The Res4Africa Conference, hosted in collaboration with Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), brings together influential industry professionals, policymakers, and energy experts to address one of Africa’s most pressing issues: transforming the energy sector. This crucial event emphasises capacity building and regional cooperation among stakeholders, managers, and institutions to accelerate progress towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. With energy being a key factor in driving economic development, this conference aims to bridge gaps, share knowledge and outline strategies for energy transition in the region.

This year’s conference is dedicated to driving forward South Africa’s energy transformation efforts, moving from strategic planning to actionable solutions.

Creating a common thread from G7 to G20 presidencies

Res4Africa’s work goes beyond just skills development; it’s also about creating favourable conditions for scaling up investments in clean energy solutions. The conference makes a strong emphasis on continuity between international energy actions, notably aligning the priorities of both G7 and G20 presidencies with Africa’s energy needs. A key focus this year is to connect discussions between Italy’s G7 presidency in 2024 and South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025, underscoring the critical role of transmission grids in enabling electrification and driving a successful energy transition. This is critical as Africa seeks to build a future that embraces innovation while making energy affordable, accessible, and sustainable for all.

Nedbank CIB’s involvement in the event underscores the importance for regional cooperation and international alignment in discussions. The bank’s team of experts, alongside panellists from the Res4Africa Foundation, exchange insights on the opportunities for innovation and job creation within the energy sector. One of the focus areas of dialogue is on affordability and accessibility when developing modern energy technologies in the region. It is essential to ensure that clean energy solutions are not just technically advanced but also practical and inclusive, especially for underserved communities.

Another critical point of engagement is the role of Africa’s youth in driving this transformation. The continent’s younger generations hold enormous potential to lead the business revolution aimed at accelerating Africa’s energy transformation. With the right education, opportunities and resources, these young minds can become the catalysts for innovation and change in the sector.

Key issues in South Africa’s energy sector: Insights from Res4Africa collaborators

One of the recurring themes throughout the discussion is the urgent need to address South Africa’s energy challenges. South Africa has long grappled with an energy crisis that has stifled economic growth and left millions of its citizens without reliable electricity.

The Res4Africa Conference calls attention to the need for continued regional cooperation and investment in human capital to achieve long-term energy solutions. With Africa’s growing population and the demand for renewable energy set to skyrocket, the region can no longer afford to rely on outdated infrastructure and unsustainable practices. By fostering innovation, building capacity, and ensuring energy solutions are inclusive and accessible, Southern Africa is positioning itself for a transformative future.

This year's conference will feature in-depth discussions across several essential themes for advancing South Africa’s energy sector. The conference will open with a cohesive dialogue from the G7 to the G20 presidencies, featuring welcoming remarks and insights on the role of Res4Africa in Southern Africa’s energy landscape. Experts will address the integration of renewable energy into the grid, followed by a roundtable focusing on effective grid management strategies, delving into regulatory frameworks, featuring keynote speeches and a roundtable aimed at supporting transmission infrastructure development. Exploring the financial landscape required to extend South Africa’s transmission grid by 14 000 km's over the next decade is also a key topic, spotlighting innovative funding approaches to support this expansion. Each session is designed to give valuable insights and practical solutions for building a resilient and inclusive energy future for the region.

As the continent faces a critical juncture in its energy journey, events like this give stakeholders a platform to align their strategies, share ideas, and forge partnerships that will shape the future of energy in Africa. The Res4Africa Conference reinforces the power of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and youth empowerment to accelerate investment and position South Africa as model for energy transition across the continent.