22 June 2022
A report published by IRENA in March 2021, stated that a renewables-based energy transition promises to deliver vast socio-economic benefits to countries across Africa, improving energy access, creating jobs and boosting energy security. It mentioned that to realise these benefits, African countries have an opportunity to leapfrog fossil fuel technologies to a more sustainable, climate-friendly power strategy aligned with the Paris Agreement and low-carbon growth.
In our June webinar we explored Nigeria and Ghana’s energy markets.
It was evident from the presentations that as much as a transition to sustainable, climate-friendly power strategy is necessary and compelling, there are current challenges that present vast opportunities for entrepreneurs.
As illustrated in figure one below, Nigeria presents opportunities across the electricity ecosystem: from consulting services, to infrastructure development opportunities.
While Ghana is exploring innovative solutions for a transparent energy system with multiple energy trading, it is also deliberately identifying entry points for gender mainstreaming.
Energy systems are undergoing rapid, significant, and disruptive change. A number of major trends are under way that could catalyse the closing of energy access gaps around the world. Positive trends include the decentralisation of energy generation and distribution to reach remote areas, rapidly declining technology costs, the proliferation of mobile connectivity for communication and finance, and the increase of women’s business ownership in some most countries in Africa.
Delivering sustainable energy to all women and men and their children requires a greater focus on gender equality in both the delivery of and the beneficiaries of sustainable energy services.
A report by the Institute of development studies listed the following trends (Pueyo, 2020),
Our presenters shared perspectives ranging from access to market, technology, finance and networks.
Invest two hours to watch our webinar, download their presentations, take note of insights that are relevant to your entrepreneurial journey.
Programme | Content | Speakers | |
Introduction | Introduction to AWEaP | AWEaP | MS. BERTHA DLAMINI |
Rural Electrification | Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs | AWEaP Chairperson: | MS HABIBA ALI |
Gold Sponsor: OEM | Access to Technology | Sponsor | MS. THOBEKA SISHUBA |
Utility 1 | Access to market:Utility strategy and focus Enabling Smart Cities & opportunities for SMMEs Integration of renewable energy Procurement process Gender mainstreaming | Nigeria | ENGR. FOLASADE SANYA |
Utility 2 | Ghana | ING. GEORGE S. NIPAH | |
Gold Sponsor: OEM | Access to technology: Trends in Energy innovation | Future of Energy in Africa | MS. RITA NKUHLU |
Access to markets and technology – a perspective from Nigeria | Future of Energy in Africa | MS. ONYECHE TIFASE | |
Industry Association | Women in Energy Ghana | Access to Networks | MS. EUNICE BIRITWUM |
Close | Closing Remarks: | AWEaP | MS. BERTHA DLAMINI |
Watch our webinar and download presentations shared by speakers:
We encourage you to do the following:
- Visit our YouTube channel
- Watch previous webinars
- Take notes from the presentations given
- Note the tips shared on how you can gain entry into the energy and power sector as an entrepreneur
- Note programmes in place to address some of the barriers:
- Access to market
- Access to skills development
- Access to finance
- Access to technology
- Download presentations and listen to the recorded webinar again
- Follow through by: visiting websites and taking the initiative to build the network necessary to enable your participation.
Inspiration
