SABII launch signals a turning point for inclusive, sustainable growth

Addresses most stubborn challenges

- By Tebogo Magoba - ESG Now

South Africa has entered a new chapter in its development story via the launch of the South Africa Business Initiative for Impact (SABII).

It was unveiled this month by the United Nations in South Africa alongside major business partners.

Launching SABII marks a decisive shift towards building an economy where business growth, social progress and environmental sustainability reinforce each other rather than compete for attention.

SABII is designed as a permanent national platform that brings together business, government and the UN to align resources, policy and investment behind shared priorities.

With South Africa recently holding the G20 presidency and pushing for fairer global financing systems, SABII becomes the homegrown mechanism that converts international commitments into local results.

At its core, SABII seeks to tackle South Africa's most stubborn systemic challenges, such as joblessness, unreliable energy, climate risks, digital exclusion, food insecurity and a widening opportunity gap for young people. But it treats these issues not as isolated crises, but rather as interconnected problems that require coordinated action across sectors.