We are proud to welcome distinguished guests from nearly 90 countries around the world, with ministers from across the African continent in attendance at aef24. We are here for conversations that engage, for a deep dive into the sector’s key issues and opportunities, the highest level of networking, and the will and purpose to make change happen.
The need for transmission is a pressing topic at aef24. And there’s a big reason why. Between 1980 and 2017, transmission infrastructure increased by 230 percent. In India, it increased by 900 percent over the same time period. It’s estimated that we need $5 billion a year to meet the transmission needs of the continent, to keep up with demand, and to meet expected demand for the future. “We’ve got to do something about this,” said Richard Nelson, Coordinator, Power Africa.
The only thing we can do is include the private sector much more than we are currently.
Africa needs institutions which serve its own challenges, and that means rethinking the way we finance our own infrastructure.
Wale Shonibare, Director Energy Financial Solutions, Policy & Regulations, AfDB
In a significant stride towards advancing renewable energy and empowerment initiatives, the Industrial Development Corporation has concluded three landmark deals that underscore the Corporation’s commitment to driving sustainable development and empowerment initiatives in South Africa.
• Doornhoek Project
• Pele Green Energy
• Meadows Energy
The three deals have set new benchmarks in the IDC’s pursuit of a greener future.
“The IDC is actively transitioning and transforming the South African economy through continued funding of projects forming part of the REIPPP, supporting black and community participation in projects. We are also increasing our support to private sector industrial and commercial businesses to establish their own generation capacity and are promoting local manufacturing of components for the renewable industry,”
Christo Fourie, Head of Energy at the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa
ANNOUNCEMENTS
RELYEZ AND VEERS GROUP ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC JOINT VENTURE TO ADDRESS SOUTH AFRICA’S ENERGY CHALLENGES
RelyEZ, a Bloomberg Tier 1 provider of innovative energy storage solutions, and Veers Group, a pioneer in South Africa’s renewable energy sector, are proud to announce at the African Energy Forum 2024 the formation of a strategic joint venture to address the pressing energy challenges in Southern Africa . This collaboration represents a significant step forward in the quest
for sustainable energy solutions and underlines both companies’ commitment to driving positive change in the region.
Officially incorporated as RelyEZ South Africa (Pty) Ltd, the joint venture will focus on leveraging the combined expertise, resources and technologies of RelyEZ and Veers Group to develop and deploy innovative renewable
TETRA TECH ANNOUNCES CONTINUATION OF POWER AFRICA PARTNERSHIP TO IMPLEMENT EMPOWER WEST AFRICA ACTIVITY
Over the next five years, Tetra Tech’s energy experts will work with governments, development finance institutions, and the private sector to increase access to electricity and advance the transition to more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy sectors. This includes designing and implementing national electrification programs, modernizing transmission and distribution utilities, deploying clean energy technologies, and catalyzing energy investments. This new contract continues Tetra Tech’s 10-year engagement with Power Africa, and will introduce digital tools like smart power meters and AI-based data analytics, e-mobility solutions such as electric vehicles and boats, and capacity-building programs to upskill local workers for renewable energy careers.
energy solutions across Southern Africa. By harnessing the power of renewable resources such as solar, wind and hydro, the company aims to address the energy crisis while driving economic growth and environmental sustainability.
“Our collaboration aims to revolutionize energy storage solutions in Southern Africa, promoting sustainability and fostering community development. We are committed to delivering reliable and efficient energy storage systems that will not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the quality of life for countless communities. This partnership marks a significant step towards a cleaner, greener future, and we are proud to be at the vanguard of this transformative initiative.”
Naomi Zhang, CEO of RelyEZ
We are resolute in our mission to create a sustainable energy sector, ensure job creation and community development that ultimately grows the economy of our country and benefits the citizens of South Africa and broader African continent at large.
Gqi Raoleka, CEO, Pele Green Energy
OFF-GRID ENERGY LEADER ENGIE ENERGY ACCESS LAUNCHES 15 SOLAR MINI-GRIDS IN ZAMBIA, TARGETS 60 BY 2025.
ENGIE Energy Access, Africa’s leading Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) and mini-grid solutions provider, has officially commenced the construction of 15 solar mini-grids in Zambia’s Eastern Province. This initiative is a crucial part of the transformative Increase Access to Electricity and Renewable Energy Production (IAEREP) programme, funded by the 11th European Development Fund and the European Union.
By expanding the adoption of off-grid energy solutions in Zambia, ENGIE Energy Access will provide reliable electricity to underserved families and small businesses, creating economic growth and increasing socio-economic welfare in local communities.
MySol Grid Zambia, a unit of ENGIE Energy Access, is responsible for constructing, owning, operating, and maintaining these minigrids. This ensures that residential, commercial, and productive-use customers have access to dependable and renewable power along with value-adding services.
The first sites in this groundbreaking project include: Lusinde, Kandongwa, Nyimba Mwana, Chidiwa, Chataika, Kanyanga, Petulo, Kasamba, Chidiwa, Mphole, Mung’omba, Kalambana, Mtore, Kondwelani, Lunga, and Luamphande and are scheduled to be operational by the end of 2024.
“We are excited to announce this significant milestone, which brings ENGIE Energy Access closer to achieving its goal of operating 60 mini-grids across five provinces in Zambia. This project supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7, by delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable clean energy to 40,000 people living in rural areas. Our work is an important element of the national electrification plans, and we are committed to collaborating with the authorities to expand energy access and promote sustainable development in Zambia.
Gillian-Alexandre Huart, CEO of ENGIE Energy Access.
It is extraordinarily ambitious, but we do need to change the financing concept on the continent. The principle is interesting –the challenge is coordinating the collective action and achieving buyin from multiple African countries to build a diverse, credible basket mechanism.
Holger Rothenbusch, MD and Head of Infrastructure and Climate, BII
ANNOUNCEMENT
WÄRTSILÄ LAUNCHES WORLD’S FIRST LARGE-SCALE 100% HYDROGEN-READY ENGINE POWER PLANT
Nine days ago, Wärtsilä launched the world’s first large-scale 100% hydrogen-ready engine power plant.
Anders Lindberg, President, Wärtsilä Energy, said: “We will not meet global climate goals or fully decarbonise our power systems without flexible, zero-carbon power generation, which can quickly ramp up and down to support intermittent wind and solar.
“We must be realistic that natural gas will play a part in our power systems for years to come. Our fuel flexible engines can use natural gas today to provide flexibility and balancing, enabling renewable power to thrive. They can then be converted to run on hydrogen when it becomes readily available: future-proofing the journey to net zero.”
This is a major milestone for us as a company, and the energy transition more generally, as our hydrogen-ready engines will enable the 100% renewable power systems of tomorrow.
NIGERIA INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN MINING & Natural Resource Organisation
NIWIMNRO seeks to improve the participation and conditions of women in the artisanal sector through nine approaches that address the challenges and difficulties they face.
Women play a significant role in the Nigerian mining industry, although their contributions are often ignored or undervalued. Artisanal mining refers to small-scale mining activities, typically undertaken by individuals or small groups, often using rudimentary tools and techniques. In Nigeria, artisanal mining is prevalent in various parts of the country, particularly in rural areas where formal employment opportunities may be limited.
Women’s involvement in the artisanal mining industry straddles all the value chain including the digging, processing, washing, crushing,
sorting ores, and transporting of the various minerals, some of which are very harmful to health.
For the women, many who are the key bread winners of their homes, the artisanal mining engagement provides an essential source of their income. In this way, the income earned from the mining contributes considerably to their households’ economic well-being.
Data also reveals that they use their earnings to support their families, including paying for food, education, healthcare, and other basic needs.
NIWIMNRO joins the growing chain of efforts of civic groups and, increasingly, from governments, to distinguish the status of women in artisanal mining, and address gender-specific issues and promote gender equality within the sector that embraces initiatives at enabling women’s access to resources, education, and healthcare, as well as advocating for their rights and safety in the workplace.
NIWIMNRO Mission
To empower and advocate for women artisanal miners, fostering their inclusion, safety, and prosperity within the mining sector while promoting gender equality, sustainable development, and community resilience.
NIWIMNRO Vision
Our vision is a world where women artisanal miners are recognized, valued, and empowered as key contributors to sustainable and equitable
development. We envision thriving communities where women in artisanal mining have access to resources, opportunities, and support systems that enable them to lead dignified and prosperous lives while preserving environmental integrity and fostering social justice.
We are looking at two key to actions:
1. Collaboration and partnership on best practices and knowledge sharing.
2. Financial and technology support
Meet the team on Stand A248.
One group,
multiple solutions
We are one group with a single mission.
We get infrastructure finance moving and multiplying – accelerating climate action and sustainable development where most urgently needed.
Country Spotlights: From Announcement to Implementation
09:00 – 09:45 Investing in Sierra Leone
Solution Provider Insights 09:00 – 10:30 Power Trip: The Case for Private Sector in Distribution Hosted by:
Shaping the Hydrogen Opportunity for Africa - In Partnership with Dii Desert Energy
09:00 – 10:30 Hydrogen Gaining Traction: What’s Tangible in 2024?
Country Spotlights: From Announcement to Implementation
11:00 – 11:45 Roadmap for Energy Sector Growth in Tanzania 11:00 – 12:30 Mining & Critical Minerals Critical Minerals Mining for the Global Energy Transition
Solution Provider Insights
13:30 – 15:00 Power Security & Energy Transition - The Critical Roles of Utilities, Power Pools, Governments & DFIs
Country Spotlights: From Announcement to Implementation 15:30-16:15 Investing in Ghana
