Re-imagining the investment approach for African Renewables
Brought
Welcome Note
Dear Delegates,
We are thrilled to welcome you to the Africa Renewables Investment Summit 2024 (ARIS), where the brightest minds, leading innovators, and key investors in the renewable energy space converge to shape Africa’s sustainable future.
ARIS is more than a conference—it is a dynamic platform to explore transformative opportunities in renewable energy across Africa. Together, we aim to accelerate investment, foster collaboration, and unlock the immense potential of clean energy on the continent.
Over the next two days, you’ll engage with thought-provoking keynotes, insightful panel discussions, and strategic networking sessions designed to inspire, connect, and empower. From solar and wind energy to innovations in green hydrogen and storage solutions, ARIS 2024 covers the full spectrum of renewable energy possibilities.
Your participation plays a pivotal role in driving meaningful progress. Let’s leverage this summit to forge partnerships, exchange ideas, and craft actionable strategies that will leave a lasting impact—not just for today but for generations to come. Thank you for joining us on this journey toward a greener, more sustainable Africa.Together, we can illuminate the path to a brighter future.Welcome to ARIS 2024.
Warm regards,
ARIS Team
ARIS CONFERENCE, EXHIBITION & MEETING ROOMS OPEN:
Matchmaking: Delegates to book private one-on-one meetings via event matchmaking app. 07:30 – 09:00 Matchmaking Lounge, Hall 8 Monday November
ORGANISERS’ WELCOME REMARKS & OPENING REMARKS: from the MC Bobby Brown, Media Consultant
HOW TO DEVELOP A PIPELINE OF INVESTMENT-WORTHY GREEN HYDROGEN PROJECTS IN AFRICA:
The momentum behind Africa’s immense green hydrogen opportunity is not moving fast enough, with all planned projects yet to reach financial close. For Africa to harness its hydrogen potential, the policy and regulatory framework should be conducive, and most importantly theprojects in the pipeline have to be investment-worthy.This topic will explore potential solutions on how developers can develop investable hydrogen projects in Africa.
Chair:
David Sekgororwana, Managing Director, African Hydrogen Ventures
Panelists: Thomas Frohn, Green Energy Business Developer, South(ern) Africa, TÜV SÜD
Jonathan Metcalfe, Senior Manager: International Business Development, Enertrag Zander van der Walt, Energy Development Manager, Hive Energy Fahmida Smith, Principal Market Development, Anglo American Platinum; Vice Chairman, African Hydrogen Partnership Rob Adam, Strategy Consultant, IDC
8
–
09:05 – 09:30 Hall 8
Monday November
DECREASING THE COST OF CAPITAL AND IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY OF FINANCE FOR AFRICAN RENEWABLES:
This session will explore innovative strategies to lower the cost of capital, address financial barriers and enhance access to funding for renewable energy projects in Africa. It focuses on identifying cost-effective capital sources, fostering favorable regulatory environments and leveraging international financial instruments.
Chair:
Rashveer Manilal, Head: Renewable Energy ABSA
Panelists:
Melissa Sikwila, Chief Vice President, Genesis Energy Holding
Ebrahim Makda, Corporate Finance Principal, Thebe Investment Corporation, Alastair Herbertson, Managing Director, Ninety One, Sarah Malm, Executive Director, GOGLA Olufunso Somorin, Regional Principal Officer, Climate Change and Green Growth Program, African Development Bank (AfDB), Nato Oosthuizen, Partner, BDO
UTILISING WHEELING TO BOLSTER INVESTMENTS IN THE C&I RENEWABLES MARKET:
As wheeling frameworks develop in Africa, with markets such as South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya making tremendous inroads, the use of national grids to wheel renewable energy is growing on the continent. Many commercial and industrial businesses on the continent are seeking affordable alternative power supplies to power their operations. This topic will outline how wheeling can be instrumental in facilitating C&I specific renewable energy deals.
Session focus:
• Wheeling frameworks
• C&I PPAs for wheeling projects
• Cross-border energy trading
Chair:
Linsey Dyer, Executive Director, ENDEVA
Panelists:
Duncan Abel, Head of Commercial, Envusa Energy
George Aluru, CEO, Electricity Sector Association of Kenya
Francois Viljoen, Executive Director, Cresco Project Finance
Hoosain Essop, Manager: Electricity Retail Management, City of Cape Town, Andrea Ranieri, Head of Business Development
Southern Africa, ENEL Green Power, Dan Ginsberg, Head of Actuarial; Head of Research & Development, Discovery Green
– 13:00
COMMERCIALISING BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESSS) IN AN AFRICAN CONTEXT – LESSONS FROM SOUTH AFRICA’S BESIPPPP:
The demand for battery energy storage systems (BESSs)is increasing in Africa. BESSs help store the energy generated by solar or wind and dispatch it to the grid when required. They also help increase grid capacity and resilience. This topic will explore the available commercial opportunities for BESSs and lessons that can be drawn from South Africa’s successful Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producers Procurement (BESIPPP) programme.
Session focus:
• Bankability of BESSs
• Commercialising BESSs
• Cost of BESSs
Chair:
Teri Kruger, Founding Director, Synergetics Sustainable Solutions
Panelists:
Jarrod Lyons, Business Development Executive, Atlantis SEZ, Christopher Ahlfeldt, Founder, Sustainability Specialist, Blue Horizon Energy Consulting Services Azwimbavhi Mamanyuha, General Manager: New Business and Engineering Innovation, Eskom Noah Cherera, Senior Electrical Engineer, Harmattan Renewables, Rizqah MacGirlley, Technical Product Manager, Solar MD
AFRICA RENEWABLES MARKETPLACE - PROJECT PITCHING SESSION TWO 15:30 – 16:00
8
INNOVATIVE WAYS TO IMPROVE THE COMMERCIAL VIABILITY OF MINI GRIDS
Mini grids help to provide reliable electricity to unserved populations where grid extension isn’t commercially viable. A lot of the projects experience low-capacity utilisation due to various factors, including low energy demand in host communities and lack of access to credit in host communities.
This session will outline solutions to improve the commercial viability of mini grid projects.
Session focus:
• Bankability of BESSs
• Commercialising BESSs
• Cost of BESSs 16:00 – 16:45
November
Monday
Chair: Karen Breytenbach, Independent Consultant
Panelists: Amon Mwadime, Director, Research, Data and Standards, Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA) Onyinye Anene-Nzelu, Head, Mini Grids, Engie Energy Access Matthew Alcock, CEO, Sustain Solar Isang Mabe, Senior Investment Officer –Climate and Environmental Finance, DBSA
OVERCOMING FINANCIAL BARRIERS TO HYDROPOWER IN AFRICA :
Hydropower is underutilised in Africa, with the continent only harnessing 10% of its hydropower potential. According to the International Hydropower Association (IHA), limited access to finance, volatility and governance issues are inhibiting the growth of hydropower on the continent.
This session will discuss solutions to overcome the financing barriers to hydropower in Africa.
Session focus:
• Risk mitigation solutions for hydropower projects
• Financing accessibility
• Public-Private-Partnerships
Chair: Josiah Brand, COO, Anzana Electric Group
Panelists:
Dr Gordon Edge, Head of Policy and Insights, International Hydropower Association, Dan Klinck, CEO & Founder, East African Power, Karen Mutema, Africa Investment Advisor (Southern Africa), U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, Ntlai Mosiah, Executive Director, Autonomi Capital
16:45-17:30 Hall 8
16:45-17:30 Hall 8
Monday November
ARIS CONFERENCE AND MEETING ROOMS OPEN MATCHMAKING: DELEGATES TO BOOK PRIVATE ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGS VIA EVENT MATCHMAKING APP
07:30 – 09:00
Matchmaking Lounge, Hall 8
OPENING REMARKS FROM THE MC BOBBY BROWN, Media Consultant 09:00 – 09:05
Hall 8
ASSESSING AGGREGATORS’ POTENTIAL TO REDUCE INVESTMENT RISK AND BOOST ENERGY TRADING MARKETS:
Aggregators can facilitate investment and mitigate some of the risks for renewable energy projects. By acting as intermediaries in the market, buying electricity from independent power producers (IPPs) and selling it to multiple consumers, or off-takers, aggregators create wholesale and retail markets for electricity and reduce the burden for businesses in terms of entering into long-term offtake agreements with IPPs. This session will define the role of aggregators in driving renewable energy investments in Africa.
Chair: Brian Day, Chairman, South African Independent Power Producers Association (SAIPPA)
Panelists:
Precious Mpepele, Commercial Manager for South Africa, Africa GreenCo, Keith Bowen, Power Systems Economist, Eskom
James Beatty, CEO, Enpower Trading Derik Coetzer, Co-Founder, NOA Group, Jenna Harris, Managing Director, Apollo Africa
09:05 – 10:00
Hall 8
UTILISING PRIVATE CAPITAL TO DEVELOP AFRICA’S GRID INFRASTRUCTURE AND CROSS-BORDER INTERCONNECTORS:
About $50 billion in grid infrastructure investments is required annually for Africa to meet its target for universal energy access by 2030. To unlock the finance for grid expansion, Africa must shift beyond dependence on limited public capital and attract private financing. This session will explore potential models for private investment in grid infrastructure including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Chair: Matthew le Cordeur, Research Manager: Just Energy Transition, Krutham
10:00 – 10:45
Hall 8
Monday November
Panelist:
Tilana de Meillon, Senior Operations Officer, Infrastructure, IFC Ed Stumpf, Investment Director, African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), Temwani Violet Chirwa, Chief Officer – Power Contracts, ZESCO Limited Grové Steyn, Managing Director, Meridian Economics
10:00 – 10:45
Hall 8
DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES’ (DERS) POTENTIAL TO BOOST AFRICA’S ENERGY RESILIENCE:
With their ability to generate and supply power at the same site, Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as rooftop solar and battery energy storage systems will be critical in advancing energy resilience in Africa. Due to their flexibility and scalability, DERs enable consumers to produce electricity for their own consumption and sell excess electricity on the market, creating bidirectional electricity flows. This session will showcase how DERs can help reduce costs for businesses and homes in Africa and boost energy security
Chair: Frank Spencer, Regional Director for Southern Africa, Cainmani
Panelists:
Hulisani Neswiswi, Managing Director, Trilemma Impact Investments
Norman Moyo, Chairperson, South African Photo Voltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) Melusi Tshabalala, CEO, Mesama Energy, Sisa Xolo, Senior Energy Analyst, GreenCape,Sinawo Sigalelana, Project Manager, Sustainable Energy Africa 11:15 – 12:00
Hall 8
AFRICA RENEWABLES MARKETPLACE - PROJECT PITCHING SESSION THREE
11:15 – 12:00
Hall 8
DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES’ (DERS) POTENTIAL TO BOOST AFRICA’S ENERGY RESILIENCE:
With unpredictable commodity prices and limited mining project lifespans, many mining companies are hesitant to enter into long term renewable energy offtake agreements.
This topic delves into the development of more effective offtake models tailored for integrating renewable energy into mining operations. It aims to explore how innovative contractual arrangements, such as power purchase agreements (PPAs) and other offtake structures, can be optimised to ensure reliable, cost-effective and sustainable energy supply for mining activities.
Chair: Lili Nupen, Director, NSDV
11:15 – 12:00
Hall 8
Monday November
Panelist:
Prakashim Moodliar, Executive Head of Projects & Environment, Anglo American Platinum, John Taylor, Head of Large C&I and M&A, Yellow Door Energy, Collins Nyamadzawo, Senior Energy Analyst, GreenCape, Matthew Silvester, Managing Director, Coeng Power Technologies
LUNCH AND BUSINESS MATCHMAKING
EXPEDITING ELECTRIC VEHICLES’ UPTAKE IN AFRICA – PRIVATE CAPITAL’S ROLE IN CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE ROLLOUT :
As the adoption of electric vehicles increase rapidly on a global scale, Africa is still lagging behind. This session aims to explore how private capital can play a key role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across Africa by investing in essential charging infrastructure.
The session will also explore the challenges of and opportunities for mobilising private sector funds to develop a comprehensive and accessible network of EV charging stations. Key discussions will include innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, regulatory frameworks and incentives that can attract private investment.
Chair: Hiten Parmar, Executive Director, The Electric Mission
Panelists:
12:15 – 13:00 Hall 8
13:00 – 14:30
Anton Smalberger, Senior Manager New Energy Business Development, Toyota South Africa Motors, Puleng Pitso, Investment Specialist, Ninety One, Nick Singh, Head of Smart Grids Centre of Excellence & Microgrids Programme Director, Eskom 14:00 – 14:45
HOW AFRICA CAN ATTRACT INVESTMENT TO UNLOCK WIND POWER IN AFRICAN MARKETS:
Africa has enormous wind power potential, but the continent is only utilising less than 1% of its wind power capacity. Whilst solar has experienced a steady increase in installations, wind power has been slow to take off. This session will explore how African countries can develop policy frameworks and create market conditions to attract investment from the private sector and DFIs for wind energy projects.
Chair: Agesan Rajagopaul, Partner, McKinsey & Company
Panelists:
Dr Kilian Hagemann, CEO, G7 Renewable Energies
Mlamli Mjambana, Development Assistance Specialist: Off-Grid Energy, Power Africa, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) 14:45 – 15:30
– 16:00
November 16:00 – 16:45
Monday
DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR AFRICA’S ENERGY TRANSITION – THE ROLE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE SECTOR COLLABORATION:
Africa’s energy transition will require industry-specific education and skills. Developing new skills will be critical to ensure Africa meet its energy goals. The energy transition also presents an opportunity to create millions of new job opportunities for the continent. This session will highlight the importance of skills development for Africa’s energy transition, and how African governments can collaborate with the renewable energy industry and the private sector to build a skilled workforce for the energy transition.
Chair:
Pippa Brown, Senior Manager: Operations, Energy Council of South Africa
Panelists:
Bridgette Kannemeyer, Learning and Development Partner, Red Rocket South Africa,Mamusa Mabodi, Project Manager: New Markets and Technology, SA: Central Energy Fund, Rifquah Hendricks, Senior ESG Manager, Serengeti Energy
Hall 8
DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR AFRICA’S ENERGY TRANSITION – THE ROLE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE SECTOR COLLABORATION:
16:45 - 17:00
Hall 8
Re-imagining the investment approach for African Renewables
For inquiries contact:
Partnership, Sponsorship & Exhibition: Munyaradzi Jani (Munya) - Executive Director, RenewAfrica.Biz
Tel: +27 87 802 9886
Cell: +27 72 251 3733 munya@invest-renewables.africa
Speaking & Programme: Ros Hinchcliffe (Head of Operations)
Tel: +27 76 212 9387 ros@invest-renewables.africa
Marketing & Media Partnerships: info@invest-renewables.africa