How to promote the localisation of the renewables supply chain

April 03, 2025

Independent power producer (IPP) SolarAfrica and Powerx, a licensed South African energy trader, have signed a 60 MW power purchase agreement. This follows SolarAfrica's recent financial closure of $100 million for the initial phase of their Suncentral 1 solar project. Powerx will wheel the power to corporate and industrial customers.

  • SolarAfrica has built over 133 MW of solar capacity and 39 MWh of battery storage, and has signed 555 MW under wheeling agreements. The company is based in South Africa but operates in five countries, including Nigeria.

  • The South African renewable energy market continues to evolve with improved policies that attract investments. The recently approved Renewable Energy Masterplan by the cabinet is designed to promote industrialisation and the localisation of the renewable energy supply chain.

  • Our take: Energy traders’ focus on renewables PPAs can help accelerate the energy transition… Read more (2 min)

In March, the European Union dominated funding activities in Africa, providing over $5 billion. Remarkably, South Africa received more than 99% of these funds. This came after the US cut its financial support for several African initiatives, leaving a void. The EU stepped up its efforts to fill the growing funding gap across the continent.

  • The March funding picture differs from February, which saw more funding originate from commercial banks. Now, the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) committed over $1 billion in funding, with Lesotho receiving $331 million from the AfDB for its energy sector investments.

  • The Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), a blended infrastructure fund, made its first commercial and industrial (C&I) investment in Africa with a $45 million investment in CrossBoundary Energy. It plans to deploy over $1 billion in debt to climate-positive infrastructure in Africa and Asia by 2028.

  • Our take: The exit of the US might prove to be a blessing in disguise for Africa, which can now negotiate deals with interested countries on better terms… Read more (2 min)

Hiring managers in renewables want engineers. Out of the 50+ roles on our list this week, more than half are engineering positions. Southern Africa and East Africa are driving growth in the energy sector, following strong funding numbers in these regions earlier this year. North Africa, on the other hand, needs digitally savvy professionals, the job board suggests.

  • We feature senior-level positions, indicating a need for experienced professionals who can lead and manage complex projects. This suggests a shift from pilot projects to large-scale deployments, requiring seasoned leadership.

  • While solar and wind are prominent, roles like those at SNV emphasise the integration of renewable energy with agriculture and community development. This showcases the sector's broadening scope.

  • To see who is hiring, read more (2 min)

Crossboundary Energy staff at the signing of the power purchase agreement (PPA) with Kamoa Copper S.A. in the DRC.

Events

🗓️ Attend Africa’s top investment event for renewables (Apr 8)

🗓️ Learn about Kenya’s Commercial and Industrial sector (Apr 16)

🗓️ Sign up for the Africa Energies Summit (May 13)

Various 

🟢 Kenya launches green jobs strategy

⚡ Zambia powers health facilities with solar

💸 Senegal, Rwanda win AfDB sustainable finance awards

Seen on LinkedIn 

Meron T, Senior Policy Analyst at The Energy For Growth Hub, says, “We need creative and African-led solutions to tackle hard currency risks holding back energy infrastructure investments in Africa.”