PRETORIA, South Africa, May 18, 2017/APO/ -- 

Power Africa announced the launch of its Southern African Energy Program this week in Cape Town, South Africa.  This announcement came as representatives from Power Africa, a U.S. government-led initiative, and the U.S. Mission in South Africa participated in African Utility Week and the Gas to Power World Congress.

The USAID-funded Southern African Energy Program is a five-year project that is designed to increase the supply of and access to electricity in Southern Africa.  The consortium is led by Deloitte and includes McKinsey, Another Option, CrossBoundary, and Worley Parsons.

In celebrating the launch of the program, Andrew Herscowitz, Coordinator for Power Africa, said, “The Southern African Energy Program is an exciting new way for the United States and Africa to work together to improve economic harmonization.”  Herscowitz added, “Power Africa is well on its way to advancing its goals of providing 30,000 MW and 60 million connections by 2030.”

The week ends on a high note as several of Power Africa’s “Women in African Power” networking group won awards at the Annual African Utility Week Awards Gala.  Rose Kaggwa, Director of Business and Scientific Studies for the National Water and Sewage Corporation of Uganda, won "Outstanding Woman of the Year"; Charlotte Aubin-Kalaidjian, Founding Partner at GreenWish Partners, won the "Outstanding Contribution Award in Power"; and Helen Tarnoy, Co-Founder & Managing Director at Aldwych International, won the "Lifetime Achievement Award."

Additionally, on May 17, the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed a grant with Pele Green Energy, Ltd., for $1,099,579 to fund a feasibility study to assess the viability of a photovoltaic solar facility in Free State, South Africa. The grant is reserved under funds from the U.S.-Africa Clean Energy Finance Initiative.  At the grant signing, U.S. Consul General to Cape Town Teddy Taylor noted, “We are excited to support the work that Pele Energy is doing, and hope this will be the start of a lasting relationship as we work together to achieve energy solutions in South Africa that will create greater prosperity for all.”

This week Power Africa also launched its third and newest handbook in the "Understanding" series, called Understanding Natural Gas and LNG Options, at a reception co-hosted with the law offices of Webber Wentzel.

Power Africa has helped 62 projects comprising 6,692 MW reach financial close, of which 1,531 MW are operational. Power Africa has added 9.5 million connections, which means tens of millions of people have access to power that did not four years ago. 

Distributed by APO on behalf of U.S. Embassy Pretoria, South Africa.