South Africa’s energy sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) playing a crucial role in driving innovation, job creation and economic growth.

Recognising their potential, the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) has partnered with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to launch the Energy Industry Support Programme (EISP) – an initiative designed to equip entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and resources needed to succeed in the evolving energy landscape.

EWSETA notes that it has a long-standing commitment to developing and incubating SMEs within the energy sector.

Over the years, EWSETA says it has supported numerous small businesses, providing them with the necessary tools to overcome barriers to entry, including limited technical expertise, funding constraints and the impact of ongoing loadshedding, which has been reported to reduce revenue by an average of 61% in affected areas.

The EISP directly tackles challenges by bridging the skills gap, fostering innovation and providing tailored support to energy sector-focused entrepreneurs.

This programme aligns with South Africa’s socioeconomic development priorities and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – particularly SDG 7, affordable and clean energy, and SDG 8, decent work and economic growth.

"The EISP is more than a skills development initiative; it’s a launchpad for SMEs to drive economic transformation," says EWSETA skills development and quality assurance executive Robyn Vilakazi.

"By empowering small businesses with technical expertise and business acumen, we are not only strengthening the energy sector but also creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities across South Africa."

EWSETA says the EISP participants are already demonstrating the power of small businesses in the energy sector, noting that many have expanded their operations, introduced innovative renewable-energy solutions, and contributed to job creation and local economic empowerment.

The programme also fosters a culture of mentorship and knowledge-sharing, ensuring that its impact extends beyond individual businesses to uplift entire communities.

With the cost of solar energy falling globally and renewable-energy solutions expanding at an unprecedented pace, EWSETA says South African SMEs are uniquely positioned to lead this transition.

The EISP ensures that small businesses are not just surviving but are at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, it says.

Beyond nurturing business success, the EISP helps to build a resilient and sustainable energy sector.

By supporting the commercialisation of intellectual property, enhancing technical skills and equipping entrepreneurs to navigate industry challenges, EWSETA and the CSIR are ensuring that South Africa remains competitive in the global energy landscape.

This year, EWSETA will sponsor and host five innovative SMEs at the Africa Energy Indaba 2025. These companies will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions, network with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights into the latest energy trends.

The five SMEs are Macluminum Trading (MTBiofuels), focused on turning waste into clean energy; Lathitha Biodiesel, a 100% black-women-owned company providing green energy solutions; Carnator (Scootenator), innovating with energy-efficient scooters; Boom Organix, converting organic waste into biogas; and Kasi Gas, championing South Africa’s just energy transition with youth-owned initiatives.

"With EWSETA sponsoring our participation at the Africa Energy Indaba, we plan to leverage this incredible platform to grow our business. It offers us the opportunity to showcase our innovative solutions, connect with potential partners, and gain exposure to the latest industry developments. We are excited to see how our participation will propel us forward,” says Lathitha Biodiesel founder Phumzile Khoza.

"We are committed to creating a future-ready workforce and supporting entrepreneurs who will lead South Africa into a new era of clean, reliable, and accessible energy,” adds Vilakazi.

EWSETA invites energy entrepreneurs, industry leaders and stakeholders to collaborate in shaping a sustainable energy sector that drives economic prosperity and community development.

Whether through mentorship, funding partnerships, or innovation collaborations, there is an opportunity for everyone to contribute, it says.