukraine's gateway to Africa.' Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM), established in 2008, has drawn scrutiny amid Ukraine war-related ammunition shortages. Despite South Africa's legal bans and the administration's stance, Western partners continue pressing Ramaphosa for uninterrupted NATO supplies, indirectly supporting Kyiv. The South African leader treads cautiously to avoid domestic unrest, but how long he can resist this pressure remains uncertain. Testing Non-Alignment Policy The principle of 'active non-alignment,' reaffirmed by security advisor Sydney Mufamadi in May 2023, remains the cornerstone of South Africa's foreign policy. Ramaphosa avoids arms supplies, advocating for peace without preconditions. However, pressure is mounting: The Democratic Alliance (coalition partner) supports Ukraine. (coalition partner) supports Ukraine. The ANC and civil society are divided, with ongoing protests against Zelenskyy. are divided, with ongoing protests against Zelenskyy. RDM's activities since 2008 inadvertently tie South Africa to Western interests. In a New World Order Ramaphosa's prolonged Canada visit confirms the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner. By aligning with Ottawa, London, and Brussels, he seeks new leverage through economic, trade, and defense commitments. Yet, demands over Ukraine and closer NATO ties test South Africa's principles. Hudson Summarizes: 'This is a pragmatic response to a shifting world order, but Ramaphosa must tread carefully to maintain domestic trust.' South Africa stands at a crossroads, balancing its role as a 'Global South' leader with obligations to new allies. Whether Ramaphosa can preserve the country's independence while leveraging promised economic and strategic support from Canada, the UK, and the EU is the defining challenge of the coming years. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Is JETP the savior of South Africa - or is it about to make the embattled country's problems worse?
Just four years after its announcement, the Just Energy Transition Partnership is under heavy scrutiny. Image: File JETP is a multi-year project to assist South Africa with decarbonisation, with the support of governments around the world, including France, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, and the European Union, also known as the International Partners Group (IPG). However, just four years after its announcement JETP is under heavy scrutiny, experts say the groundbreaking multi-billion-dollar scheme to decarbonise South Africa is now under threat of collapse, against a backdrop of a local economy addicted to coal, skyrocketing coal imports to the EU, claims of modern colonisation, concerns over transparency, and crumbling support. Europe's decision to dramatically increase coal imports from South Africa - just months after announcing the JETP plan - raises doubts about how serious they really are about helping the country move away from coal. On the surface, JETP looks like a way to transition South Africa toward cleaner energy, but when you take a closer look, it's unclear who will actually benefit and whether there's a real long-term strategy in place. Celine Tan, who is a professor of International Economic Law and co-director of the Centre for Law, Regulation and Governance of the Global Economy, has spent almost a year leading an investigation into the financing of energy transitions in developing countries. Tan says that JETP in South Africa has been 'rushed' and is 'politically expedient'. "[JETP] is so ambitious but it has not really been thought through - we have heard from partners it has been very chaotically done." Celine said that her research had thrown up a multitude of issues, from an apparent lack of reskilling and relocating workers to a lack of assessment on energy needs, to disruption from new green energy systems such as dams or hydrogen plants, to the type of financing - the list goes on. "The quality of financing is suspect," she says. "A lot of it is debt-based and loans. When we looked into types of financing, there were a lot of guarantees, blended finance, and pledges to go into joint ventures." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The South African JETP has a lot riding on its shoulders. This is a pilot project to demonstrate how developing countries can be supported in decarbonising by developed countries through public and private investment, and transition to a low-emission, climate-resilient EU says the partnership is expected to prevent up to 1-1.5 gigatonnes of emissions over the next 20 years, more than 50 times the yearly emissions of London. To date, international pledges to the South African JETP are at $12.8 billion (R229bn). A report from the Project Management Unit (JET PMU), which was set up in the South Africa's President Office in January 2023, reveals that out of the $12.8bn llocated, only $764 million is free funding (grants). More than $8bn comes as loans that must be repaid, and just under $2bn is in export credits, meaning much of the money is not simply being given to South Africa - it is tied to conditions. Nearly $9bn of the $12.8bn comes from partner countries, while the rest is made up by multilateral development banks, such as the World Bank. According to the first quarter report of 2025, $583m of the grants have been allocated, with the majority going into electricity, green hydrogen, and the just transition in Mpumalanga, South Africa's biggest coal mining region. Alex Lenferna, the founder of Climate Justice Coalition (CJC), questions the funding techniques and says it is crucial to protect ordinary working people and ensure renewable energy is affordable and accessible. "With JETP, there is a big push with foreign investment, but there is no such thing as a free lunch. With the liberalisation of energy markets, they are opened up to the private sector, meaning those who have access to wealth can most take advantage," Lenferna said. The Africa Climate Alliance argues that climate financing through debt can have crippling effects and that to decarbonise, debt relief is crucial. 'Debt relief and fair carbon finance is essential in allowing countries to reinvest in sustainable industries instead of relying on coal revenues'. Member of Parliament Kevin Mileham, who sits on the Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy, says the loan funding built into JETP is a huge debt burden on South Africa's already fragile economy. For this reason alone, he says that JETP needs to be urgently rethought. "I think that the whole program probably needs a review of what its goals are and how they are going to be implemented, Mileham said. Mileham says that if the transparency and implementation of JETP do not drastically improve, in five years the money will have been "frittered away and there won't be anything to show for it." President Cyril Ramaphosa entrusted the JETP to the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), a multi-stakeholder body tasked with overseeing the facilitation and creation of a framework to meet the objectives of the JETP. In 2023, the PCC released the JET Investment Plan (JETIP), outlining a vision and investment strategy for the first five years while aligning with its defined just transition principles. The same year, JET PMU was established by the Presidency to provide an implementation roadmap for the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan. The Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit (JET PMU) published a detailed Grant Register that shows where grant funding has been allocated, but no such document exists for the loans. During the fanfare of the new scheme, many of the declared loans were apparently allocated even before an investment plan was released, meaning that projects developed and paid for pre-JETP were added to the IPG's JETP grants. Tracey Davies, the executive director of Just Share, a South African non-profit shareholder activist organisation, says the Grant Register was picked up by media in February 2024, and showed that since November 2021, R10bn (about $591m) had been allocated to 145 projects. By the time the JET Investment Plan was unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa on November 4, 2022, 89 of the 145 projects, worth more than R5.3bn, had already commenced. "I don't see any evidence of that overarching plan. The projects are disparate and don't appear to link up to each other. A lot of them are repeating work that's already been done. There's no clarity on how the loans and the concessional loan funding are being managed. And as far as I can tell, nobody outside the IPG or the PMU has a handle on how that money is being allocated. I mean, nobody knows," Davies said. Julia Taylor, a researcher on Climate and Inequality at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at the University of Witwatersrand, worries that JETP funding is not nearly enough to meet the demands of South Africa's social, environmental, and energy issues, particularly because of the low levels of grant funding. She also argues that the JETP has not generated significant new grant funding but has taken existing projects and labelled them JETP projects, with grant funding going to consultants and private sector companies doing feasibility studies into areas she believes are not critical to South Africa, such as green hydrogen. ''People who are most interested in green hydrogen are European countries like Germany. And there's been a huge push from those countries for alternative fuel sources. The idea is that we'll then export back to them. Is that in the interest of South Africa's just transition? I don't think so…we don't even have enough electricity ourselves to run our economy. Why would we then be building more renewable energy for green hydrogen?," Taylor said. Getting word from some government departments involved in JETP seems to back up the air of confusion and opacity around the scheme. A government spokesman said that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), charged with leading sustainable development in South Africa's mining and energy sectors, 'ceased to exist as of March 31, 2025', meaning they would not discuss anything prior to that point and redirected us to the PCC. When we reached out to the PCC for comments, Blessing Manale, the head of communications and outreach could not provide us with answers to many of our questions noting that the PCC is not in a 'position to respond'. Manale noted that the 'PCC supports the JETP. When the JETP was released, we made recommendations on strengthening it. We collaborate with the JET_IP PMU in its implementation as well as monitoring and evaluation of its impact. We have made additional recommendations on various aspects of Climate Finance.' \ Guarding against green colonialism Sonja Boschoff, a member of the National Council of Provinces representing the Mpumalanga province, says that South Africa must make sure it's in charge of its own transition to avoid green colonialism and must 'guard against a transition imposed and dominated by external actors'. Just months after the EU announced the JETP and its commitment to supporting South Africa in a just phase-out of coal, Europe's coal imports from South Africa increased eightfold, reaching 3.54 million tons by 2024 - a 77% increase over 2021, according to Reuters. Much of this renewed interest came after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, and the EU imposed sanctions on Russian coal and gas, causing European countries to turn to other coal suppliers.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Vietnam party leader values multifaceted cooperation with France
HANOI: Vietnam values and wishes to strengthen multifaceted cooperation with France – its first comprehensive strategic partner in the European Union, Party General Secretary To Lam affirmed on Monday (May 26) while receiving French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a three-day state visit to Vietnam. Lam said that the visit holds particularly important significance, affirming both sides' strong determination to implement concrete outcomes of the Vietnam – France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Vietnam supports France in playing an important role and having a strong voice in the region and the world, including at international forums and organisations, he stated, proposing both countries continue to promote their shared advantages to harmoniously address regional and global issues. Macron expressed his pleasure at making his first state visit to Vietnam – a partner with an important role and position in France's Indo-Pacific strategy. He emphasised that the Vietnam – France relationship is a special one, shaped by various historical phases and now built on a foundation of strong mutual trust and respect. Recognising the Vietnam – France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a highlight amidst rapidly evolving and complex global developments, the two leaders held an in-depth exchange on all areas of bilateral cooperation since the elevation of ties in October 2024. They expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made in recent times, particularly in the fields of economy and trade, high-level exchanges and mutual support at international and regional forums. The leaders affirmed their continued priority in promoting cooperation in politics and diplomacy, defence and security, including cybersecurity, economy and trade, maritime economy, development cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, particularly in culture, education and training. They also agreed to advance the signing of key cooperation agreements across various sectors. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in energy transition, with France supporting Vietnam within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP); and expand collaboration into nuclear energy, human resources training and the peaceful use of atomic energy, such as in the healthcare sector. General Secretary Lam suggested France accompany Vietnam in making science and technology a new pillar of bilateral cooperation in the current era. He also called on France to support Vietnam in strategic areas such as aerospace, biotechnology, digital technology, semiconductors, quantum technology, the digital economy and high-quality human resources training. They highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation in areas where both sides see great potential, France holds strengths and Vietnam has growing needs, such as strategic infrastructure, urban transportation and railways, to meet the objectives of Vietnam's new era of national development and prosperity. President Macron emphasised that France always wishes to strengthen cooperation across all sectors with Vietnam, especially in strategic areas like economy and trade, security and defence, science and technology, culture, education and health care, in line with the nature and stature of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Macron appreciated Vietnam's international commitments at multilateral institutions, particularly in key areas such as sustainable development, environmental protection, emissions reduction and climate change adaptation. He stressed France's support for multilateralism, including multilateral trade, and affirmed that his country is ready to support and accompany Vietnam in implementing these commitments. The two leaders agreed to cooperate in preserving and promoting cultural values through the sharing of experience in heritage conservation, museum operations, cinema arts, collaboration and support in sharing materials on Vietnamese cultural heritage, as well as training professional artists and performers. Building on the long-standing tradition of cooperation, both sides also consented to promote collaboration in the health sector, particularly in vaccine research, early screening technologies for serious diseases, and the application of science and technology in medical treatment, aiming to ensure public health. On this occasion, they exchanged views on many international issues of mutual concern, and agreed on the need to solve conflicts through dialogue. They called on countries in the region to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (known in Vietnam as the East Sea) (DOC) and support all regional efforts to soon achieve a Code of Conduct (COC) that is truly effective, substantive and consistent with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); and promote cooperation in UN peacekeeping operations, search and rescue, combating organised crime, transnational crime, and cybercrime. The two sides reached a consensus on strengthening Vietnam – France cooperation in line with the interests of the two countries, supporting the promotion of Vietnam – EU and France – Asean relations, and continuing to coordinate in promoting multilateralism, and building a fair and democratic international system based on international law with the central role of the United Nations. - Vietnam News/ANN
