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Johannesburg, 26 May 2025 – In South Africa, the admin of winding up a deceased estate takes around a year – and sometimes several years – before assets are transferred to heirs. These delays can sometimes determine if heirs can keep a family business running, or if it will be another story of wealth that …
Powering AI data centres, accelerating large-scale solar projects and leading the global energy transition are just three of the critical topics up for debate at next month's Africa Energy Forum (aef), kicking off for the first time in Cape Town, South Africa, 17–20 June 2025. Forum sponsor Sun Africa returns for the third consecutive year, a testament to its sustained commitment to powering Africa's clean energy future.
For a full programme and to join the debate, visit: https://apo-opa.co/4k7ngcj
Under the theme of ‘Africa United', and featuring hundreds of ministers, policymakers and executives from nations across the continent, the aef will spotlight the continent's expanding ambition and the urgent drive to reshape its own energy future.
With South Africa now chairing the G20, the continent will gain a pivotal voice in global decision-making, making aef 2025 the launchpad for a bold message to the world: Africa knows what it needs, and it's ready to lead.
This year's aef will welcome a significant number of new companies participating for the first time, expanding the community of innovators and investors at the event. It will also host delegations from 33 countries, comprising head of state, ministers, regulators, and other public sector leaders from across the continent.
Confirmed speakers include the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, South Africa's Minister of Electricity & Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Nigeria's Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu and Noureddine Yassaa, Algeria's Secretary of State for Renewable Energies.
The high-level line-up also features the current Senegalese candidate for the Presidency of the African Development Bank, Amadou Hott, plus senior ministers and policy makers from Liberia, Ghana, Malawi, Zambia, Guinea-Bissau, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Madagascar.
This year's aef will focus on how the private sector can help move from ambition to implementation on Mission 300, connecting power to 300 million people by 2030. And, as demand surges from commercial and industrial sectors, the aef will also unpack the infrastructure, investment, and regulatory models needed to keep pace.
Grounded in Ubuntu, the African philosophy of shared humanity, the event will call for a global energy transition that is cooperative, equitable, and Africa-led.
“Something urgent has to be achieved as we simply cannot have another 10 woeful years of investment into projects. No more [time] can pass with one side saying we “we need guarantees” and the other side saying, “we can't afford guarantees.” Time is THE DETERMINING FACTOR holding energy access back and this needs to change. Now is the time for Africa to unite behind common goals and common infrastructure!” Simon Gosling, Managing Director, EnergyNet
“The future of African power infrastructure starts with Sun Africa, and the conversation about Africa's energy future continues at the Africa Energy Forum. We are proud to be the Forum Sponsor of an event that will unite visionaries and unite people from across the continent.” – Adam Cortese, CEO, Sun Africa.
Bringing together community and sport, the 2025 edition of eaf also features the Africa Challenge Cup, a special evening of football at Cape Town's iconic DHL Stadium. Four teams will face off in friendly matches under the floodlights, offering a chance for delegates, partners, and peers to connect in a spirited, relaxed setting alongside friends and family.
The Youth Energy Summit (YES!), held in parallel with aef, is expected to welcome more than 4,000 participants, making it one of the largest gatherings focused on youth engagement in the African energy sector. Many companies are supporting the initiative not just as sponsors, but as active partners in youth participation across the continent. These include the DBSA, Nedbank, Pele Green Energy, Seriti Green, Siemens Energy, Genesis, and others from the energy and mining sectors.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd..
Notes:
The main sponsors at this year's aef include Sun Africa, AKSA, Red Rocket, Globeleq, Nedbank and the World Bank. See https://apo-opa.co/3ZrUw5E
Lead sponsors at this year's aef include the Africa Development Bank, AMEA Power, the British International Investment, BCG, EDF, Engie, the European Investment Bank, GE Vernova, Infinity Power, Standard Bank, Synergy Consulting and TotalEnergies. See https://apo-opa.co/3ZrUw5E
For media inquiries and registration please email :
Poliana Sperandio: poliana@energynet.co.ke
Sylvia Gaita: sylvia.gaita@apo-opa.com
About the Africa Energy Forum (aef):
The Africa Energy Forum (aef) is taking place in the Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa, 17-20 June 2025.
The event is the continent's leading platform for energy sector stakeholders to collaborate, invest, and accelerate progress. In its 27th year, the aef brings together governments, developers, investors, and innovators to drive real-world solutions in energy access and sustainability.
Cape Town, South Africa, 21 May 2025 – Enlit Africa 2025 officially opened this week at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together thousands of leaders from Africa’s power, water and energy sectors. This year’s theme, “Challenge the Status Quo”, calls on stakeholders to accelerate Africa’s infrastructure transformation through innovation, investment, and inclusive …
Wi-Fi and data have become everyday essentials in many South African households, providing connectivity to the world through entertainment, social media, and global news. For many, these offer relief from daily stress – but they’ve also fuelled a surge in household subscription costs. Standard Bank data shows subscription spending has risen sharply, eating into disposable …
Standard Bank, South Africa’s largest provider of affordable home loans, continues to set the benchmark in the housing market by championing the growing role of women in affordable housing. More than half of all new affordable housing loans are now taken out by women. With a steadfast commitment to ensuring that first-time buyers have access …
The countdown is on! From 20-22 May 2025, the vibrant city of Cape Town will host Enlit Africa, the continent's most electrifying gathering of power, energy and water professionals. This is not just an event—it's a call to spark transformation, forge connections and power a sustainable future for Africa and beyond. With a dynamic programme bursting with innovation, inspiration and actionable insights, Enlit Africa is set to be the unmissable epicentre of Africa's energy and water revolution.
A powerhouse of vision and innovation
Enlit Africa 2025 is where the brightest minds, boldest ideas and cutting-edge technologies converge to shape the future of Africa's power, energy and water sectors. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this three-day extravaganza will bring together utilities, policymakers, innovators, investors and thought leaders from across the continent and the globe. Expect nothing less than a high-voltage experience, with over 200 expert speakers, thousands of attendees and a programme designed to ignite change and challenge the status quo
From the Keynote Stage, where global visionaries like Sabine Dall'Omo, CEO of Siemens South Africa and Bronwyn Williams, Futurist at Flux Trends, will set the tone for transformation, to the Strategise Stage, tackling critical topics like nuclear energy and regional interconnectors, Enlit Africa is a catalyst for progress. The Innovate Stage will showcase breakthroughs in smart grids and digitalisation, while the Power Hub dives deep into generation and distribution advancements, including the game-changing potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and green hydrogen.
Water Security Africa: A Vital Focus
Running alongside Enlit Africa, Water Security Africa will tackle one of the continent's most pressing challenges—sustainable water management. With sessions on desalination, smart metering and climate-resilient infrastructure, this dedicated track features trailblazers like Sean Phillips, Director General, Department of Water & Sanitation and Jay Bhagwan, Water Research Commission, who will share strategies to secure Africa's water future. Highlights include the Youth in Water Forum, spotlighting young innovators and a GreenCape-hosted workshop to scale water security initiatives.
Unparalleled networking and business opportunities
Enlit Africa is more than a conference—it's a networking powerhouse. Connect with peers, partners and pioneers at the Engage Networking Dinner (sponsored by Standard Bank) or the Networking Function (sponsored by Actom).
Dive into exclusive roundtables, masterclasses and the Projects & Investment Network, designed to turn ideas into bankable projects. For those looking to explore real-world innovation, site visits on 23 May to Robben Island, Western Cape Water facilities and more offer a front-row seat to Africa's energy and water infrastructure.
The Women in Energy programme on 21 May is a highlight, celebrating female leadership with the launch of Standard Bank's Future Females in Energy Initiative and powerful discussions on tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and fostering inclusive workplaces. With speakers like Candice Hartley, Chief People Officer at Eskom, this session is a call to action for equality and empowerment.
Why you can't miss Enlit Africa 2025
Programme highlights
For water enthusiasts, Water Security Africa offers roundtables on projects like South Africa's National desalination initiative and discussions on municipal water delivery with leaders like Shyam Misra, Group MD of Siza Water.
Join the movement
With just two weeks to go, now is the time to secure your spot at Enlit Africa 2025. Choose from a range of attendance options, from the Free Expo Visitor Pass to the Platinum Package, which includes exclusive access to strategic sessions, networking dinners and site visits. Visit Enlit Africa on www.Enlit-Africa.com or contact Vuyisa Mfobo at vuyisamfobo@wearevuka.com or +27 66 305 7203 to upgrade your experience.
Don't miss your chance to be part of the event that's lighting up Africa's energy and water future. Enlit Africa 2025 is where connections are made, ideas are born and the continent's sustainable tomorrow takes shape. Let's power up, innovate and transform—together!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vuka Group.
Note: Programme details and speakers are subject to change.
For media inquiries, contact:
VUKA Group Media Team
Email: media@wearevuka.com
Website: www.Enlit-Africa.com
About Enlit Africa:
Enlit Africa celebrates 25 years in the African power, energy, and water sector. A game-changing event, it brings the top manufacturers, associations, institutions, and government leaders together to shape a sustainable, prosperous energy and water future for Africa. A leading power, energy and water conference and exhibition, Enlit Africa is designed to provide a unique platform to connect decision-makers and determine Africa's future direction of travel.
Enlit Africa takes place from 20 - 22 May 2025 at the CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa. The event is CPD accredited by the SAIEE and SAICE, thereby contributing to the professional development of industry experts.
For more information, please visit the Enlit Africa website at https://Enlit-Africa.com/ or contact our team at info@enlit-africa.com.
About The Vuka Group:
VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations to reach the next level of growth in their industry ecosystem. With 20 years of experience in Africa, the group serves the Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport and Retail sectors, through a range of industry touchpoints across digital, print and in-person platforms. With a commitment to data at its core, the group is well-positioned to support industry stakeholders today and into the future. Operating from Cape Town, South Africa the group is actively involved in projects across continental Africa and boasts a diverse African team who take great pride in the work they do for the sectors and markets they serve.
In a landmark development for residential sustainability, Standard Bank’s LookSee has partnered exclusively with the South African National Development Energy Institute (SANEDI) to launch the country’s first energy and carbon certification for existing homes. “South Africa cannot meet its climate goals without addressing the carbon footprint of existing homes,” says Kabelo Makeke, Head of Personal …
The 2025 Easter period showed continued progress in South Africa’s business activity, with total transaction value up by 11% and transaction volumes growing by 10% compared to the same period in 2023. These figures point to sustained momentum in trading activity over the medium-term. Based on aggregated merchant transaction activity from Standard Bank’s merchant acquiring …
The Standard Bank Kasi SME Pitch Challenge is back! This year, for the first time, the competition is going national, giving township entrepreneurs across all nine South African provinces the chance to pitch for a share of R60,000 in provincial prize money. Top township entrepreneurs will advance to the national finals later this year, competing …
South Africa’s digital payments landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with demand for instant payments rocketing and the mobile banking app displacing older interfaces as the preferred way to pay. Over the past year, Standard Bank SA recorded a 21% growth in digital payments initiated by its personal and private banking customers in South Africa. …
The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) has revealed that the country could produce more than 2.5 million tons of natural gas per year, based on early-stage assessments of recent discoveries made since 2022.
Speaking during a panel discussion on gas monetization strategies at the Namibia International Energy Conference on April 24, Mtundeni Ndafyaalako, Executive of Upstream Development & Production at national oil company NAMCOR, outlined a dual-pronged approach adopted by the corporation.
The first pillar focuses on leveraging legislative frameworks to enable coordinated infrastructure development, fostering collaboration among operators. The second emphasizes expanding exploration activities to unlock further resources.
“We have launched a gas monetization strategy project to support both government and industry on how best to commercialize gas. From our appraisals, we now have a clearer picture of production potential and various applications,” said Ndafyaalako, noting that the strategy is designed to attract new players and investment by clarifying monetization pathways.
Manfriedt Muundjua, Deputy General Manager at BW Kudu, reinforced the importance of integrating four pillars of local content – training, skills transfer, local procurement and local ownership – into the broader gas development framework.
Muundjua shared that BW Kudu is placing Namibian interns in every technical role currently held by international staff, supporting long-term local capacity building. He also emphasized the urgent need for downstream investment and infrastructure development.
“We already have a downstream investment partner lined up to join us once production at Kudu begins,” he said.He added that drilling of additional wells is scheduled to begin in October, supporting NAMCOR's emphasis on continued exploration to identify new reserves.
Paul Eardley-Taylor, Head of Oil & Gas Coverage for Southern Africa at Standard Bank, highlighted the need for a "shadow infrastructure" – potentially led by public-private partnerships – in southern Namibia to address energy shortages through gas utilization. He suggested that oil revenues should be strategically directed toward financing gas infrastructure and fostering local energy markets.
Eardley-Taylor also pointed to the broader regional opportunity, suggesting that Namibia could assume a role once held by South Africa as the region's primary energy supplier, particularly as critical mineral projects are willing to pay a premium for stable power supply.
Meanwhile, Ian Thom, Research Director for Upstream at Wood Mackenzie, expressed confidence that Namibia could implement a comprehensive Gas Master Plan within the next nine months. With only 59% of the population currently connected to the electricity grid, Thom underscored the potential of gas to dramatically increase energy access across residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
“Namibia could generate more value by exporting electricity rather than raw gas, given the limited infrastructure for gas exports and the high costs associated with building it,” Thom said.
Looking ahead, the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – set to take place from September 29 to October 3, 2025, in Cape Town – will spotlight Namibia's gas developments and broader African opportunities The event will feature panel discussions, project showcases, deal signings and high-level networking sessions that connect African energy projects with global investors.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
The day has finally arrived for Standard Bank clients to start reaping the benefits of the much-anticipated retail partnership with the Shoprite Group. From 16 April, UCount Rewards members will be able to earn and redeem their Rewards Points across multiple Shoprite brands – including the rapidly growing on-demand shopping platform, Sixty60. Customers can now …
With several long weekends, school holidays, and first-quarter fatigue setting in, South Africans seem to be taking time off in April to travel. Consumers also become a little more generous around this time – but not as much as before. Standard Bank data shows an uptick in spending on donations and charity in April – …
The National Arts Festival and Standard Bank are proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards (SBYA). As the awards reach the milestone anniversary of 40 years, a new generation of trailblazers take their place in this storied legacy. These are six exceptional artists who are not just reflecting the …
Building on its successes since launching in 2024, Standard Bank’s support programme for emerging entrepreneurs, is coming to Mpumalanga on Wednesday, 16 April 2025 at Emnotweni Casino, Nelspruit. In 2024 the bank launched support programmes for emerging entrepreneurs in Soweto (Gauteng), Umlazi (Kwa-Zulu Natal) and Khayelitsha (Western Cape) and achieved huge success. Hundreds of entrepreneurs …
Standard Bank Group has announced the appointment of Sim Tshabalala as Interim Chief Executive of The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (SBSA) with effect from 8 April 2025, subject to regulatory approval. Accordingly, Sim will serve in a dual capacity as Chief Executive of Standard Bank Group and SBSA, and as executive director on …
Standard Bank recorded a 43% year-on-year increase in new credit card uptake over the past year. This surge, driven by both bank-led growth initiatives and rising consumer demand, has been accompanied by notable shifts in how consumers use credit cards in South Africa. An analysis by Standard Bank shows that credit cards are rapidly becoming …
3 April 2025 – The Limpopo Business Awards crowned the province’s most innovative and impactful Small, Micro, and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) at a prestigious ceremony held on Wednesday, 2 April 2025. This year’s Limpopo Business Awards drew 167 entries from across the province, with a particularly strong showing from the agriculture sector. A total of …
Delivery apps, e-hailing, video on demand and online shopping have become a staple of the current digital age. Consumers rely on online platforms with targeted online ads when shopping online. With this convenience comes a rising threat which is Card-Not-Present (CNP) fraud. “As digital transactions grow, banks are detecting more opportunistic attempts by cybercriminals to …
Standard Bank, a leader in Africa’s energy and infrastructure development, is proud to announce changes to its sustainable finance mobilisation targets aimed at maximising positive impact and supporting the decarbonisation of Africa’s economies. The revised targets emphasise Standard Bank’s commitment to leading energy and infrastructure development on the continent. In 2022, Standard Bank set a …
The BFSI Security Summit 2025 is set to take place on May 7, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Gautrain, Sandton, Johannesburg, bringing together leading cybersecurity experts, IT decision-makers, and industry pioneers to tackle the growing cyber risks facing Africa's banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector.
Cybersecurity remains a top concern for financial institutions in Africa. In 2024, the Bank of Uganda fell victim (apo-opa.co/3QWE6h6) to an offshore hacking group known as “Waste,” resulting in the theft of approximately $16.8 million. Additionally, ZB Financial Holdings in Zimbabwe experienced a ransomware attack (apo-opa.co/4jaBBUi) in July 2024, leading to significant data leaks affecting customer and operational information. More recently, in South Africa, Standard Bank confirmed that it experienced a data breach (apo-opa.co/3YaVJ0q) that involved limited personal and financial information. These incidents underscore the urgent need for robust cybersecurity strategies within the BFSI sector.
Why Attend?
The BFSI Security Summit is the premier platform for CISOs, CIOs, IT directors, and cybersecurity leaders to explore the latest strategies and technologies to secure Africa's financial landscape. Key topics on the agenda include:
“Cybercrime is evolving at an alarming rate, and financial institutions in Africa are prime targets. The BFSI Security Summit will provide a crucial platform for industry leaders to collaborate, share insights, and implement strategies to safeguard their organizations,” says Abe Wakama, CEO of IT News Africa.
Who Should Sponsor & Exhibit?
The summit offers a unique opportunity for cybersecurity solution providers, fintech innovators, and IT security firms to showcase their expertise and connect with key decision-makers. Sponsors will benefit from high-impact brand visibility, lead generation, and networking with top BFSI executives.
How to Get Involved
To speak at the event: Apply here: Become a Speaker (apo-opa.co/4j8Q6b8)
For media inquiries, sponsorship, or speaking opportunities, contact events@itnewsafrica.com.
Join us in shaping the future of BFSI cybersecurity in Africa!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of IT News Africa.
Media Contacts:
Abe Wakama
0120125801
events@itnewsafrica.com
The rapidly expanding organic and natural products industry in South Africa presents significant growth opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses. With South Africa’s organic food and beverage market projected to grow at 13.25% between 2024-2029, the sector represents a promising avenue for business development, job creation and export diversification. “The organic and natural products industry …
Following Standard Bank’s securing of a $250 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to enhance its green financing initiatives, funds have been directed towards green building developments and green home loan customers, offering a unique opportunity to assist residential home buyers to access incentives that unlock affordability of properties in qualifying Green certified …
Standard Bank, the biggest bank in Africa by assets, is gearing up to host its first African Markets Conference (AMC). The Conference, which will be held in Cape Town this week, is a key element of Standard Bank’s drive to improve integration and ease of doing business across the continent. “This conference aims to provide …
