Professional Development

Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4aoD7kS) has released its 2026 programme, outlining a three-day agenda focused on policy, planning, technical implementation and investment across Africa's power, energy and water sectors.

Taking place from 19–21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Enlit Africa 2026 brings together 280+ expert speakers across nine specialised tracks, supported by CPD-accredited sessions, hands-on workshops and technical site visits.

The programme is structured to address the practical challenges facing Africa's energy and water systems, with content spanning policy and regulation, technology and operations, project development, municipal infrastructure, and the water–energy nexus.

Key components of the 2026 programme include:

• Strategic conference stages focused on policy, regulation and system planning
• Technical sessions covering grid performance, renewable integration, storage and digitalisation
• Dedicated content for municipal electricity departments and distribution utilities
• The Water Security Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4s8Jn6I) programme addressing water resilience and energy–water planning
• The Project & Investment Network (https://apo-opa.co/4s5bW4C), providing a platform for project briefings and investment dialogue
• Free technical content delivered through dedicated Power, Renewable Energy & Storage, and Water Hubs

All conference sessions are CPD-accredited for members of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and ECSA, supporting ongoing professional development for engineers and technical professionals.

The programme also includes technical site visits on 22 May 2026, offering participants the opportunity to view energy and water solutions operating in real-world conditions, including generation, transmission and distribution, water infrastructure and innovation projects.

With more than 7,200 energy professionals expected to attend and over 250 exhibitors showcasing technology and solutions, Enlit Africa 2026 positions itself as a key annual platform for knowledge exchange, professional development and industry engagement across the continent.

The full Enlit Africa 2026 Programme is now available for download here: https://apo-opa.co/4aRYn2s 
 

Contact:
For speaking opportunities, contact:
Claire Volkwyn
Claire.volkwyn@wearevuka.com

For sponsorship and exhibition enquiries, contact:
Marcel du Toit
marcel.dutoit@wearevuka.com

About Enlit Africa:
Enlit Africa 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, visit the Enlit Africa website: https://apo-opa.co/4p5USJk 

About the event organisers: VUKA Group
VUKA Group connects people and organisations to information and each other, across Africa's energy, mining, infrastructure, mobility, green economy and technology sectors through innovative events, content, and strategic networking. By integrating industry introductions, curated events, and digital engagement, the group empowers businesses to navigate complex markets, forge valuable connections, and drive sustainable success.

Venture partners to The Global Trust Project, Founders of WomenIN empowerment platform and leaders of NPO, Go Green Africa. The VUKA Group's diverse portfolio acts to contribute to its purpose of ‘Connecting Africa to the World's Best, to Influence Sustainable Progress'

Discover more at https://WeAreVUKA.com/

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Dr. Rose Ndong, Chair of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Dakar Section; and Dr. Riverson Oppong, SPE Africa Director, will participate as keynote speakers at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition. Both leaders will deliver keynote addresses during the official SPE Workshop, taking place on December 8 in Dakar as part of this year's program.

The SPE Dakar Section serves as a technical and professional hub for Senegal's emerging oil and gas industry. Under the leadership of Dr. Ndong, the section focuses on strengthening local expertise, advancing technical excellence and supporting the implementation of Senegal's 2021 Local Content Law. As Chair, Dr. Ndong oversees initiatives that promote workforce development, knowledge-sharing and the integration of national skills and services across the energy value chain.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region's oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Representing the wider continent, Dr. Oppong leads SPE Africa, a regional body connecting thousands of professionals to global technical resources, training, mentorship and professional development. Dr. Oppong is also CEO of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies in Ghana, an industry association that advocates downstream petroleum policy, legislation and regulation.

SPE Africa plays a central role in driving capacity building, promoting sustainable technologies and supporting regional collaboration through major events and specialized technical workshops.

The SPE Workshop at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 will convene operators, investors, policymakers and technical experts for a focused discussion on Senegal's expanding petroleum landscape. The session will examine three priority areas: local content opportunities in gas infrastructure, gas field management challenges and development strategies for production optimization. Topics include opportunities in gas-to-power, floating LNG support services, pipeline extension, logistics and supply chain management – key components aligned with national local content requirements.

The workshop will further address the technical and commercial complexities associated with deepwater development, infrastructure limitations, market volatility and the balance between LNG export revenue and domestic energy demand. SPE will be positioned to outline approaches to enhance production efficiency through digitalization, capacity building and transparent governance, while integrating environmental, social and governance considerations.

With Senegal accelerating production from the Sangomar oil project and advancing output from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development, the participation of Dr. Ndong and Dr. Oppong underscores SPE's commitment to supporting the country's evolving energy sector. Their keynote remarks will provide stakeholders with high-level insights into local capacity development and the technical pathways shaping sustainable industry growth.

“SPE's participation brings unparalleled technical depth and industry insight to this year's program, supporting stakeholders as Senegal scales up its oil and gas operations. Their leadership in capacity building and knowledge transfer is essential to strengthening local capability and ensuring long-term value creation across the MSGBC sector,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 takes place in Dakar from December 8-10 under the theme Energy, Petroleum and Mining in Africa: Synergy for Inclusive Economic Development.

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According to the recently released South Africa's Largest Solar Survey (https://apo-opa.co/487ALDZ), the South African solar market has changed, with the primary drivers for solar adoption being rising electricity tariffs and a desire for cost savings.

The findings mark a fundamental shift in how South Africans approach energy investment. While load shedding initially sparked the solar boom, the survey shows adoption momentum remains strong despite the easing of power cuts, with 82% of homeowners and 79% of businesses surveyed who don't have solar planning to install solar within the next 12 months.

Solar generation now costs between 30% to 50% less than grid electricity (around R1.20–R1.70/kWh equivalent after installation). The survey results reveal that 93% of homeowners and 79% of businesses surveyed with solar systems are already realising measurable savings on their electricity bills.

The research, conducted by Jaltech (https://Jaltech.co.za/) and based on over 2,000 South African solar users and potential adopters, represents the country's largest solar user survey to date.

Enlit Africa and Jaltech will present a webinar of the key insights from the report at 12pm on Tuesday, 25 November 2025. This session is tailored for solar installers/developers, commercial and industrial energy users, and landlords who are considering solar or want to understand current market trends and the impact of solar adoption. Register here: https://apo-opa.co/3MdCXT2 

In the commercial and industrial market, the use of energy management systems (EMS) is rising, helping users optimise performance, monitor savings, and reduce wastage, an indication that South African businesses are becoming more energy savvy, driven by the high cost of power. For 54% of business users surveyed, solar now offsets the majority of their energy consumption.

"South Africa's solar market has matured rapidly," says Jonty Sacks, partner at Jaltech. "What began as a response to unreliable electricity supply has become a core financial decision. Solar now represents cost stability, resilience and long-term savings for South Africans from day one."

Respondents included homeowners and businesses across diverse sectors, from retail malls and commercial property to agriculture and manufacturing.

The full survey can be accessed here: https://apo-opa.co/487ALDZ 

About Enlit Africa:
Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4444Mnd) 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 annually 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 (https://apo-opa.co/4444Mnd).

About Jaltech:
Jaltech is a leading alternative investment and renewable energy fund manager, financing solar installations across South Africa. The firm has funded over R1 billion in commercial solar assets, helping businesses and homeowners reduce their electricity costs while supporting the country's transition to cleaner energy.

https://Jaltech.co.za/

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com/) 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.

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As the world faces unprecedented water scarcity, with more than 2 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water and global demand expected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030, Saudi Arabia will host one of the world's most influential gatherings dedicated to water innovation and sustainability.

The Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS 2025) will take place 8–10 December 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah, under the esteemed patronage of HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah Region. Organized by the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), IDWS 2025 will convene global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry pioneers to address the planet's most pressing water challenges and accelerate the transition toward a secure and sustainable water future.

A centerpiece of the conference, the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) will recognize and fund breakthrough solutions that reimagine how the world produces, treats, and reuses water. The GPIW stands as the largest water innovation prize in the region and among the most significant globally. The prize bridges science, entrepreneurship, and impact; connecting innovators with investors, implementers, and networks to transform ideas into real-world applications. Winning projects will gain financial support and operational backing to pilot and scale their technologies within the Kingdom and beyond.

Returning for its second edition, Miyahthon (The Water Innovation Hackathon) invites young innovators, startups, technologists, and entrepreneurs to co-create scalable solutions spanning the entire water cycle, from production and reuse to digital transformation and efficient management. The program offers hands-on mentorship through virtual and in-person bootcamps, supported by sector experts, and provides winning teams the opportunity for incubation and commercialization. The Miyahthon will also feature a dedicated investor track designed to connect participating teams with potential funders and strategic partners to fast-track their market-ready innovations.

As part of its commitment to capacity building, the Water Academy will launch a series of advanced professional development programs in partnership with London Business School and 15 international training institutions.
These courses are designed to empower Saudi and Arab professionals with expertise in water management, sustainable leadership, and organizational innovation, strengthening the sector's human capital and competitiveness.

IDWS 2025 will host specialized technical workshops focusing on emerging technologies, regulatory frameworks, financing models, and sustainability strategies. The program will also feature the presentation of peer-reviewed scientific papers, highlighting the latest academic and practical advancements in water resource management.

A major highlight of the conference is the international exhibition, which will feature cutting-edge technologies and newly launched products across water treatment, desalination, and resource management. Several new solutions will be unveiled for the first time in the region. Participating organizations include Siemens, ABB, Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works (SSEM), Saudi Investment Bank, ACWA Power, KSB, the Local Content & Government Procurement Authority, and Toray, underscoring their collective commitment to advancing a sustainable water future for the Kingdom.

The core conference will convene panels, keynote sessions, and networking forums addressing critical water priorities. IDWS 2025 will showcase a stellar global lineup of thought leaders, including (but not limited to):

• H.E. Vera Eiro, President of WAREG (European Water Regulators), who is advocating for sustainable water governance across 27 European states.
• H.E. Dr. Mansoor Al Hinai, Chairman of the Authority for Public Services Regulation in Oman, a regional leader in integrated utility and sustainability regulation.
• Ben Tarbell, Co-Founder & CEO of Ebb Carbon, a pioneer of carbon removal through ocean based alkalinity technology.
• Gustavo Saltiel, Lead Water and Sanitation Specialist of World Bank, a global authority on sustainable water access and sanitation policy.
• Michael Toh, Managing Director of Singapore Water Association, who is an architect of Singapore's global water innovation ecosystem and NEWater strategy.

This diverse roster reflects IDWS's ambition to include water sector luminaries, innovation drivers, and decision makers from government, finance, academia, and the private sector.

Mr. Mehaideb Saleh Al Mehaideb, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference, said: “Through the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference, the Kingdom reaffirms its global leadership in advancing sustainable water management. IDWS embodies our shared vision to harness innovation, technology, and collaboration to ensure long term water security. By convening the world's brightest minds and honoring breakthrough solutions through the Global Prize for Innovation in Water, we are creating a legacy of impact that extends well beyond our borders”

As part of its mission to raise public awareness and inspire creative engagement, the Saudi Water Authority will launch the “Water Content Creators Award” during IDWS 2025. This national initiative aims to encourage media creativity and empower content creators across the Kingdom and beyond to enrich Arabic-language content about water sustainability. The award seeks to elevate societal awareness about the critical role of water in sustainable development while promoting creative storytelling that reinforces environmental responsibility and supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The competition includes multiple tracks such as Innovation in Water, Saudi Water Through the Eyes of Its People, Community Engagement, Awareness and Conservation, Water Security, and Knowledge-Based Content, welcoming submissions from individuals and organizations alike.

Interested participants are invited to register for free before October 31, 2025, via the official conference website: https://IDWSC.com/

Media Contact:
Yazeed Alnwaiser – Public Relations
Saudi Water Authority
yalnuwaysir@swa.gov.sa

Lama Alqasem, PR & Communications Executive
Tahaluf
marketing@idwsc.com

About the Saudi Water Authority (SWA):
The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) is the national regulatory and strategic body responsible for overseeing, developing, and sustaining the Kingdom's water sector. Established to align with Saudi Vision 2030, SWA ensures the efficient management of water resources across the Kingdom through integrated planning, regulation, and innovation. SWA's mission is to guarantee water security and sustainability by driving transformation across the entire water value chain; from production and distribution to treatment and reuse, while enhancing operational efficiency and service quality. The Authority plays a pivotal role in enabling collaboration between the public and private sectors, fostering research and innovation, and implementing world class standards that advance environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

About IDWS:
The Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference (IDWS) is the Gulf region's premier gathering aimed at accelerating sustainable water solutions through investment, policy, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. It convenes global leaders, innovators, academics, governments, and private sector actors to catalyze real impact. Over its editions, IDWS has hosted hundreds of speakers, drawn thousands of participants, and elevated the visibility and scalability of cutting-edge water technologies internationally.

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The role of UK technical and service collaboration in Africa's energy future was underscored at the Wider African Energy Summit (WAES) in Aberdeen on Tuesday, where operators and industry leaders emphasized the strategic value of North Sea engineering, offshore delivery experience and workforce training for Africa's next phase of growth. As African states work to accelerate gas monetization, streamline project execution and improve emissions performance, the UK's mature ecosystem offers practical tools and capabilities to meet those needs.

Nigerian independent Seplat Energy provided a frontline view of how targeted investment and technical capability can reshape a national energy system. The company's revitalization of OML 40 – transforming a shut-in onshore field in the Niger Delta into a producing asset – demonstrates how focused operational investment can restore output while creating new openings for global service providers, including UK firms.

“Our ambition is to be the cornerstone producer of gas in Nigeria. The real growth lies in transforming the country's energy supply chain,” said Jason White, General Manager for Exploration. He highlighted opportunities across power generation and LNG exports and noted that ongoing IOC divestments are creating space for domestic players that can deploy capital and technical expertise with greater agility than the majors.

African Energy Chamber (AEC) Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk offered a continental perspective on maintaining pace and competitiveness, noting that North Sea expertise has already shaped many African projects and remains vital as the continent works to scale production efficiently. “What you have developed here [in Aberdeen] can transform our continent,” said Ayuk. He stressed that Africa intends to develop all viable hydrocarbon resources, supported by skills, technology and services that enable efficient, lower-carbon operations. He also cautioned against policy approaches in mature markets – such as limits on exploration or slowed licensing – that could indirectly undermine African oil and gas investment. “We're not against the transition – it just has to be just, orderly and fair,” he said.

Speakers also pointed to delivery models that can accelerate timelines while supporting lower-carbon operations – an area where UK expertise is particularly influential. For FPSO specialist Altera Infrastructure, long-term lease-and-operate structures are enabling earlier first oil while contributing to skills development. “All of this can become a training ground for local engineers,” said Stig Bøtker, Director of Business Development. Altera's work with Eni on Ivory Coast's Baleine field – delivering the first FPSO in 18 months after FID – was cited as evidence of what standardized systems and experienced service partners can achieve. Bøtker added that modern FPSOs are increasingly equipped to support lower-emission operations through improved gas management and reduced flaring.

Such models align closely with the UK's strengths in offshore engineering, project management and safety standards, presenting clear opportunities for expanded service collaboration. “This is a symbiotic relationship – the needs of an emerging market met by a mature industry ready to look further afield,” said AFBE-UK Co-Founder Ollie Folayan. He urged the UK to leverage its global reputation for engineering education and professional development and to “expand its influence beyond the North Sea while simultaneously helping to solve the problems of the energy trilemma.”

Organized in official partnership with the AEC, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Energy Industries Council, the Scottish African Business Association, the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce and the Global Underwater Hub, WAES showcases Africa's most compelling oil and gas opportunities to the UK and European supply chain while providing a platform for new partnerships and investment.