New Subheading: The Central Energy Fund Encourages Women to Overcome Barriers and Dive into a R67 Billion Project Pipeline
The Central Energy Fund (CEF) has taken a proactive stance in promoting gender diversity and inclusivity within the energy sector. In a recent networking event held in Johannesburg, aptly titled “Fuelling the future: women in the energy sector,” the CEF called upon women entrepreneurs to seize the multitude of business opportunities within its impressive R67 billion projects pipeline, with a particular focus on small business owners.
Ayanda Noah, the esteemed chairperson of the CEF, highlighted that many women often miss out on valuable opportunities in the energy sector due to self-imposed mental barriers and a lack of confidence. She emphasized that women should break free from these constraints by simply saying, “I’m going to go and apply.”
Importantly, Noah stressed that opportunities extend beyond the administrative and managerial realms, extending to the supply side of the industry. One such opportunity she mentioned is South Africa’s largest renewable energy project, Redstone. The CEF partnered with ACWA Power, a leading Saudi-based power generation technology provider, to undertake this monumental project, which is nearing completion. Noah encouraged women to actively participate in this endeavor, emphasizing that the door is wide open for them.
Furthermore, Noah urged women to believe in their abilities as business leaders. She emphasized the need to start at the top and work toward change, not only within their respective organizations but also by seeking opportunities within their own departments. Noah stressed the importance of supporting mentorship initiatives to empower women in the industry.
Panel members at the CEF event also encouraged women to explore the recently launched R1.21 billion Agro Energy Fund, a collaborative effort between the Land Bank and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development. This fund aims to finance alternative energy solutions, with a special focus on energy-intensive agricultural activities such as irrigation, intensive agricultural production systems, and on-farm cold chain operations.
In addition, it was revealed that the Industrial Development Corporation has plans for an energy-related fund, the details of which will be announced in due course.
Refilwe Buthelezi, President of the Engineering Council of South Africa, drew attention to the underrepresentation of women in the engineering profession, with only 14% of registered professionals being female. She emphasized the importance of advocating for education and promoting STEM subjects to inspire more women to pursue careers in engineering and, subsequently, the energy sector.
Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo, Chairperson of Raise Africa Investments and an advisory board member of Genesis Energy and the African Energy Chamber, highlighted the ongoing transition in the energy sector and the myriad opportunities it presents. She emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration among women across different networks and communities to tap into these opportunities and become integral players in the evolving energy landscape. Nokwe-Macamo expressed her excitement about the energy revolution on the horizon and its potential for women to play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future.
