Johannesburg, 19 June 2024 - The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is proud to announce its participation and sponsorship at the first-ever City of Tshwane Energy Summit, hosted by the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA) taking place from 19-20 July, in Pretoria, South Africa. This groundbreaking event will bring together leading experts from the energy, and business sectors along with industry leaders and policymakers to strategise solutions for South Africa's pressing energy crisis while working towards Tshwane's goal of becoming a net-zero carbon and climate-resilient city by 2050.
The summit will feature deliberations on initiatives outlined in the City of Tshwane’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the City’s Energy Action Plan. These comprehensive strategies aim to create sustainable energy solutions and drive climate resilience within the region. The event promises to be an important platform for discussion and innovation, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts between government entities, the private sector, and financial institutions.
Global electricity consumption has surged dramatically over the past few decades due to rapid population growth, urbanisation, and industrialisation, and is projected to continue rising significantly. This escalating demand highlights the urgent need for a clean energy transition to address global energy challenges and mitigate climate change. The transition involves not only shifting to renewable energy sources like solar and wind but also enhancing energy efficiency, integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence for optimised energy management, and developing robust energy storage systems to ensure a stable supply. Innovative solutions are essential to meet growing energy demands sustainably and create a resilient energy future.
To close the gap in the energy crisis, the Bank looks to support the development and funding of energy projects from a multitude of investors to help in building and transforming Africa. Solving the energy crisis helps to meet the national, regional, and global objectives outlined in the National Development Plan 2030, Infrastructure Vision 2027, Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mohan Vivekanandan, Group Executive: Client Coverage for DBSA, will join a panel including Andre Pienaar, founder, and chairperson of C5 Capital, and Tshepo Mahloele, founding CEO of Harith General Partners. Together, they will lead discussions on the critical role that Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) play in municipal infrastructure development. This dialogue is expected to highlight how DFIs can support local governments in building resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Mojabeng Manthata, Head: Cities, Waterboards and Economic Zones at DBSA will form part of roundtable discussions covering areas such as, Alignment between National Government, the Gauteng Provincial Government and the City of Tshwane Energy Action and Response Plans. Embedded Generation Trends and Off-grid opportunities and revenue impact on local government and how to build a win-win model. Appetite of Independent Power Producers to locate sustainable energy projects in Tshwane under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Program (REIPPP).
"DBSA is honoured to participate in the inaugural City of Tshwane Energy Summit, organised by TEDA. Our engagement as the Bank highlights the critical role DFIs play in municipal infrastructure development, driving sustainable energy solutions in collaboration with local governments and stakeholders,” said Mojabeng Manthata, Head: Cities, Waterboards and Economic Zones at DBSA.
Key Highlights of the Summit:
- Provide solutions to electricity supply/generation capacity issues.
- Showcase energy companies’ technologies and alternative energy solutions.
- Advance the City of Tshwane’s Climate Action Plan.
- Discuss strategies to deal with loadshedding and protect electricity infrastructure.
- Share plans and expectations for the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
- Facilitate dialogue on optimising the grid for sufficient and reliable energy.
As a leading DFI, DBSA is dedicated to fostering socio-economic development through investment in infrastructure projects. The Bank’s sponsorship and active participation in the Tshwane Energy Summit underscore its commitment to addressing the energy challenges facing South Africa. By collaborating with local municipalities and other key stakeholders, DBSA aims to facilitate impactful discussions and drive actionable outcomes that support the country’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
“Our focus is on finding innovative, sustainable energy solutions that bridge the gap in the current energy crisis. By supporting development and funding from diverse investors, we aim to transform the energy landscape and contribute to national and global objectives,” concludes Mojabeng.
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The DBSA is a leading Development Finance Institution (DFI), wholly owned by the government of South Africa. Established in 1983, the DBSA is mandated to promote economic growth and regional integration by mobilising financial and other resources from national and international private and public sectors for sustainable development projects and programmes in South Africa, SADC, and the wider African continent.
For more information visit www.dbsa.org. Email: dbsa@dbsa.org