News

Pele Energy Group – Inspired By A Vision For Structural Change

South Africa’s Pele Green Energy (PGE) was one of 28 inaugural IPPs to be granted a power generation license in 2011. With a narrative of entrepreneurship, innovation and tangible impact, Gqi Raoleka, MD of Pele Green Energy, spoke to EnergyNet about the journey. Pele is 15 years old this year, tell us about your journey as an IPP […]

“We need to balance aspirations for lower-carbon, more sustainable power in Africa, with the availability of affordable, reliable power for all.”

Kenneth Oyakhire, MD and CEO of Services in Sub-Saharan Africa for Gas Power at GE Vernova, gives his view on the mix of solutions needed, and the role that gas can play. “We need to balance aspirations for lower-carbon, more sustainable power in Africa, with the availability of affordable, reliable power for all. To this […]

We Need To Balance Aspirations For Lower-Carbon, More Sustainable Power In Africa, With The Availability Of Affordable, Reliable Power For All.

Kenneth Oyakhire, MD and CEO of Services in Sub-Saharan Africa for Gas Power at GE Vernova, gives his view on the mix of solutions needed, and the role that gas can play. “We need to balance aspirations for lower-carbon, more sustainable power in Africa, with the availability of affordable, reliable power for all. To this […]

Milele Energy – Sustainable Energy Solutions, Enduring Relationships And Transformational Projects

Erik Granskog, CEO Milele Energy, has originated, acquired, developed, and financed over 4,600MW and $5.3BN of renewable and conventional energy investments worldwide. He spoke to EnergyNet about plans, projects, and partnerships. You recently expanded your infrastructure team in Nairobi – are there new projects in the pipeline? At Milele, we are developing a portfolio of […]

“Africa Has A More Difficult Energy Transition Challenge Than Most Other Regions In The World” – Olusola Lawson, Aiim

Olusola Lawson, Co-Managing Director at African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), on the new thinking on finance needed to fund Africa’s energy transition and the important discussions to be had at aef24. What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Africa Energy Forum? AIIM is proud to be sponsoring the AEF this year, […]

Holger Rothenbusch, British International Investment (Bii), On Keeping People Connected And Why Energy Transition Is A Process, Not A Step Change

With over 25 years of experience in development finance in emerging markets including Africa, Holger Rothenbusch leads BII’s infrastructure and climate finance program. He spoke to EnergyNet about supporting economic growth in a new era where infrastructure investments are more challenging and private capital is ever more needed, the importance of collaboration, and what governments […]

Essential Facilitators And Strategic Partners – The Real Role Of Law Firms

Aleem Tharani co-heads the Infrastructure Sector Group at Bowmans. Based in Nairobi, he is acting on significant energy projects in Kenya and in other African countries, including Sierra Leone, Guinea, Uganda, Angola and Malawi. Aleem spoke to EnergyNet about the vital role law firms can play in the energy market, and the unique skills and […]

Navigating The Waters: Addressing Africa’s Water Scarcity Challenges Through Ppp

Water scarcity poses a significant challenge to sustainable development and the well-being of people across the African continent. With factors such as a burgeoning population, changing climate patterns, infrastructural gaps, and uneven distribution of resources, Africa grapples with the tangible consequences of restricted access to clean and safe water sources. According to the 2023 Global […]

Power Pools: A Possible Solution To Africa’s Power Conundrum

In the realm of energy infrastructure, Africa stands at a pivotal juncture. The continent, with its ever-expanding population and growing economy, faces a pressing need for reliable and sustainable energy sources. To give a deeper understanding of the present condition of utilities in Africa, as of 2022, an estimated 600 million people, or about 43% […]

Deg – Patient, Long-Term Investors For Africa

Andreas Cremer, Director of Infrastructure and Energy at DEG, leads the debt financing of renewable energy, green hydrogen and infrastructure projects in Africa and Latin America, with a loan portfolio of over US$ 1 billion. He spoke to EnergyNet about challenges, de-risking, innovations in financing and moving towards a self-sustainable energy sector for Africa. What […]

Dfc, Sierra Leone Promote Access To Reliable Energy With Up To $412 Million In Additional Financing And Political Risk Insurance

DALLAS, TEXAS – The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s (DFC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) Nisha Biswal and Chief Minister of Sierra Leone David Moinina Sengeh today announced up to $412 million in financing and political risk insurance in support of the country’s plans to address rolling blackouts and expand its power system through renewable […]

South Africa’s Fast Growing Numbers Of Virtual Power Plants To Be Optimised With Ai

Increasingly in use in South Africa, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are a network of different power sources such as wind, solar and battery energy storage systems working together, sometimes at different locations. Currently, South Africa has at least five utility-scale VPPs either under construction or in operation but their numbers are expected to increase due […]

IPP Office Announced as Overall Summit Sponsor of the 2025 Youth Energy Summit (YES!)

The IPP Office, a key institution driving South Africa’s energy transition, has consistently prioritised youth and community development in its work. From delivering large-scale renewable energy projects to fostering job creation and skills development, the Office’s mission goes beyond power generation—it’s about powering people. We’re delighted to announce the IPP Office as the Overall Summit […]

Media Release: Red Rocket Reaches Financial Close for South Africa’s Largest Wind Farm

CAPE TOWN, 13 March 2025 – Red Rocket, a leading renewable energy independent power producer, has reached financial close on the first phase of the Overberg Wind Farm, marking a major milestone in South Africa’s clean energy transition. Adding to Red Rocket’s impressive portfolio of wind farms, Overberg Wind Farm will be the latest in […]

Layton Nenzinane – Chief Financial Officer, Seriti Green Chartered Accountant | A Voice for Africa’s Just Energy Transition

Why I Said Yes to YES! Summit 2025

I grew up in a modest home in Thaba Nchu, a town just outside Bloemfontein in the Free State, as the youngest in a medium-sized family with two older siblings. I was surrounded by love, discipline and hope. But life changed quickly. I lost my mother at six and my father at thirteen. Orphanhood wasn’t […]

Mulilo Achieves Financial Close on Groundbreaking 75MW Solar Plant in the Northern Cape

De Aar, South Africa – 18 March 2025 Mulilo, a leading independent power producer in South Africa, has successfully reached Financial Close on the Du Plessis Dam Solar PV2 facility, a 105MW (75MWac) solar photovoltaic project near De Aar in the Northern Cape. This landmark project is one of the first in South Africa to […]

Richard Nelson, Coordinator, Power Africa

Speaker presenting at AEF event

Tech & Power Generation

The Energy Debate: Fossil Fuels vs. Renewables in Africa

H.E Honourable Sédiko Douka, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy & Digitalisation, ECOWAS

H.E Honourable Sédiko Douka, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy & Digitalisation, ECOWAS

H.E. Honourable Charles Umehai, Deputy Minister for Energy, Republic of Liberia: WA-ECS 2024

H.E. Honourable Charles Umehai, Deputy Minister for Energy, Republic of Liberia: WA-ECS 2024

Abstract image featuring elongated shapes

Joseph Anis, President & CEO, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Gas Power, GE Vernova

View from below of a metal structure

Gqi Raoleka, MD, Pele Green Energy

Ademola Ogunbanjo, Executive Vice President, Oando Clean Energy

Theo Xin, Head of Product & Technology, MEA, Trina Solar