The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has partnered with Nepoworx, a renewable energy and enterprise development facilitator, to launch a R5 million-R10 million programme aimed at addressing the energy needs of township small businesses.

The initiative, an extension of the IDC’s Township Energy Fund, focuses on providing alternative energy solutions and solar PV skills development for young people.

The programme provides 43 local businesses in the Gauteng townships of Soweto and Kagiso with solar panels, said Nonjabulo Sokhela, CEO of Nepoworx. “As we equip these businesses for growth, we are also creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people. The skills they are gaining include solar PV installation, site assessments, system design and commissioning and understanding of industry regulations and compliance requirements.”

Nepoworx will spearhead the programme’s implementation with Matla Energy, an independent power producer, providing solar installation services to small businesses. WiEnergi will serve as the energy market platform to onboard the small businesses and to monitor the operation and maintenance of the energy systems. “The energy app will allow us to track the performance and durability of the systems, enabling our trained solar installers to carry out maintenance as needed,” Sokhela said.

The Township Energy Fund is calling for “strategic implementation partners” to help expand its reach. South Africa’s ongoing energy shortage is severely impacting the economy with township, small town and rural enterprises particularly vulnerable due to limited resources, according to the IDC, inviting these enterprises to partner with the fund for access to the support needed to mitigate the challenges. Applications for potential partners are open until November 15. Interested parties can find more information here.