PILOT PROGRAMME
with USAID Power Africa
INTRODUCTION
In 2022, AWEaP joined forces with US Aid and Power Africa, embarking on a transformative mission to foster a more equitable energy landscape. Our Jet Skills Development pilot programme, centred in Mpumalanga and directed at municipal electricity utilities, sought to empower women to take the lead in the Just Energy Transition. This initiative was carefully crafted to share knowledge and spark an inclusive power and energy market during this critical transition phase. Over the course of the pilot phase, 32 utility officials underwent rigorous training, equipping them with the skills and insights necessary to navigate the evolving energy landscape with precision. The strategic design of our programme, structured as a tailored academic course on the Just Energy Transition, received strong support from industry stakeholders. Their recognition of the programme’s significance highlights its pivotal role in nurturing a diverse and empowered energy sector.
Funding Partner
Power Africa played a pivotal role by fully funding the tuition for 40 delegates, comprising municipal women leaders, managers, and operators. This diverse cohort included 30 individuals from Mpumalanga and 10 from various municipalities nationwide. As a U.S. Government-led partnership, Power Africa leveraged the combined resources of more than 170 public and private sector partners. Its overarching mission was to double access to electricity across sub-Saharan Africa. To achieve this, Power Africa aimed to increase cleaner and more reliable electricity generation capacity by at least 30,000 megawatts (MW) and facilitate 60 million connections by the year 2030.Logos
Academic Partner
AWEaP entered an MOU with Wits Business School African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC). The centre delivered the academic element of the programme. Conceptualised by industry visionaries who recognised the urgent need to address skill shortages in a rapidly evolving sector, the Centre aimed to respond effectively. Africa’s immense yet untapped energy potential and some of the world’s fastest economic growth rates faced limitations due to inadequate energy supply. This resulted in frequent brownouts and blackouts, hampering productivity even in the most developed economies. The AELC collaborated with AWEaP to deliver and enhance the academic programme, aligning with South Africa and Africa’s Just Energy Transition Skills Development needs.
Academic Programme Structure
The academic programme commences in July 2022. The hybrid delivery model will require delegates to present for contact lecture sessions, complete some learning modules remotely and join live streaming lessons via Microsoft Teams.
The timetable for lectures will be circulated to successful applicants prior to the commencement of the course.
The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) will accredit the academic curriculum. This will enable participants to earn their CPD points.
After successful completion of the programme, delegates will receive a certificate with a record of skills and knowledge received, applicable in the workplace.
PROGRAMME LECTURES
AWEaP: Just Energy Transition Training Programme Target: Municipal Electricity Utilities.
Province: Mpumalanga
Feedback from candidates who participated in the pilot programme
AWEaP Just Energy Transition | Programme Candidate responses |
What is the Just Energy Transition? How does this apply to my environment? | The programme has given them a better understanding of just energy transition, and it has empowered them. One participant commented that the knowledge gained from the programme has made her a better-rounded engineer. |
How can I design a JET strategy for my organisation? | They have become more knowledgeable about the energy system as a whole and have learnt about the entire system of energy and how everything is interlinked |
What benefit would the JET strategy accrue for my organisation? | The course placed them in a position where they will be able to advise senior management properly about the energy transition taking place in our country. |
How can I use JET to stimulate micro economies in my jurisdiction? | A gap was identified on the programme. The content needs to include how a JET Strategy can translate into procurement opportunities and therefore entrepreneurial opportunities for SMME in local markets |
How can I use JET to achieve our organisational Socio Economic Development, especially: Gender mainstreamed procurement plans and budgets Youth mainstreamed procurement plans and budgets Persons with disability mainstreamed procurement plans and budgets? | A gap was identified on the programme. The content needs to include how a JET Strategy can translate into procurement opportunities and therefore entrepreneurial opportunities for SMME in local markets |
How can I facilitate operational change to align with my utilities JET ambitions? | The course placed them in a position where they will be able to advise senior management properly about the energy transition taking place in our country. |