Electricity Expo Africa 2025 is the first installer-led event in South Africa’s electricity sector. Set to take place from 19 to 21 August 2025 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, it aims to bring together industry professionals, innovators, and stakeholders to showcase and explore leading solutions in tackling Africa's energy challenges.
The event will spotlight the latest advances in electrical technologies and address current issues in the sector.
Organised by the Electrical Contractors Association (SA) (ECASA) and the South African Electrical Workers Association (SAEWA) and endorsed by the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry (NBCEI), Electricity Expo Africa 2025 presents a collaborative effort to drive sustainable energy solutions across the continent.
Themed 'Empowering solutions for South Africa's energy future', the event will spotlight the latest advances in electrical technologies, renewable energy, smart grids, and clean power generation. Over three days, it will address concerns such as national grid constraints, accelerating the adoption of renewable energy, promoting off-grid innovation, mitigating load shedding, and modernising infrastructure and regulation.
"Electricity is the engine of development,” said Jimmy Turner, Chairperson of Electricity Expo Africa. “Bringing the industry together, it is a call to action for every stakeholder invested in South Africa's future. We are uniting solution providers, policymakers, and communities to collectively transform South Africa's energy landscape – from one of scarcity to one of reliability and abundance," he said.
In focus
- Confronting the national grid crisis
South Africa's ageing grid requires urgent intervention. Central to the expo is a drive to modernise infrastructure through automation, smart diagnostics, and maintenance innovations. By gathering grid experts and transmission specialists, the event will share knowledge on how to prevent failures and accelerate national upgrade projects.
This effort supports the National Energy Action Plan, which aims to restore Eskom's reliability and accelerate the development of new power capacity.
“A stable and sustainable electricity supply needs effective tools, smart systems, and urgent implementation of practical solutions," Turner said. "The expo will present cutting-edge grid technologies that bolster resilience, alongside policy reforms that streamline infrastructure development. It's about turning challenges into opportunities for growth."
- Accelerating renewable and off-grid solutions
South Africa's energy future depends on a diversified generation mix. With the rapid rise of solar adoption – from 2 300 MW in 2022 to over 5 400 MW by early 2024 – the expo will highlight solar PV, wind, and battery storage technologies that enable homes, businesses, and municipalities to generate electricity independently and reduce their reliance on the national grid.
Over 130 IPP projects, with a total generation capacity of roughly 22 500 MW, are currently in the pipeline. At the expo, both large-scale and decentralised innovations will be on display, including off-grid and mini-grid solutions for rural and high-risk areas.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with tech developers and solution providers, demonstrating the tools to power communities and commercial hubs where national supply is not available.
- Innovation in policy, regulation and infrastructure
The Electricity Regulation Amendment Act marks a new era for South Africa's electricity sector, introducing reforms such as an independent transmission system operator and a competitive power market. But policy needs to keep pace with technology.
Electricity Expo Africa 2025 will feature high-level discussions with government, regulators, and industry leaders. Topics include streamlining licences for renewables, energy storage incentives, updated grid codes, and infrastructure financing – crucial considering the estimated sum needed for national grid expansion.
"We are showcasing innovation, and we aim to drive a national movement towards a resilient, inclusive electricity system," added Turner. "Electricity Expo Africa 2025 will provide a forum for the collaboration between government, industry, and civil society essential for a sustainable energy future."
Who needs to be there
The expo will host over 150 exhibitors and more than 60 expert speakers. Participants will include:
- Policymakers and energy officials – sharing reforms and strategic plans
- Municipal utility leaders – highlighting local innovation and micro-grids
- Renewable energy innovators – showcasing new generation technologies
- Grid technology and storage providers – presenting advanced smart-grid systems
- Financing and infrastructure partners – exploring capital mobilisation and PPPs
- Community energy access organisations – championing equitable power access.
This extensive programme provides an opportunity for businesses to place their innovations at the centre of national dialogue and development.
For more information visit: www.electricityexpoafrica.com
