The Program will support the Metro Trading Services Grant of the Government of South Africa, a performance-based incentive aimed at addressing critical infrastructure gaps and institutional shortcomings in provision of trading services in the Metros. The Program comprises three components. Component 1 focuses on improving operational performance through targeted investments in physical infrastructure and digital systems across the three trading services. Component 2 aims to enhance the financial performance of trading services, while Component 3 supports institutional strengthening including capacity building.

The Program aims to enhance infrastructure performance, financial sustainability and institutional governance across the three trading services in the eight Metros. The Program is expected to directly and indirectly benefit the 24 million residents of the Metros through improved service delivery, contributing to better living conditions and a stronger urban investment climate in line with the South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030.

The National Treasury will be responsible for the overall Program management. The eight metropolitan municipalities will ensure implementation of activities to achieve the objectives of the Program. The implementation period for the Program is six years from FY2026 to FY2031.

The Program has been categorized as Category B in accordance with the NDB Environment and Social Framework (NDB ESF). The Program presents moderate environmental and social (E&S) impacts arising from low- to medium-risk activities pertaining to public infrastructure upgrades at existing water and sanitation, electricity, and solid waste facilities can be readily identified, assessed, and effectively mitigated. E&S impacts and risks will be mitigated by adhering to country system requirements and implementing actions as outlined in the Environmental and Social Impact Management Plan developed for the Program.