African leaders and key stakeholders in the energy sector will gather in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, to discuss energy security and foster investment.
The 2024 Africa Energy Sector Inward Buying and Investment Mission, scheduled for July 15-19, will bring together 40 delegates from 10 African countries.
The event, organized by the South African Electrotechnical Export Council (SAEEC) and supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC), and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
It will feature representatives from Angola, DRC, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
These delegates will explore South Africa’s energy capabilities and project opportunities across the continent.
Chiboni Evans, CEO of SAEEC, emphasized the significance of this year’s mission coinciding with the operational phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area. “This is a valuable opportunity to lay the foundation for intra-African trade,” Evans stated.
“We are committed to convening this forum as a new era of export opportunities emerges, and we will continue to support boosting export growth in line with the Integrated National Export Strategy,” he added.
According to a 2017 study by Analytix, the South African electrotechnical sector is valued at $58 billion and employs around 280,000 people. Ntshengedzeni Gilbert Maphula, Acting CEO of the ECIC, described the mission as a pivotal moment for Africa’s energy landscape.
“This event fosters unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and investment across Africa,” Maphula said.
Boitumelo Mosako, CEO of DBSA, highlighted the bank’s goal of increasing investment in renewable energy and improving energy security across the continent. “We focus on leveraging funding from diverse investors to support energy infrastructure projects that align with the National Development Plan 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals,” Mosako explained.
Evans expressed enthusiasm for showcasing the expertise of SAEEC member companies in various subsectors, including electrical engineering, manufacturing, and renewable energy solutions.
“This mission provides a unique platform for sharing our extensive knowledge and experience with our African counterparts, fostering collaborations that will lead to sustainable energy development across the continent,” Evans concluded.
