Solar Power Africa to highlight the myriad ways solar power can make sustainability more than just a buzzword. 

How do we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs? 

That is one of the big questions set to be answered at the forthcoming Solar Power Africa conference.

And the answer - sustainability - say organisers is more than just a buzzword or a tick box exercise - it is at the very heart of the 3rd annual Solar Power Africa conference, which will take place from 7-9 February 2024 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

As governments, businesses and individuals across the globe work to minimise their environmental footprint, take climate action and address social inequalities, it has never been more important to introduce and implement sustainable practices.

But, says Michael Dehn, Managing Director from Messe Frankfurt South Africa, sustainability isn’t just about meeting ESG requirements. “It is so much more than just a set of criteria. Sustainability needs to be at the heart of all of our activities, it needs to be embedded in every action taken both by individuals and corporations. 

“Solar Power Africa will allow us to explore the myriad ways in which solar can generate a more sustainable future. From skills development to community empowerment - we will look at the social aspects of sustainability that are currently improving the lives of individuals and communities across South Africa.”

Solar Power Africa’s dynamic programme has been designed to leave attendees inspired by the industry's most progressive thought leaders and experts, mixing practical solutions, fresh perspectives, and pragmatic insights. 

“Alongside inspiring keynote addresses and forward-looking plenaries, our programme will feature practical breakaway sessions that will give attendees an opportunity to learn first-hand from innovative projects that are bringing sustainability to life,” added Michael Dehn.

The Solar Power Africa breakaway sessions will include perspectives on the development of the Upper Blinkwater Minigrid project including the enablers, barriers and impact the decentralized, sustainable energy supply concept has had on the lives of the community.

“But that’s not all. We must and will look at how we ensure a just transition through the sustainable development of local skills, focussing on empowering and enabling local workers across the renewable value chain. Together we will explore how best to allocate resources to local skills development if we are to embed sustainability and bridge the current green skills gap.”

“Attendees at the conference will leave with both practical and inspirational ways to ensure that solar plays its part in generating a more sustainable future,” concluded Michael Dehn.

The theme for Solar Power Africa 2024 is Empowering Africa's Energy Future: Solar and Storage Solutions for Sustainable Development and the conference will explore and unpack the future of solar and storage, chart a path to sustainable development and look at opportunities to secure investment and encourage collaborations that will deliver on Africa’s solar promise. 

Over the course of the 3 day conference and exhibition attendees will have the opportunity to attend 4 plenary sessions, 4 keynote addresses, and 14 specialised breakaway sessions and hear from more than 80 expert speakers from across the energy industry. 

Organised by Messe Frankfurt, Solar Power Africa is presented in partnership with RE+ Events (formerly Solar Power Events), the organisers of Solar Power International (SPI), North America’s largest and most prestigious event for the solar and energy storage sectors.