The African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP) – in partnership with the US Department of State Bureau of Energy Resources and Winrock International, through the Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy (AWEE) programme and with the support of chemicals giant Sasol – has launched the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Development Programme Entrepreneur Master Class.

Scheduled to take place from February 11 to 13, this master class is designed to equip South African entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and networks needed to navigate and innovate within the evolving energy landscape.

In a January 15 media release, the AWEaP describes this initiative as an important step toward expanding a skilled pool of entrepreneurs who are ready to seize emerging opportunities in South Africa's energy sector.

With a particular emphasis on inclusivity, the master class will focus on developing entrepreneurial talent among women, youth and persons with disabilities.

By building a foundation of knowledge and fostering ecosystem collaboration, AWEaP says it aims to empower these groups to play an active role in South Africa's transition to a low-carbon, sustainable energy future.

The master class is structured as an intensive three-day programme that includes 17 expert-led lectures, keynote speeches from industry leaders, entrepreneurial testimonies and syndicate presentations.

Participants can expect to gain insights into South Africa’s JET policies, renewable-energy value chains, energy project financing and market entry strategies.

Through syndicate presentations, participants will work in groups to develop business ideas based on the master class content, which will be reviewed by a panel of industry leaders.

The programme’s objectives include equipping entrepreneurs with a thorough understanding of South Africa’s energy transition policies and value chains, and empowering participants to innovate solutions in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable energy sectors.

The programme also aims to provide access to valuable information on financing, market opportunities and business development, as well as to foster socioeconomic development and job creation by building a foundation for an inclusive energy ecosystem.

AWEaP says this programme not only prepares women entrepreneurs to capitalise on the immediate opportunities in South Africa’s clean energy sector, but also aims to establish a support network to encourage ongoing collaboration within the energy ecosystem.

By facilitating connections between entrepreneurs, industry experts, government stakeholders, and ecosystem partners, AWEaP says it seeks to create a sustainable platform for growth and innovation that aligns with South Africa’s national energy and environmental goals.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with our partners on this transformative initiative,” says AWEaP president and founder Bertha Dlamini.

“South Africa's JET presents vast opportunities, especially in segments with the lowest barriers to entry. Our goal is to ensure that a diverse group of entrepreneurs, especially women, can access these opportunities, drive economic growth and contribute to a more inclusive energy ecosystem.”

The AWEE Program is funded by the US Department of State Bureau of Energy Resources and the US Gender Equity and Equality Action Fund implemented by Winrock International.

The programme is aimed at increasing the participation of women in South Africa's energy workforce by addressing barriers to the entry, and promotion and retention of women in South Africa’s clean energy sector.

Sasol’s support for the programme underscores their commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering local entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s energy future.

“This master class is a pioneering effort to strengthen South Africa’s clean energy landscape by building the capacities of those who will lead the transition. AWEaP and its partners are committed to ensuring that South Africa’s JET is sustainable and inclusive, paving the way for a prosperous and equitable future,” says AWEaP.