SOUTH AFRICA is to receive a $1 billion loan from the World Bank to help address its energy crisis, which has seen rolling blackouts for months because of problems with generating enough electricity for its 62 million people. 

State-run power utility Eskom generates about 80 per cent of the country’s electricity at its highly polluting coal-fired stations, but they have failed to meet demand due to mismanagement, corruption and frequent breakdowns.

South Africa’s progress towards its climate change targets is at risk in the short term, with President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing in April that the shutdown of some coal-fired power stations could be delayed by the electricity supply problems.

On Wednesday, the World Bank said: “The loan endorses a significant and strategic response to South Africa’s ongoing energy crisis and the country’s goal of transitioning to a just and low-carbon economy.”

The South African government has said that it needs nearly $80 billion (£66bn) over the next five years to fund its transition to greener energy sources.

Although Africa is the continent worst affected by climate change, it contributes less to causing the crisis than any other. However, South Africa is Africa’s most advanced economy and the world's 16th-largest emitter of greenhouse gases overall.