Industry and the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) recognise the environmental goods and services sector in South Africa (EGSA) as a growth sector with the potential to make a significant contribution to national economic objectives.

The aim with formalising this recognition is to create an enabling structure, strategy and action plan that would be recognised by both the sector and government as its representative position. The structure should be focused on direct and indirect measures to stimulate trade in EGS, which is a proven way of poverty alleviation.

“There are many positive ways for business to make a difference in the lives of the poor – not through philanthropy but through initiatives that over time will help build new markets" (Kofi Annan)

The approach to establishing an enabling structure for the EGS industry in SA is firstly to define the sector and secondly to look at international trends that provide context for forming an understanding of trade in environmental goods and services internationally and from a South African perspective. The strategy concept will conclude by providing recommendations for a South African EGS action plan.