Gaylor Montmasson-Clair
Working for just transitions in the Global South
City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
7K followers
500+ connections
About
As a political scientist and economist with about 15 years of experience, I aim to positively contribute to a just transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive development pathway in Africa and globally. I have carried extensive strategic research and analysis on the just transition to a green economy from a developing country perspective, with a focus on policy frameworks, industrial development and resource security.
I am a Senior Economist at Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), a leading economic policy think-tank based in South Africa. I lead TIPS's work on sustainability and just transition. I am also the facilitator of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM). In addition, I am a Research Associate and Guest Lecturer at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED) at the University of Johannesburg.
Prior to TIPS, I worked as an Economic Attaché at the Department of Economic Affairs for Southern Africa (French Treasury) of the Embassy of France in South Africa as well as the Economics and Trade Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
I hold a Master’s degree in International Affairs from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) of Grenoble, France as well as as a Master’s degree in Energy and Environment Economics from the Grenoble Faculty of Economics, France.
Specialities: research and analysis; policy and strategy development; strategic thinking and planning; negotiation and facilitation, and networking and managing high-level stakeholder relations
Key focus areas: sustainable development, just transition, green economy, energy security, industrial development, mining
Activity
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Southern Transitions is hiring! If you think you'd like to join me, Anthony Dane and Gaylor Montmasson-Clair follow the link with the recruiters…
Southern Transitions is hiring! If you think you'd like to join me, Anthony Dane and Gaylor Montmasson-Clair follow the link with the recruiters…
Liked by Gaylor Montmasson-Clair
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📣 We are #hiring a Just Transition Lead. This is a critical role in our new think tank with big ambitions. ➡ What if you could direct your…
📣 We are #hiring a Just Transition Lead. This is a critical role in our new think tank with big ambitions. ➡ What if you could direct your…
Liked by Gaylor Montmasson-Clair
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It’s been a privilege to contribute to this process over the last 12 months, under the leadership of H.E. the Vice President of the Republic of…
It’s been a privilege to contribute to this process over the last 12 months, under the leadership of H.E. the Vice President of the Republic of…
Liked by Gaylor Montmasson-Clair
Experience
Education
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Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Grenoble
Master's International Affairs
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Courses in International Relations, Political Economy, Statistics, Public International Law, Intercultural Relations, with a focus on environmental and energy issues
Dissertation: Harnessing Trade Finance: A Path to a Green Economy? -
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Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Grenoble
Bachelor’s Degree Economics, Finance and Political Sciences
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United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Certificate Climate Change Diplomacy
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Courses in Climate Change Science, Diplomacy, Climate Regime, Climate Analysis Tools
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Université Pierre Mendès-France (Grenoble II)
Master’s Degree Energy and Environment Economics
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Volunteer Experience
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Mentor
My Job Glasses
- Present 4 years 6 months
Education
I am proud to be a mentor on My Job Glasses to share my journey and advise students on their future.
Publications
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South Africa in a low-carbon world: Trade green or trade not
Daily Maverick
As the world moves towards a low-carbon development trajectory, failure to decarbonise the South African economy – one of the most carbon-intensive in the world – is threatening South Africa’s exports and will weaken an already fragile manufacturing sector.
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Metals value chains in a climate-compatible world: A just transition approach
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies
This policy brief aims to lay the ground for a just transition in South Africa’s metals value chain as it pertains to climate change only. It contributes to understanding: a) the nature of the impacts facing the value chain; b) the characteristics of the stakeholders at risks (namely workers, communities and small businesses); and c) the nature of the resilience plan which is required to ensure a just transition.
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What wine industry can do to keep its fizz amid rising threats
Business Day
The sector is stuck between a weak position in global markets and a rising climate regime hindering market access
Other authorsSee publication -
Switching to green economy a holistic shift across entire society
Business Day
A just transition must be at the core of the process and sustainability embedded in the state’s industrial policy
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The global climate change regime and its impacts on South Africa's trade and competitiveness: A data note on South Africa's exports
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies
This report aims to shed light on the trade-related risks faced by South Africa as a result of the global transition to a low-carbon economy by delving into underlying factors and unpacking South Africa’s trade patterns from a carbon perspective.
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A case for water and sanitation in South Africa's post-lockdown economic recovery stimulus package (Policy Brief)
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies
As South Africa responds to COVID-19 and aims to stimulate the economy and job creation post the lockdown through an infrastructure-led package, an opportunity should not be missed to address many of the water and sanitation challenges in the country. This is much needed and would provide multiple benefits, not only for the economy but also for the poor communities that need the infrastructure and services as well as municipalities that require strengthening of their water and wastewater…
As South Africa responds to COVID-19 and aims to stimulate the economy and job creation post the lockdown through an infrastructure-led package, an opportunity should not be missed to address many of the water and sanitation challenges in the country. This is much needed and would provide multiple benefits, not only for the economy but also for the poor communities that need the infrastructure and services as well as municipalities that require strengthening of their water and wastewater infrastructure. This policy brief looks at the benefits of including water and sanitation in the country’s stimulus package and considers possible avenues to do so.
Other authorsSee publication -
A case for water and sanitation in South Africa's post-lockdown economic recovery stimulus package (Working Paper)
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies
As South Africa responds to COVID-19 as well as aims to stimulate the economy and job creation post the lockdown through an infrastructure-led package, an opportunity should not be missed to address many of the water and sanitation challenges in the country. This is much needed and would provide multiple benefits not only to the economy but also the poor communities that need the infrastructure and services, as well as municipalities that require strengthening of their water and wastewater…
As South Africa responds to COVID-19 as well as aims to stimulate the economy and job creation post the lockdown through an infrastructure-led package, an opportunity should not be missed to address many of the water and sanitation challenges in the country. This is much needed and would provide multiple benefits not only to the economy but also the poor communities that need the infrastructure and services, as well as municipalities that require strengthening of their water and wastewater infrastructure. This working paper looks at the benefits of including water and sanitation in the country’s stimulus package and considers possible avenues to do so.
Other authorsSee publication -
Harnessing electric vehicles for industrial development in South Africa
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa
This report explores the universe of policy interventions available to support the EV value chain in SA, both from a market development and industrial development perspective.
Other authorsSee publication -
Managing economic risks linked to climate change: Securing market access for South African wines
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies
This paper unpacks the green protectionism dynamics affecting the domestic wine value chain that stand to be a growing risk moving forward. The paper also explores the factors that make it particularly difficult and yet necessary for South African producers to adapt to this new genus of regulation.
Other authorsSee publication -
We can go green if we don’t let the crisis go to waste
Business Day
Covid-19 crisis offers an opportunity to reset our unsustainable development pathway and tackle climate change and injustice
Other authorsSee publication -
A case for renewable energy in South Africa’s post-lockdown economic recovery stimulus package
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies
As South Africa responds to COVID-19 and aims to stimulate the economy post lockdown through an infrastructure-led package, an opportunity exists to address many of the electricity-related challenges in the country by unlocking the potential of renewable energy technologies. This policy brief looks at the benefits of including renewable energy in the country’s stimulus package and considers possible avenues to do so.
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The Covid-19 crisis and the climate: A bittersweet moment
Daily Maverick
What is required to mitigate climate change and its impacts is a large-scale, worldwide response, such as the one triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. The current crisis demonstrates that a rapid, ambitious, global response is possible.
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The future of chemicals is in your dustbin
Daily Maverick
Biomaterials are an industry of tomorrow and offer a pathway for a sustainable chemicals future that is good for health and the environment. South Africa has an opportunity to be ahead of the curve and position itself as a leader in the field. But are business and government ready to invest out of the box?
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Green economy policy review of South Africa's industrial policy framework
United Nations Environment Programme, Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and Department of Science and Innovation
This report reviews South Africa’s industrial policy, from an inclusive green economy lens. It investigates the extent to which South Africa’s industrial policy is responding to, if not driving, the country’s transition.
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Measurement of green economy research and development 2010/11-2016/17
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies and Department of Science and Technology
The purpose of the study was to assess progress made towards the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) target set by DSI for the period 2014-2019. TIPS, in collaboration with the DSI and CeSTII, refined the understanding of green R&D, enhancing an initial 2025 study. This report provides the adjusted figures for the 2010/11-2012/13 period and also shows the trends in green R&D expenditure over seven years, from 2010/11 to 2016/17.
Other authorsSee publication -
Five principles to observe for a just climate transition
Business Day
The climate change commission will have to soften the potential for job losses in almost every sector of the economy.
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Greener economy good for small business and climate change
Business Day
Products and services from environmental adaptation are feasible with incentives and support for entrepreneurs
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The electric vehicle — great opportunities and serious threats for SA
Business Day
Left in the hands of market forces the transition from fuel-run cars will be inequitable, slashing jobs and benefiting the wealthy
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All is not green: Climate change adaptation and small business resilience in low- and middle-income countries
Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA)
Climate change impacts are being felt in low- and middle-income countries at an ever-increasing pace. The high dependency on climate-sensitive sectors as well as high vulnerability to climate change raise the need for quick responses and action. These climate events wreak havoc, ripping apart the fabric of societies, economies, and lives. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vital components of economies and particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
This paper…Climate change impacts are being felt in low- and middle-income countries at an ever-increasing pace. The high dependency on climate-sensitive sectors as well as high vulnerability to climate change raise the need for quick responses and action. These climate events wreak havoc, ripping apart the fabric of societies, economies, and lives. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vital components of economies and particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
This paper explores three inter-related themes: the material risks that small businesses face, the state of adaptation in low- and middle-income countries, and potential recommendations on a way forward. It is part of a series of background papers commissioned by the Global Commission on Adaptation.Other authorsSee publication -
Developing a biomaterials industry in South Africa: Action plan and implementation strategy
United Nations Partnership for Action on Green Economy (UN PAGE), Department of Environmental Affairs, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Economic Development Department
Biomaterials – plastics and composite-like technologies derived from waste and plant matter – offer an opportunity to help reduce the environmental impact of traditional plastics, while safeguarding the economic contribution made by the plastics and chemicals industry. This report proposes an action plan and implementation strategy to further the development of the sector in South Africa. It aims to both reinforce existing initiatives, and offer suggestions for new approaches, with the goal of…
Biomaterials – plastics and composite-like technologies derived from waste and plant matter – offer an opportunity to help reduce the environmental impact of traditional plastics, while safeguarding the economic contribution made by the plastics and chemicals industry. This report proposes an action plan and implementation strategy to further the development of the sector in South Africa. It aims to both reinforce existing initiatives, and offer suggestions for new approaches, with the goal of deepening the value chain and removing barriers. It takes a problem-solving approach, which involves identifying barriers and gaps in the market for biomaterials and identifying government policies that can fill these gaps.
Other authorsSee publication -
Electricity supply in South Africa: Path dependency or decarbonisation?
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies
Renewable energy technologies have experienced an exponential growth in South Africa, thanks to the procurement of large-scale power plants. However, South Africa’s electricity sector still lacks a level playing field. Significant vested interests have maintained overwhelming support for centralised, coal-based electricity generation, preventing the development of renewable energy technologies to their optimal potential. Active efforts are required to enhance the transformation of electricity…
Renewable energy technologies have experienced an exponential growth in South Africa, thanks to the procurement of large-scale power plants. However, South Africa’s electricity sector still lacks a level playing field. Significant vested interests have maintained overwhelming support for centralised, coal-based electricity generation, preventing the development of renewable energy technologies to their optimal potential. Active efforts are required to enhance the transformation of electricity supply in the country by truly incorporating the low-carbon transition in electricity planning, opening the policy space for the development of embedded generation, and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies.
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The two shall become one: Overcoming the stalemate between industrial and climate change policies
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies
Industrial development and climate change mitigation have historically been opposed to each other. This is reflected in the industrial and climate change policy frameworks in South Africa. As a result of these two opposing frameworks and the disruptive and complex nature of the necessary transition to a low-carbon economy, the emergence of a climate change regime is seen as a threat and a risk to industrial development. Without immediate and ambitious action, the dichotomy between industrial…
Industrial development and climate change mitigation have historically been opposed to each other. This is reflected in the industrial and climate change policy frameworks in South Africa. As a result of these two opposing frameworks and the disruptive and complex nature of the necessary transition to a low-carbon economy, the emergence of a climate change regime is seen as a threat and a risk to industrial development. Without immediate and ambitious action, the dichotomy between industrial development and climate change mitigation is moreover due to amplify. This raises the need to overcome the limited prism of analysis focused on incompatibility. This policy brief aims to contribute to filling the gap by investigating the interplay between industrial and climate change policies, the compatibility of the two frameworks and the options to manage the transition. This policy brief first argues that South Africa’s institutional arrangement and policy vision for industrial development and climate change are mainly mutually beneficial and provide an opportunity for a holistic approach. Second, the necessity for South Africa to position the country on short-term trade-offs associated with the cost of the transition is put forward. Third, the need for a strategic discovery and policy impact assessment process is ascertained.
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The Interplay between Mining and Green Economy in South Africa: An Energy Lens
Université Pierre-Mendès-France
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Mining value chains and green growth in South Africa: A conflictual but intertwined relationship
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS)
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Repositioning electricity planning at the core: An evaluation of South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) and the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac)
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Lessons from South Africa's Renewable Energy Regulatory and Procurement Experience
Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences
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The impact of electricty price increases on the competitiveness of selected mining sector and smelting value chains in South Africa: Has it incentivised mining-related companies to invest in renewable energy, cogeneration and energy efficiency?
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)
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Review of Regulators Orientation and Performance: Review of Regulation in Renewable Energy
Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development at the University of Johannesburg
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Review of Regulators Orientation and Performance: Review of Regulation in the Electricity Supply Industry
Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development at the University of Johannesburg
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Are we ready to seize green opportunities?
Business Day
The growth of a green economy in SA presents an opportunity to create jobs, among many other benefits.
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Tracking Climate Finance Inflows to South Africa
Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques
Languages
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Français
Native or bilingual proficiency
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Anglais
Native or bilingual proficiency
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Espagnol
Full professional proficiency
More activity by Gaylor
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SA's imports of #solarpanels reached R2.2bn in H1 2024, back to levels seen in 2022. With loadshedding not underpinning demand anymore and the…
SA's imports of #solarpanels reached R2.2bn in H1 2024, back to levels seen in 2022. With loadshedding not underpinning demand anymore and the…
Shared by Gaylor Montmasson-Clair
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Earlier this year, United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres set up a Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. In African countries…
Earlier this year, United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres set up a Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. In African countries…
Liked by Gaylor Montmasson-Clair
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What countries are leading the #solarpower rollout in Africa? Chinese exports of solar panels provide some insights. South Africa leads the way…
What countries are leading the #solarpower rollout in Africa? Chinese exports of solar panels provide some insights. South Africa leads the way…
Shared by Gaylor Montmasson-Clair
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Last week the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) cohosted an event in Pretoria with the Embassy of China as we head into the…
Last week the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) cohosted an event in Pretoria with the Embassy of China as we head into the…
Liked by Gaylor Montmasson-Clair
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📸Photos from our policy dialogue ‘China-Africa Win-Win Partnership on Climate Change and a Just Transition’ held on 15 August. Ahead of the…
📸Photos from our policy dialogue ‘China-Africa Win-Win Partnership on Climate Change and a Just Transition’ held on 15 August. Ahead of the…
Liked by Gaylor Montmasson-Clair
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The rollout of #SolarPower in Africa continues to lag behind the rest of the world, as depicted by Chinese exports of solar panels. Africa only…
The rollout of #SolarPower in Africa continues to lag behind the rest of the world, as depicted by Chinese exports of solar panels. Africa only…
Shared by Gaylor Montmasson-Clair
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“There are about 2500 Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. If every one of these restaurants served 100 people a day each (a massive stretch)…
“There are about 2500 Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. If every one of these restaurants served 100 people a day each (a massive stretch)…
Liked by Gaylor Montmasson-Clair
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After a two-week vacation traveling through Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, I’m back at work. As an Economist specializing in #Just #Transition, I…
After a two-week vacation traveling through Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, I’m back at work. As an Economist specializing in #Just #Transition, I…
Liked by Gaylor Montmasson-Clair
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