In a joint media statement South32 and Eskom have announced they are advancing discussions on a new, long-term electricity solution for the Hillside Aluminium Smelter in KwaZulu-Natal, targeted to commence in 2031, subject to compliance with all regulatory requirements.

South Africa’s leaders have consistently highlighted the importance of localisation, industrialisation and rebuilding the country’s manufacturing base. Investment conferences continue to attract significant commitments, and policy documents underscore the value of growing domestic capability. In this opinion piece, Mervyn Naidoo, CEO of the ACTOM Group, emphasises that as the country moves from policy ambition to implementation, procurement frameworks will play an increasingly important role in ensuring these goals are fully realised.

Inspired Evolution, a specialist pan-African investment firm focused on clean energy infrastructure, energy, and resource efficiency growth investments, recently announced a USD 40 million investment in CrossBoundary Energy Holdings Ltd (CrossBoundary Energy), a developer, owner, and operator of distributed renewable energy solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) clients across Sub-Saharan Africa.

At a media briefing on 22 April 2026, Eskom shared its Winter Outlook for the period 1 April to 31 August 2026. The utility enters the 2026 winter season with a resilient power system, projecting a winter period of continued energy stability. This positive outlook follows the successful conclusion of the summer period, during which the national grid operated with ongoing sustained reliability. With the Generation Recovery Plan embedded in day‑to‑day operations, Eskom has moved beyond short‑term recovery into a phase of stability and sustained energy security and aims to ensure that homes, businesses and industries remain powered through the peak winter months.

Enlit Africa’s 2026 programme convenes decision-makers from utilities, the private sector, government, industry and finance to tackle the business of delivering power across the continent – at a moment when system constraints, reform and the pressing need for  investment are converging. In South Africa, transmission constraints are limiting new connections and new generation capacity; municipal distribution and tariff reform are reshaping incentives and financial sustainability; and the need for digitalisation is accelerating, raising opportunity and operational risk. Across Africa, the same pressures show up in different forms: grid expansion and interconnection readiness, utility performance and collections, bankable project pipelines, procurement design, and the operational capability to deliver reliability at scale.