Hear us speak at YES! 2025 Cape Town

Bertha Tobias, a Rhodes Scholar and MSc Environment and Enterprise student at Oxford University, brought a bold, future-facing perspective to both panels she joined.

In the “Solar: Africa’s Special Power” discussion, she explored how large-scale solar projects are reshaping the continent’s energy outlook and stressed the importance of solar in building a resilient and inclusive energy supply.

In the “Gas and Coal as Enablers of the Energy Transition” session, she challenged traditional thinking around fossil fuels, urging a balanced and pragmatic approach that prioritises both current energy realities and long-term sustainability.

Tshifhiwa Bernard Magoro, former Head of South Africa’s IPP Office (2020–2025), shared grounded insights during the “Solar: Africa’s Special Power” session.

Drawing from his leadership in South Africa’s renewable energy rollout, he spoke to the transformative impact of mega solar projects and the evolving role of solar in securing Africa’s energy future. His perspective offered both strategic policy depth and real-world implementation experience.

Jane Nakasamu, Co-Founder of Greenbelt Energy in Zambia, joined the “Success Stories from YES! Walk with Me Alumni” session to share her inspiring journey.

Through YES!, she secured a consultancy role and now contributes to the development of three renewable energy projects in Zambia — a clear example of youth turning opportunity into real-world impact.

Layton Nenzinane, CFO at Seriti Green, took part in the “Ask the Experts” session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders.

He offered valuable insight into his career journey, the responsibilities of a CFO in the renewable energy space, and what it takes to drive impactful change within one of South Africa’s key green energy players.

Gloria Kuyoh, Project Manager for Productive Uses of Renewable Energy (PURE) at GOGLA, shared her expertise across multiple sessions.

In “From Access to Impact: The Youth PURE Revolution,” she highlighted how renewable energy can drive real change in communities when linked to productive uses — and how youth are leading that charge.

In “Youth Innovation in Future Energy Technologies,” she spoke on the power of young innovators to shape Africa’s energy future, emphasizing the need for industry support to turn bold ideas into scalable solutions.

Andrew Herscowitz, CEO of the Mission 300 (M300) Accelerator at RF Catalytic Capital, joined the “Powering Youth Innovation, Jobs and Enterprise in Africa” session to explore how targeted investment and catalytic partnerships can unlock opportunities for Africa’s youth.

He emphasized the critical role of entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive financing in building a future-ready energy workforce.

Haruna Inuwa, an Energy Systems Modelling & Future Fuels Researcher at the University of Oxford, brought both personal perspective and technical insight to his sessions.

In “Success Stories from YES! Walk with Me Alumni,” he reflected on how attending YES! expanded his view of the energy sector and helped forge connections that contributed to his Oxford journey.

In “Energy Transition: What Does Africa Want?” he offered a thoughtful take on what a realistic, inclusive transition could look like — and the kinds of jobs and innovation it could unlock across the continent.

Lerato Mashiloane, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner Africa at Siemens Energy, featured in the “Recruiters Spotlight” session, where she showcased the company’s commitment to developing future talent.

She highlighted Siemens Energy’s Global Graduate Programme, designed to equip young engineers and innovators with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the energy sector.

Matsepiso Majoro, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Mahlaseli Energy in Lesotho, shared her entrepreneurial journey in the “Success Stories from YES! Walk with Me Alumni” session.

Since attending YES!, she’s expanded her business with a pay-as-you-go model, opened two new branches, and plans to hire over 20 people while partnering with NGOs to bring solar power to schools.

In “The Next Wave of Projects,” she brought a practical lens to project development, speaking to the realities of scaling energy solutions and integrating them into Africa’s wider energy ecosystem.