TFSA in the Green Technology and Renewables Sector
To boost the emerging green technology and renewables industry in South Africa, TFSA has defined a number of high-impact areas aimed at growing markets and streamlining local production to increase competitiveness of local manufacturers. In close partnership with Atlantis SEZ, Green Cape and the South Africa Electrotechnical Export Council (SAEEC) and other key players in the sector, our latest initiatives include:
- Developing a supply-side risk matrix to ease local manufacturers’ access to green technology and renewable energy opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Producing an easy-to-follow guideline for manufacturers and investors on compliance requirements for duty exemptions on imported raw materials necessary for local production
- Strengthening digital profiles for 50 SMEs to market their goods and services online and improve their competitiveness in the renewable energy space
TFSA sector specialists, Duncan Bonnet from Africa House and Donald MacKay from XA International Trade advisers, held two brief sessions at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town.
Exploring the Sub-Saharan Africa renewable energy project landscape for opportunities for South African manufacturers in the sector
Duncan Bonnet from Africa House presented key findings of the TFSA survey mapping over 500 Sub-Sahara African wind, solar and hydrogen projects valued at nearly US$90bn. These will be of particular interest to suppliers and investors in the renewable energy sector in Southern Africa, highlighting new opportunities and new markets. You can view a recording of the session and learn more about this ‘live’ database of opportunities here.
Navigating duty exemptions for imported components in manufacturing in the renewable energy sector in South Africa:
Donald MacKay from XA International Trade Advisers clarified the duty exemption process for imported components used in the manufacturing and/or assembling of renewable energy equipment in South Africa. The potential for cuttings costs and time is huge, as is the opportunity to streamline production and increase competitiveness. View a recording of the session here to find out more about the practical steps needed to establish your business in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Support to South African SMEs
The Africa Energy Indaba was also a great opportunity to meet some of the SMEs who have managed to strengthen their digital presence through support from TFSA and SAEEC. Watch this video to meet Virginia Teffo and Rhulani Matshidze from Enpower Machite, an exciting joint venture in the green technology engineering space, and find out what they had to say about their goals of participating in a greener future, and how TFSA is helping them get there. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel as we will be uploading more interviews with green technology players – big and small – soon!
Upcoming events
In July, TFSA and Africa House will be co-hosting a 2-day hybrid conference and B2B event to highlight South African capabilities in renewable energy manufacturing, assembly, and operations and maintenance support, as well as the logistics of getting goods into markets. TFSA’s survey and database mapping high potential markets and opportunities will be shared, and the event will link the South African value chain to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), suppliers and institutions, and regional project developers. Pre-register for physical or online participation the event here.
