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Collaboration is key for success of MSMEs

Source: Government of South Africa

The Deputy Minister of Finance, Ashor Sarupen, has emphasised the importance of governments, the private sector, development finance institutions, and multilateral partners working together to create an enabling environment for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to succeed. 

Addressing an official side event of South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency, Sarupen highlighted that MSMEs are the backbone of every economy – accounting for over 90% of businesses globally.

“The private sector plays a key role—not only in providing capital, but also in driving innovation and market access. Emerging partnerships with non-bank finance actors—such as equity, crowdfunding, and venture capital—are promising and must be scaled to close the MSME funding gap,” the Deputy Minister said on Monday in Johannesburg.

In South Africa, MSMEs represent 91% of formal businesses, provide 60% of jobs, and contribute up to 34% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  

“Their impact is clear, and so is our responsibility to create an environment that enables their success. The informal sector also holds potential to address unemployment yet remains excluded from adequate support. It contributes 6% to GDP and 17% to employment but continues to struggle with growth and productivity,” Sarupen said.

He was addressing the Global SME Finance Forum – an official side event of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion Working Group.

“In line with the G20/ Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Principles on SME Financing, we must support diverse instruments, enhance transparency, improve financial literacy, and promote timely payments. Together, we can build ecosystems that are inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready,” he explained.

Inclusive financial sector

South Africa’s efforts include the National Treasury’s Financial Inclusion Policy, approved in 2023, which sets a framework to build a more inclusive financial sector. 

It focuses on deepening inclusion for individuals, expanding access to MSMEs, and diversifying financial channels.

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Eskom historical steam locomotives to be preserved

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Eskom has entered into a lease agreement for its historically significant steam locomotives in a bid to ensure the locomotives’ preservation and continued operation.

The power utility announced on Monday that the successful bidder for the five-year lease is New Cape Central Railway Ltd.

“At Eskom, we acknowledge our duty not only to deliver electricity but also to safeguard the valuable heritage assets entrusted to us.

“By opting for a lease arrangement rather than a sale, Eskom retains custodianship of these assets, affirming its commitment to heritage preservation as a proudly South African company,” Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said.

Eskom Rotek Industries Chief Executive Officer, Hector Danisa, said: “These iconic locomotives have powered the energy industry for more than a century. This milestone demonstrates our shared commitment to persevering them and making them accessible through structured partnerships, keeping their legacy for many years to come.

“They form a vital part of South Africa’s industrial and cultural legacy and rich history.”

The handover of the historical locomotives – held at Eskom Rotek Industries – coincides with South Africa’s Heritage Month, held under the theme, “Reimagine Heritage Institutions for a New Era”.

In that vein, Eskom explained that the locomotives were leased to a “qualified heritage organisation, ensuring their preservation and continued operation”.

“This process was conducted in close consultation with the South African Heritage Resources Agency and the Heritage Railway Association of South Africa, who provided guidance to ensure compliance with national heritage standards.

“The treasured collection of these locomotives was once housed at the South African National Rail and Steam Museum in Krugersdorp. Originally intended for restoration and public exhibition, these locomotives were retrieved from the now-defunct museum.

“Eskom has now entered into this lease agreement for these locomotives, thereby securing a new future for these pieces of South African rail history,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SIU investigation into Water Department expanded

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will expand its investigation into allegations of serious maladministration at the Department of Water and Sanitation to include the “Drop the Block” Project.

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation amending an earlier proclamation authorising the corruption busting unit to probe the department.

“Proclamation 287 of 2025 expands the scope of the SIU’s investigation to include the “Drop the Block” Project and its implementation by the department and its implementing agents, which are Lepelle Northern Water and Sedibeng Water.

“This also encompasses any suppliers or service providers appointed by the department, Lepelle Northern Water, and Sedibeng Water for the ‘Drop the Block’ Project. Initially, the investigation was limited to the department and Sedibeng Water only,” the SIU said in a statement.

The time frame of the investigation has also been extended to now start from 1 January 2015 and end on 12 September 2025.

“The scope of the investigation also encompasses any unlawful or improper conduct by department officials or employees, as well as applicable suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity that has caused or may cause serious harm to the public’s interests.

“Furthermore, the investigation will also establish whether there was any unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money.

“In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses,” the unit said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Egypt’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Joins African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO


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Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, will speak at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, taking place October 1-3. During the event, Minister Badawi will participate in the high-level Ministerial Forum, where he is expected to showcase emerging opportunities across Egypt’s mining industry.

Minister Badawi will also join the Strengthening Middle East and Africa Partnerships in Mining for Sustainable Growth panel. During the session, he is anticipated to outline how cooperation with Middle Eastern partners – such as Saudi Arabia’s Al-Haitham Mining Company – has strengthened the development of the Egyptian mining industry.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

The Minister’s participation comes as Egypt accelerates the rollout of a six-pillar mining strategy aimed at increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP growth from less than 1% to 6% by 2030. This strategy is underpinned by enhanced production across strategic sectors. Notably, the country strives to increase gold output to 800,000 ounces per annum by 2030. To achieve this goal, Minister Badawi held meetings with seismic survey firms – including the Arabian Geophysical and Surveying Company, Metatek, Excalibur and Novia – in August 2025 to partner on the development of a national geological database. Egypt is also partnering with BRICS members to establish a joint geological platform focused on knowledge transfer, strategic mineral exploration and seismic studies. Under the leadership of Minister Badawi, the country has also inked exploration agreements with major players such as AngloGold Ashanti, Nubia Mines Company and Aton Resources.

At AMW 2025, Minister Badawi is also expected to outline a series of policy reforms designed to attract foreign investment. In early 2025, Egypt restructured the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority into the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority, thereby establishing an independent body with a mandate to streamline licensing and strengthen commercial operations. The launch of a pilot Track License Portal has also already reduced the average time to secure mining permits to just 20 days, showcasing Egypt’s commitment to fast-track industry expansion through increased cooperation with global investors. Under the leadership of Badawi, the country is also increasing engagement with global multilateral institutions, including the International Finance Corporation, to accelerate investment flow in the sector. In 2024, Egypt ranked as the largest recipient of funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, securing EUR 1.5 billion of the institution’s EUR 2.4 billion.

Amidst Egypt’s growing pipeline of projects, robust reforms and international partnerships, AMW 2025 offers a strategic platform for Minister Badawi to engage with global stakeholders and showcase the country’s burgeoning mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Law Firm Sidley Austin Confirms African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 Participation as an Associate Sponsor

Source: APO


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American global law firm Sidley Austin has confirmed its participation as an Associate Sponsor at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1–3, 2025, in Cape Town. The firm’s participation underscores its commitment to supporting Africa’s mining sector growth for economic expansion and job creation.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

AMW 2025 will connect Sidley Austin with African and global stakeholders for deal signings and strategic partnerships aimed at advancing the continent’s extractive industry. The firm has been instrumental in driving Africa’s mining sector growth, providing innovative legal strategies enabling global investors to invest in Africa and unlock the continent’s growing mining prospects.

In June 2025, Sidley Austin served as legal advisor to investment firm Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. in its merger with Namib Minerals and Greenstone Corporation, bolstering capital for gold and green minerals production in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe. In January 2025, Sidley Austin also advised U.S. investment firm Rigel Resource Acquisition Corp. in its acquisition of South Africa’s Aurous Resource. The deal enables Aurous Resources to expand gold production at the Blyvooruitzicht mine from 11,000 ounces in the first half of 2024 to 80,000 ounces per year within three years and to 150,000 ounces.

With investment flows into African mining increasing as global players seek to leverage Africa’s 30% share of the world’s critical minerals, firms like Sidley Austin play a pivotal role in structuring and facilitating deals. Furthermore, as mineral-rich African nations – including Mali, Gabon, South Africa, Ghana and Zimbabwe – update policies to attract investment while emphasizing local beneficiation, services offered by Sidley Austin are crucial in helping global investors navigate regulatory and operational complexities.

At AMW 2025, Sidley Austin representatives will participate in high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions, showcasing the firm’s expertise and strategic role in shaping Africa’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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SA reaffirms commitment to sustainable fuels

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina,  has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to advancing sustainable fuels and hydrogen energy.

Addressing the Ministerial Meeting on Sustainable Fuels, Gina highlighted the country’s strides in decarbonising its economy, despite its historically carbon-intensive profile.

The Deputy Minister, who is currently on an official visit to Japan, stressed the importance of international collaboration.

“The intention is, therefore, to utilise this meeting platform to enhance our efforts, in line with the global momentum on sustainable fuels, in collaboration with the relevant countries and international organisations,” Gina said on Monday.

She recognised the pivotal role of sustainable fuels in climate action, stressing that they are essential to South Africa’s decarbonisation drive, which is aimed at powering industries, transport systems and the wider economy, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the country’s climate commitments.

The Deputy Minister pointed to robust policy frameworks, such as the Biofuel Regulatory Framework (BRF), and support for research and innovation as central to South Africa’s strategy.

“One of the key drivers of expanding the scale-up, production and utilisation of sustainable fuels is the creation of robust policy and regulatory frameworks, as well as promoting the support and collaboration in research, development and innovation aimed at cost reduction and deployment of key technologies and infrastructure for sustainable fuels, including carbon capture, use and storage,” she explained.

Hydrogen

In addition to sustainable fuels, Ginq told those attending high-level ministerial meetings
that South Africa is expanding its focus to include hydrogen.

“By building global supply chains and forging cross-border projects, we can ensure that sustainable fuels flow seamlessly across regions, strengthening both energy security and economic resilience.”

At the 7th Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, Gina addressed delegates under the theme, ‘Demand Creation’ and underscored the need to build both supply and demand for hydrogen.

“While supply chains for hydrogen and its derivatives are advancing at remarkable speed, their long-term success will depend on our collective ability to generate and sustain demand,” she said.

South Africa’s efforts include establishing hydrogen valleys and hubs and supporting projects like the Platinum Valley Initiative (PVI).

“Within this corridor, hubs have been identified to support decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors such as chemicals, steel, and cement; to drive hydrogen mobility through mining haul trucks and buses; and to introduce hydrogen into the power sector”, the Deputy Minister said.

Tax incentives

To further stimulate demand, she cited the introduction of tax incentives for manufacturing new energy vehicles, including hydrogen-powered vehicles.

One such example is the PVI, the South African version of the Hydrogen Valley, stretching from the north of the country to the east coast at the Port of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal.

“South Africa has introduced tax incentives through the Taxation Laws Amendment Act No. 42 of 2024 for the manufacturing of new energy vehicles, including hydrogen-powered vehicles, aimed at stimulating local production and creating a strong market for both battery electric and hydrogen mobility,” Gina said.

She also called for an inclusive transition, saying the creation of a sustainable fuel future must also incorporate just, inclusive and transformative principles.

“Training, reskilling, and knowledge transfer will ensure that the transition creates jobs, builds industries, and uplifts communities across the globe.”

The Deputy Minister is currently in Japan until Thursday to engage with Japanese officials on international collaboration, demand stimulation, and supply chain development between the two nations.  

READ | Gina heads to Japan to advance relations on hydrogen, sustainable fuels

The Ministerial Meetings are held in collaboration with Expo 2025 Osaka, an event that brings together people and innovations from around the world to address global issues and showcase Japan’s technological capabilities in achieving a hydrogen-powered society.

From 16 – 18 September, the Deputy Minister will engage in discussions with representatives from the Japanese government, academic institutions, and commercial entities.

The discussions will focus on science, technology and innovation-related matters, such as nanotechnology, carbon recycling, astronomy and space science technologies. – SAnews.gov.za

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Afreximbank and South African Government sign landmark Joint Project Preparation Facility Agreement to accelerate infrastructure development

Source: APO – Report:

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has marked a significant milestone in infrastructure development in Africa with the signing of a landmark Joint Project Preparation Facility (JPPF) Facility Agreement with the Government of the Republic of South Africa.

The agreement was formalised during a ceremony on the margins of the just concluded Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria. It aims to expedite the preparation of vital infrastructure projects by the Government’s Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) Programme within the National Department of Public Works And Infrastructure.  

The JPPF is designed to co-finance preparation and delivery of high-quality, bankable projects across several critical sectors, including energy, transport and logistics, and digital infrastructure. This transformative partnership is expected to unlock investments totalling to at least US$ 750 million, significantly contributing to the country’s economic development.  

By combining Afreximbank’s financial expertise with strategic oversight of ISA, the partnership seeks to create a robust pipeline of bankable projects essential for closing South Africa’s infrastructure gap. This initiative is expected to stimulate industrialisation and attract both public and private sector investments.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr. Kenny Molong, Deputy Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, underscored the importance of this collaboration, stating: “The slow progression of project concepts into fully implemented projects often stems from insufficient vigour in the project preparation phase. This partnership with Afreximbank positions us to transform concepts into viable infrastructure projects that will attract private sector financing and deliver socio-economic benefits. Collaboration is key; no single nation or organisation has all the answers.” 

Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Afreximbank’s Managing Director of Export Development expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: “We are pleased to partner with Government of South Africa, a pivotal regional economic powerhouse, to address its infrastructure challenges. Our goal is to establish a cohesive and interconnected infrastructure ecosystem that will elevate South Africa’s competitiveness and spur economic development, extending benefits beyond its borders into the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region thereby promoting Intra-African trade and regional integration. Through this partnership, we aim to mobilise essential funding and technical expertise to de-risk projects at a critical stage in their development, enhancing the quality and speed of infrastructure delivery.”

Ms Doherty emphasised Afreximbank’s commitment to collaborating with government entities and welcomed the opportunity to partner with other governments to maximise the impact of this strategic intervention in Global Africa.

Ms Mameetse Masemola, Acting Head of Infrastructure South Africa welcomed this partnership as long overdue, she said: “This is a huge milestone for ISA that will go a long way in developing a credible infrastructure pipeline as mandated by H.E President Cyril Ramaphosa.”

The just ended IATF2025 was a huge success, exceeding all its initial projections. The event drew over 112,000 participants, both in person and virtually, and generated more than $48 billion in trade deals. It featured over 2,100 exhibitors and was attended by 20 Heads of State and Government representatives, along with several ministers and other senior government officials and leading businesspeople. It was hosted by the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and organised by Afreximbank in partnership with the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

Introduced in 2018, IATF is a platform for businesses to showcase their goods and services to visitors and buyers while exploring opportunities and exchanging information. It aims to tap into opportunities from AfCFTA’s single market of over 1.4 billion people and GDP of over US$3.5 trillion.

For more information, please visit www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media contact:
media@intrafricatradefair.com
press@afreximbank.com

About the Intra-African Trade Fair:
Organised by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), African Union Commission (AUC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development.

Media files

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UNHRC Unanimously Adopts Resolution to Hold Emergency Debate on Israeli Attack on Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, September 15, 2025

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution to hold an emergency debate Tuesday, on Israel’s September 9 attack against the State of Qatar.

This emergency debate was requested during the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva by HE Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the UN in Geneva Bilal Ahmad, on behalf of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Group and HE Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait Naser Al Hayen, on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

In his speech, HE Permanent Representative of Algeria to the UN Office and International Organizations in Geneva Rachid Bladehane, explained the Arab Group’s support for the call by the GCC and the OIC to hold an emergency discussion session.

During the session, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, emphasized that holding this emergency discussion represents an opportunity for peace-loving countries to demonstrate their condemnation of this barbaric act and outdated arrogance, and an opportunity for the Human Rights Council to fulfill its duty to promote universal respect for all human rights values ​​and principles, as stipulated in General Assembly resolution 60/251, which established it.

She expressed her hope that this emergency discussion would demonstrate the seriousness, cohesion, and unity of the Human Rights Council in confronting the repercussions of this treacherous military attack on human rights, which represents yet another episode in a continuing pattern of violations and crimes committed by Israel in the region amid the international community’s inability to hold it accountable.

Her Excellency said that Qatar, an active member of the Human Rights Council, the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has been subjected to this blatant attack because of its role as a mediator working to host negotiations, facilitate dialogue to reach a ceasefire, and promote the language of negotiation over the barbaric logic of force, from which the world has reaped nothing but genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and gross violations of human rights.

HE Al Muftah emphasized that this treacherous attack on a country hosting negotiations and negotiators is a clear message from the party that carried it out that it does not recognize peaceful dialogue or negotiation, and does not care about the lives of others, not even the lives of its own people, whom we have been striving to find a peaceful settlement from which they can benefit.

Her Excellency noted that the Israeli Prime Minister is pushing Israel toward international isolation and transforming it into a rogue state. His attack on the State of Qatar confirms that he was not negotiating in good faith, but rather was tampering with the security and stability of the region.

Israel should know that arbitrary force, devoid of legitimacy and wisdom, has only created graveyards and more victims and prisoners in human history, she added.

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Qatar Denounces Israeli Strike on Doha as Brazen Violation of Sovereignty at UN Rights Council

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, September 15, 2025

Qatar has strongly condemned the recent Israeli attack on a residential area in Doha as a blatant violation of its sovereignty and international law.

The remarks were delivered by HE Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, during an interactive dialogue within the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC60).

Dr. Al Muftah was referring to the September 9 attack on the residences of Hamas’ negotiating team – an assault, which occurred near schools, mosques, and diplomatic missions, and esulted in civilian casualties.

Her Excellency warned that the attack not only breached the UN Charter and human rights treaties, but also directly undermined diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace in the region.

Qatar was attacked for its role as a mediator, Dr. Al Muftah said. Instead of being recognized for facilitating peaceful dialogue, Doha was treacherously targeted by the very party it was engaging with to promote human rights and peace, she added.

Her Excellency described the attack as armed, cowardly, and treacherous, adding that it represents a dangerous precedent — one that threatens any future peace negotiations and disregards the principles of diplomatic immunity and international norms.

Despite the aggression, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to its mediating role, pledging to continue working as a neutral and credible international partner in pursuit of peace and regional stability.

Dr. Al Muftah called on the international community and the Human Rights Council to take a clear stand against such criminal acts and ensure accountability.

She emphasized that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Charter — a reminder, she said, of the fundamental global commitment to reject the use of force in international relations.

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South Africa’s Department of International Relations & Cooperation Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Partner

Source: APO


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South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has officially joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference as a partner. Taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, the event is the largest energy event on the continent, convening global and regional stakeholders to discuss strategies for making energy poverty history. DIRCO’s participation reflects its commitment to engaging global partners and promoting South Africa’s energy interests and is expected to unlock new opportunities for collaboration.

DIRCO’s participation comes as South Africa advances a just energy transition, striving to establish its own approach to addressing both the energy and climate crises. Rich in a variety of natural resources – from oil and gas to solar and wind to green hydrogen, nuclear and coal – the country seeks to facilitate greater investment across these industries. By strengthening bilateral relations through agreements that focus on attracting foreign investment and technology transfer across the entire energy value chain, DIRCO is at the forefront of South Africa’s global energy engagement. The department’s AEW: Invest in African Energies partnerships reflects its continued support for transforming the country’s energy systems through global ties.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

South Africa offers a suite of bankable energy projects, and DIRCO has been making strides to engage foreign investors on these opportunities. In the oil and gas space, the country represents a promising frontier, with identified resources across both onshore and offshore basins demonstrating the potential for major discoveries. Driven by the newly-established state-owned oil company – the South African National Petroleum Company – the country is spearheading fresh exploration efforts and promoting frontier acreage to global companies. Ongoing projects include a five-well drilling campaign by Shell in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep block, a two-well campaign by TotalEnergies in the Orange Basin and the onshore Virginia Gas Project, led by Renergen. With a Gas Master Plan currently review and plans to promote licensing opportunities, South Africa is gearing up to welcome a surge of foreign investment across the oil and gas market.

South Africa’s energy opportunities for beyond oil and gas, with critical reforms being implemented across the broader energy market. Faced with power generation and transmission challenges, the country has sought to entice greater private sector investments across the renewable energy and power value chains. Recent efforts to achieve this include unbundling the state-owned utility Eskom, opening transmission infrastructure to independence power producers, fast-tracking project approvals and advancing its Integrated Resource Plan and Renewable Energy Masterplan – both of which pave the way for expanded solar, wind and battery storage deployment. These reforms aim to bring new generating capacity online while enhancing the penetration of renewable energy across the energy matrix.

Global partnerships have become a cornerstone for achieving these goals. The country signed on to the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JET-P) in 2021, striving to tap into a diverse capital pool to fund its transition. Under the JET-P, pledges were made by the European Union, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, with subsequent pledges made by The Netherlands and Denmark. According to the South African Presidency, the country requires $100 billion to facilitate its JET Investment Plan, with $13.8 billion – comprising grants, concessional loans and commercial debt – pledged by international partners as of February 2025. Yet, the country still faces a significant investment gap, highlighting a strategic opportunity for foreign partners and project developers.

“DIRCO’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 is expected to bridge the gap between foreign companies and South Africa’s energy opportunities. By facilitating global cooperation across strategic sectors, the department will support the country’s energy goals by serving as a vehicle for improved foreign relations,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.