Job creation initiative for post-coal Mpumalanga

The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) contracted Genesis Analytics to identify private sector-led, employment-creation opportunities in Mpumalanga that could be realised by 2030.

The purpose of the project was to assist Mpumalanga in dealing with the province’s low economic growth, high levels of unemployment, and job losses that may result from the planned energy transition from coal.

Our first step was to identify nine opportunities where initial research suggests that there is job creation potential. Two types of opportunities were identified - those based on the existing economic profile of Mpumalanga (existing industries), and those based on emerging parts of the provincial economy (emerging industries). 

Opportunities in existing industries were identified by an extensive and comprehensive data-filtering process. Relevant economic data was identified to rank different sectors according to the potential for economic growth and job creation. Opportunities in the emerging industry were identified mainly through qualitative research and expert consultations.

Following consultation with 40 industry experts, Mpumalanga and PCC stakeholders, as well as stakeholders from the international donor community and developmental agencies, the nine opportunities were narrowed down to six. Of these, four were given in-depth analysis. This enabled Genesis to provide the Mpumalanga Provincial Government with realistic policy recommendations that can be enacted in the short term to foster private-sector-led job opportunities before 2030.

This project concluded in June 2024 and was part of a larger PCC initiative aimed at generating over 100,000 jobs in Mpumalanga by 2030 in light of the decommissioning of several coal-fired power stations. The project garnered significant interest from the private sector, and there has been substantial buy-in at the provincial district level. The project laid the groundwork for subsequent initiatives to further realise private-sector-led job creation opportunities, including those by the World Bank.