Renewable-energy company DLO has launched a fully sponsored skills training programme aimed at equipping emerging professionals and entrepreneurs with the technical and financial capabilities needed in the green economy.

The initiative, called ‘Introduction to Project Finance Modelling in Renewable Energy’, will provide training to 50 participants, focusing on practical skills in building and analysing financial models for renewable-energy projects.

DLO skills initiative founder and convener Linda Mabhena-Olagunju said the programme would give participants the tools to develop bankable projects and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s renewable-energy sector.

“South Africa’s renewable-energy transition will not succeed without a skilled workforce capable of turning ideas into bankable projects. This programme is our investment in the next generation of leaders who will shape the country’s sustainable future,” Mabhena-Olagunju said on January 15.

She added that investing in talent development enables the company to empower individuals while supporting national objectives related to green industrialisation, sustainable development, and energy security.

“By empowering young professionals with real, practical financial modelling capabilities, we are strengthening the backbone of the energy sector and creating pathways toward meaningful participation in the green economy,” she said.

The seven-day intensive programme is aimed at individuals seeking careers in renewable-energy finance, infrastructure advisory, project development, or sustainable investment. Applicants are expected to have a background in finance, accounting, economics, or engineering, along with basic Microsoft Excel proficiency.

Training will be delivered by industry experts with practical experience in financial modelling, renewable energy project structures, and infrastructure financing frameworks. Participants will learn to build and review project finance models, understand project finance structures in the energy sector, analyse key project and financing documents, run sensitivities, optimise financial models and strengthen financial advisory and project evaluation capabilities.

These competencies are designed to support South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, emerging private sector clean energy projects and the broader just transition agenda, providing participants with both employability and professional impact in the growing green economy.