The African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) at Wits Business School (WBS) was proud to host a dynamic three-day masterclass for entrepreneurs in the energy sector.  An initiative of African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP), the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Development Programme for Entrepreneurs is the first of its kind in South Africa, providing a powerful combination of key industry knowledge and practical guidance for business owners in the energy space. 

The 64 entrepreneurs (mostly women) gleaned invaluable insights from top industry leaders and academics in both the renewable and non-renewable energy value chains.  Topics covered included personal branding, project financing, and South Africa’s evolving JET policy environment. On the final day, the delegates presented their business ideas to a panel for immediate feedback.

Bertha Dlamini, president of AWEaP, explains that the programme was designed around action learning, providing the delegates with ample opportunity to synthesise the knowledge gained towards creating tangible results.

“A lot of critical learning takes place in syndicate groups where the delegates can discuss practical ways to actualise their business ideas. A strong component of the discussions was on the kinds of support mechanisms needed for small business success in the energy sector, such as access to technology, finance, skills development, networks, and critical market information,” says Dlamini.

AWEaP is a non-profit organisation designed to accelerate African women entrepreneurs’ participation in the energy sector. Founded by Dlamini, the organisation is driven by the conviction that to eradicate energy poverty on the African continent, Africa needs commercially viable, multi-stakeholder driven initiatives that will ensure the meaningful economic participation of women.

“Women have a powerful legacy of navigating the African business terrain with its complex challenges; they have successfully operated sustainable informal enterprises. These should be supported and scaled up to create meaningful businesses within the formal sector,” says Dlamini. 

As academic partners of AWEaP, the AELC has previously helped to facilitate a programme for 32 utility professionals in Mpumalanga in 2022, and 30 utility professionals in Gauteng in 2024, enhancing their capacity to drive the JET within municipal and national utilities. 

“We are thrilled to have had another opportunity to collaborate with the AWEaP in impacting the lives and careers of women in energy, ensuring that they have access to the critical support structures needed to play a central role in South Africa’s sustainable energy future,” says Dr Phaho, Director of the AELC.

The programme was also supported by funding partners Absa, Sasol, Gamechange Solar, and The Energy Drive, and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) as a patron. 

For media enquiries or interviews:

Alison Gaylard

Communications Officer: Wits Business School

alisongaylard@wits.ac.za