2023 AWEaP Webinar Series -1- Report

Loadshedding continues in South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The power outages have had a significant impact on both households and businesses. As a result, people’s livelihoods are severely compromised. In light of the ongoing energy crisis in these three markets, loadshedding is almost certainly here to stay.

In this webinar we showcased South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia’s struggling electricity systems.

SOUTH AFRICA

Stages 1 through 6 of load shedding are still being implemented by Eskom. This is dependent on generation capacity and is frequently attributed to the deteriorating infrastructure caused by frequent failures at power stations.

ZAMBIA

Due to a planned generator outage at Maamba Coal Thermal Power Plant for routine maintenance and a significant decrease in water for power generation at the Kariba North Bank, Zambia started experiencing rotational load shedding in January 2023.

ZIMBABWE

The 1,050 MW Kariba hydroelectric facility , the nation’s biggest electricity plant, has reduced output. Due to low water levels, Kariba recently had to limit generation to a maximum of 300 MW. The outdated coal power plants frequently malfunction, leaving a sizable shortfall. This nation’s power utility must use load-shedding.

All three energy markets are plagued by load shedding. In this webinar we explored how entrepreneurs can turn this crisis into opportunities. It also showcased how some entrepreneurs are ahead of the curve and are already serving different customers with solutions that enable them to survive loadshedding.

The following stakeholders were invited to share insights on the construct of energy value chains and opportunities emerging as countries endeavour to achieve security of energy supply:

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs):

Our monthly webinars include OEMs like Rockwell Automation for the following reasons:

OEMs design and manufacture products, services, solutions and systems sought after by utilities and different large power users in the energy and power sector. We invite them to share trends in electricity system digitisation, decarbonisation and decentralisation. We invite them to showcase how they enable access to technology for SMMEs, especially women owned companies.

Entrepreneurs’ Testimony:

Entrepreneurship is defined as the ability and willingness to create and participate in a business venture with the goal of profit, regardless of the financial risks involved. Entrepreneurship plays an important role in any economy because it contributes to the socioeconomic development of societies. We invite women-led and-owned businesses to testify about how they navigate the energy sector in their market and the opportunities they seek during loadshedding.

Energy Industry Leaders

Individuals and organisations that are experts in their domestic energy market, even regional markets are invited to share their insights on emerging entrepreneurial opportunities.

These are individuals who possess deep insights into the structure of the energy market, players, policies and developments. They are highly effective in the industry and have a sterling track record.