The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA), in partnership with the Confederation of Danish Industries (DI), is calling on South African manufacturers to take the lead in climate readiness by joining the Climate Smart Business Programme, which will run from for the next three years.
The climate initiative is aimed at supporting companies in building a business case for decarbonization. The initiative offers access to a free and digital learning platform which includes modules on climate agenda, decarbonization. The platform also includes and self-assessment tools that helps companies measure, manage and account their carbon footprint on a yearly basis – preparing companies for emerging climate-reporting requirements.
This initiative forms part of SEIFSA’s broader effort to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness under the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and South Africa’s evolving climate-policy framework. “This programme gives manufacturers practical tools to measure, report and reduce emissions,” said Tafadzwa Chibanguza, SEIFSA Chief Executive Officer-designate. “It builds the data foundation companies need to remain competitive in export markets shaped by carbon regulation.”
About the Programme
The initial roll-out will run from the first quarter in 2026 and continue for the next three years.
Subject to the outcomes of this pilot phase, participating companies may be invited to continue receiving support in subsequent years as the programme expands and evolves.
During the first phase a minimum of 15 companies will be selected to test and apply the initiatives tools and learnings within their operations.
Participants will receive:
- Training and technical support from SEIFSA and DI Experts.
- Guidance on data collection, emissions mapping, and reporting.
- A company-specific Climate Readiness Report and Decarbonisation Action Plan; and
- Access to a peer-learning network within the metals and engineering sector.
Participation in the initial phase is free of charge and open to companies operating anywhere in South Africa within the metals, engineering, and manufacturing value chain — including foundries, fabrication, machinery, and component production.
Selection Criteria
Due to limited space, selection will prioritise:
- Companies already exporting to the European Union or planning to do so.
- Representation across different industry sub-sectors.
- A mix of small, medium, and large enterprises.
- Geographic diversity across South Africa’s provinces.
- Degree of maturity in the carbon reporting.
All company data will be treated as confidential and used only for aggregated, non-identifiable analysis in line with SEIFSA’s data-protection policy.
Eligibility and Participation
Companies must be willing to:
- Nominate at least two staff members (technical and management) to attend training and provide data inputs.
- Dedicate approximately 8 hours per month for workshops, data collection, and review sessions; and
- Share relevant operational and energy data to support emissions analysis.
A formal request to interested companies to nominate themselves to participate on this programme will be sent out early in the new year.
