November 22, 2024| Pretoria, South Africa
A team of researchers from the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) hosted a National Policy Conference and Round Table Discussion in Pretoria, South Africa.
A team of researchers from the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) hosted a National Policy Conference and Roundtable Discussion in Pretoria, South Africa. The event focused on exploring the role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in financing green energy transitions, particularly in the Global South.
The conference brought together 25 key stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, private sector representatives, and civil society leaders, to discuss challenges and propose solutions to financing energy infrastructure.
Among the prominent participants were Julia Tatham from UCT’s Energy Systems Research Group, Adele Bosch of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), and Albie Alant, a corporate finance specialist at PwC.
Key Highlights and Discussions
Dr. Jessika Bohlmann, the Program researcher, opened the event by outlining the program's objectives to address financing gaps in South Africa’s energy infrastructure. Heinrich Bohlmann, the Program leader, presented findings from PEP’s research, highlighting the critical need for MDB reforms to support green transitions.
Julia Tatham shared insights into energy modeling approaches for policy planning, while Adele Bosch discussed the financing challenges in Southern Africa. Albie Alant explored private sector perspectives on sustainable energy investments.
The round table discussion following the presentations allowed participants to reflect on the complexity of financing green energy transitions. The dialogue underscored the significance of blended finance, a mechanism identified as crucial for addressing funding gaps in transmission infrastructure.
The event facilitated the formation of new strategic contacts among stakeholders, creating a foundation for future collaboration. Discussions emphasized the importance of regulatory reforms, increased liquidity in energy markets, and innovative funding structures to address key challenges.
“Diversity among participants minimized blind spots and ensured a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand,” remarked one attendee.
The findings and recommendations from the event aim to inform policymakers and stakeholders as they navigate South Africa’s energy transition. Participants recognized the urgency of aligning MDB frameworks with the financial needs of developing economies, emphasizing the potential of South Africa’s G20 presidency to lead such efforts.
Journalists from various outlets covered the event, amplifying its impact and reach.
The conference was organized with financial and advisory support from PEP, as part of ongoing efforts to drive policy discussions on global energy transitions and MDB reforms
