AWEaP and University of Limpopo Equip 60 Entrepreneurs for South Africa’s Energy Transition
AWEaP and University of Limpopo Equip 60 Entrepreneurs for South Africa’s Energy Transition. The African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP) has partnered with the University of Limpopo to host a three-day entrepreneur masterclass aimed at helping entrepreneurs identify business opportunities emerging from South Africa’s just energy transition.
The AWEaP Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Development Programme is being held in Limpopo from 18 to 20 August and brings together 60 entrepreneurs from across the province.
The programme focuses on commercial opportunities in renewable energy, hydrogen, nuclear energy, natural gas and other areas of South Africa’s evolving energy economy.
Limpopo is the third province to host the programme, following cohorts held in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Once the Limpopo programme is completed, AWEaP said more than 160 entrepreneurs will have been developed through the initiative.
The masterclass combines policy, technical knowledge, commercial insights and market access. Participants will explore areas including renewable energy, hydrogen, nuclear energy, natural gas, artificial intelligence, project finance and personal branding.
Bertha Dlamini, founding president of AWEaP, said entrepreneurs need to participate meaningfully in the emerging markets associated with the energy transition.
She said the programme is intended to help entrepreneurs understand where opportunities exist, how to access them and how to develop businesses that contribute to South Africa’s economic growth and energy future.
The programme features speakers from government, academia and industry. Sustainable energy specialist Dr Silas Mulaudzi will cover the policy environment, the Electricity Regulation Act, renewable energy value chains and emerging market opportunities.
Solly Kgopong, interim CEO of the Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone, will discuss Limpopo’s Green Hydrogen Facility, localisation, supplier development and the role of platinum group metals in the hydrogen economy.
Participants will also receive guidance on project finance, investment readiness and funding opportunities from energy project finance specialist Ruse Moleshe.
Other sessions will examine nuclear energy opportunities, artificial intelligence in clean energy businesses and personal branding.
The South African National Energy Development Institute (Sanedi), which is the programme’s patron, will contribute sessions on natural gas and hydrogen energy.
The programme will conclude with entrepreneurs presenting business opportunities to an expert panel for feedback on commercial viability, market entry and investment readiness, followed by a certification ceremony.
AWEaP plans future masterclasses in KwaZulu-Natal, North West and Northern Cape.
