MASTERCLASS – Renewable Energy Entrepreneurs

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in partnership with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Renewable Energy Entrepreneurship Support Facility hosted a “Masterclass” capacity building workshop for renewable energy entrepreneurs from 20 to 23 May 2024 in Windhoek, Namibia. The Facility was hosted by the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE).

The Facility is a technical support and mentorship platform to enhance and strengthen the capacity of micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in assessing the business potential of sustainable energy, developing viable business plans and funding requests, managing and maintaining their businesses successfully. The Facility also aims to increase the confidence of financial institutions in sustainable energy systems including creating linkages with the entrepreneurs.

The focus of the Masterclass was to enhance soft skills including communication, leadership, decision making and problem solving to enhance competitiveness and business practices. Entrepreneurs from Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe attended the masterclass.