Programme Curriculum
Our program is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs in South Africa’s energy sector with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Through a series of carefully curated modules, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of key aspects of the energy sector, from policy landscapes to value chain exploration, energy trading, financing, and participation in renewable energy programs. Each module is crafted to provide practical insights and actionable strategies, empowering participants to seize opportunities and overcome challenges in their entrepreneurial journey. Let’s embark on this transformative learning experience together, as we pave the way towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous energy future for South Africa.
We encourage all interested individuals to carefully review the application requirements and provide all requested information accurately. Should you have any questions or require assistance during the application process, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team for support at JET-Entrepreneurs@ritogroup.africa.
We look forward to receiving your applications and embarking on this transformative journey together.
This module is designed to equip you with essential insights into the policy landscape shaping market opportunities in the country’s energy transition. Through a basic exploration of key policies, you will gain a foundational understanding of South Africa’s energy sector and the policies that drive market opportunities.
During this module, we will delve into the South African Renewable Energy Master Plan, analyzing its implications for gender mainstreaming and entrepreneurial opportunities.
We will examine the Integrated Resource Plan 2023, a critical policy framework guiding energy sector development. Furthermore, we will explore the Localisation Support Fund, designed to boost manufacturing capacity within South Africa’s renewable energy sector.
To ensure you get the most out of this session, you will receive a set of resources to study beforehand.
These resources will prepare you to engage deeply with the lecture content and actively participate in discussions.
By the end of this module, you will have a basic understanding of the policy environment shaping South Africa’s energy transition and how it influences entrepreneurial opportunities in the sector.
Following the master class, entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to maintain an active engagement with market trends and ongoing policy developments within the energy sector. Staying informed about emerging policies and market dynamics is crucial for entrepreneurs to adapt their strategies and capitalize on new opportunities.
By continuously monitoring market trends and studying evolving policies, entrepreneurs can stay abreast of developments, anticipate shifts in the industry, and position themselves strategically to leverage emerging opportunities.
This proactive approach ensures that entrepreneurs remain agile and well-prepared to navigate the energy sector’s ever-changing landscape, ultimately enhancing their chances of success and sustainability in the market.
Empower yourself. Empower South Africa
Energy project financing can be a complex and daunting endeavour, especially for first-time players in the field of energy entrepreneurship. This module aims to demystify the process by providing entrepreneurs with a foundational understanding of energy project financing and the various financing instruments available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and energy entrepreneurs.
Through this module, participants will gain basic knowledge of energy project financing, including key concepts, terminology, and principles. They will explore different financing instruments commonly used in the energy sector, such as debt financing, equity financing, grants, and subsidies. Additionally, participants will learn about alternative financing options, including crowdfunding, venture capital, and public-private partnerships.
By the end of the module, participants will have a clear understanding of the fundamentals of energy project financing and the diverse range of financing instruments available to support their ventures. Armed with this knowledge, entrepreneurs will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of energy project financing and make informed decisions to secure the necessary funding for their projects.
Before the master class, participants will be provided with a list of curated resources and a case study relevant to the topic. These resources are designed to enhance participants’ understanding of the subject matter and provide practical insights that complement the lecture content.
Preparation is key to getting the most out of the master class, and participants are encouraged to thoroughly review the assigned resources and case study in advance.
By familiarizing yourself with the materials beforehand, participants can actively engage with the lecture content, ask informed questions, and contribute meaningfully to discussions during the session.
This proactive approach not only enriches the learning experience for participants but also ensures that they derive maximum benefit from the master class.
Empower yourself. Empower South Africa.
Entrepreneurs seeking to explore opportunities within the renewable and clean energy sectors will benefit from this module’s basic examination of value chains. Divided into distinct sections, each focusing on different aspects of renewable and clean energy, this module provides entrepreneurs with a fundamental understanding of value chains.
By dissecting various renewable and clean energy value chains, including solar and wind energy, energy storage and electric vehicles, hydro and hydrogen, as well as coal, gas, and nuclear energy, entrepreneurs will gain insight into the intricate dynamics of each sector. Through this module, entrepreneurs will learn to identify entry points with the lowest barriers to entry within these value chains.
The module aims to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge to conduct further research into leading players within each value chain and explore potential partnership opportunities.
By understanding the value chains, entrepreneurs can better organize themselves to offer unique value propositions and capitalize on emerging opportunities within the renewable and clean energy sectors.
This module serves as a foundational step for entrepreneurs to navigate and thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape of renewable and clean energy. Following the master class, entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to take charge of their learning journey and delve deeper into the value chains explored during the session.
While the master class provides a foundational understanding of value chains within the renewable and clean energy sectors, entrepreneurs are urged to seize the opportunity to conduct further research and analysis to identify tangible entrepreneurial opportunities. By taking ownership of their learning journey, entrepreneurs can explore specific niches within the value chains, identify emerging trends, and assess market gaps that present lucrative business prospects.
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to leverage various resources, such as industry reports, market analyses, and case studies, to deepen their understanding of the value chains and uncover potential opportunities for innovation and disruption. By actively engaging in ongoing learning and exploration, entrepreneurs can stay ahead of the curve and position themselves to capitalize on emerging trends and market shifts within the renewable and clean energy sectors.
Ultimately, by proactively pursuing additional research and analysis beyond the master class, entrepreneurs can enhance their ability to identify and pursue tangible entrepreneurial opportunities that align with their interests, expertise, and business objectives. This proactive approach empowers entrepreneurs to make informed decisions and take strategic actions to drive their ventures forward in the dynamic and evolving landscape of renewable and clean energy.
Empower yourself. Empower South Africa.
The South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) represents a significant opportunity for private sector investment in grid-connected renewable energy (RE) generation within South Africa. This module aims to provide participants with essential knowledge about the REIPPPP, including its objectives, structure, and role in facilitating renewable energy projects.
Participants will gain insights into the competitive tender process of the REIPPPP, where independent power producers (IPPs) are invited to submit bids for various renewable energy projects, such as onshore wind, solar photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), small hydro, biomass, biogas, or landfill gas projects.
The module will outline the minimum compliance requirements that bids must meet for evaluation and the criteria used for evaluation, including bid tariffs and economic development considerations.
The module will delve into the socio-economic development metrics associated with each bid window of the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). By examining these metrics, participants will gain insights into the socio-economic impact of renewable energy projects implemented through the REIPPPP framework. This exploration will encompass factors such as job creation, skills development, local community empowerment, and economic growth stimulated by renewable energy investments. Understanding these socio-economic indicators is crucial for entrepreneurs seeking to participate in the REIPPPP, as it enables them to align their business strategies with the program’s objectives and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development efforts in South Africa. Through case studies and real-world examples, participants will learn to identify opportunities for socio-economic value creation within renewable energy projects, thereby fostering inclusive growth and empowerment in local communities.
Moreover, participants will learn about the role of the Independent Power Producer Office (IPPO) in overseeing the REIPPPP and managing the bid evaluation process. The module will also provide an overview of the bid windows and their progress, highlighting entrepreneurial opportunities presented by the programme.
Importantly, participants will be guided on entry points with the lowest barriers to entry, empowering them to follow the bid windows, track awarded IPPs, and secure entrepreneurial opportunities within the REIPPPP framework. Through this module, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the REIPPPP and capitalize on entrepreneurial opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
In addition, this module will explore the intricacies of personal branding and company branding to equip entrepreneurs with the skills needed to strategically position their enterprises in the market. By understanding the principles of branding, participants will learn how to cultivate a strong personal brand and establish their companies as suppliers of choice or preferred enterprise development candidates within the renewable energy sector.
Empower yourself. Empower South Africa.
Ms. Bertha Dlamini
- Founding President of AWEaP
At AWEaP, our gender mainstreaming philosophy isn’t about excluding men; it’s about collaborating to eliminate barriers that hinder women’s participation across energy value chains. We firmly believe that gender mainstreaming is everyone’s responsibility, relevant across all policy areas and at every level, not just a moral duty but also a socio-economic imperative crucial for a peaceful and prosperous society.
We see Africa leading the way in women’s economic empowerment, as evidenced by milestones like the adoption of the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade—a significant move towards integrating women into trade-led development. It’s clear to us that men and women must join forces to dismantle the persistent social and economic barriers holding back the continent’s ability to tap into the full economic potential of women.
Thus, all our programmes are designed to accommodate both men and women.
AWEaP is committed to delivering a high-quality and impactful skills development program by securing Renowned Program Session Lecturers to deliver relevant and insightful content. These seasoned experts and industry professionals bring a wealth of experience and practical insights to the table, enhancing the learning experience for participants. Leveraging the expertise of these experts, AWEaP ensures that the program content is not only up to date but also enriched with real-world examples and case studies.
This approach not only enhances participant learning but also empowers them with actionable knowledge and skills that they can apply in their entrepreneurial endeavors within the energy sector.
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