Nepoworx at Enlit Africa 2025, Powering a Just Energy Future

Enlit Africa 2025 brought together over 7,000 energy professionals, policymakers, and innovators under the theme “Challenge the Status Quo.” Nepoworx was proud to be part of this transformative event, contributing to critical conversations about Africa’s energy transition and inclusive development.

As South Africa grapples with a youth unemployment rate that soared to 62.4% in Q1 2025—the highest since Q1 2022 —the urgency to create sustainable employment opportunities for young people has never been more pressing. Enlit Africa 2025, served as a pivotal platform to address this crisis and explore renewable energy as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth.

Day 1: A Call to Action

The conference opened with a keynote address by South Africa’s Minister of Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who emphasised the urgency of integrating Just Energy Transition principles into crisis management strategies, particularly in addressing load-shedding and boosting investor confidence.

Nepoworx was proudly represented at the US Technical Lunch Series, where our Communications and Marketing Lead, Koketso Phala, joined a panel discussion that explored a powerful message under the theme: “Securing the Energy Future – Unlocking Wind and Solar Potential.” The discussion was impactful, and it spotlighted the importance of gender mainstreaming, youth empowerment, and skills development in building a resilient renewable energy sector.

Day 2: Innovation, Decentralisation and Representation

Day 2 opened with welcomes from Allison Areias, US Consulate General to South Africa, and Alderman Xanthea Limberg, Mayco Member for Energy at the City of Cape Town.

One of the highlights of the day was the impactful participation of Zvikomborero Garahwa, Senior Manager of Learning and Development at Nepoworx, who joined a dynamic panel on: "Decentralised Power – Microgrids as Engines for Rural Electrification."

The session unpacked technical innovations and scalable models driving off-grid and edge-of-grid solutions to accelerate rural electrification across Africa. Zvikomborero offered practical insight from Nepoworx’s community-based programmes and training initiatives, reinforcing our belief that access to energy must go hand-in-hand with access to skills.

The day also featured the Women in Energy Networking Event, opened by Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, followed by the Voices of Impact panel hosted by Standard Bank. This all-women panel included inspiring leaders such as Maudene Van Rooyen, Aviksha Munger-Jackoersod, Creschenia Matshina, Lebo Buthelezi, Mamello Rantseuoa, Sherill Byrne, and Vanessa Mahlamme, who are all shaping the future of energy and finance in Africa.

The renewable energy sector presents a significant opportunity to address youth unemployment. Initiatives like the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) have not only contributed to energy security but also spurred local job creation.  Nepoworx is actively contributing to this transformation through our green skills programs.

This event reaffirmed what we already believe; Africa’s energy future must be inclusive, youth-driven, and people-centred. We’re energised to keep doing the work – creating access, building capacity, and preparing the next generation of clean energy professionals.

Join Us on This Journey

We invite you to explore more about our initiatives and the work we do. Check out Nepoworx to learn how you can be part of this transformative journey.

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