Johannesburg, March 27, 2025 – RES4Africa Foundation and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) successfully concluded the Master Class on Private Sector Participation in Africa’s Transmission Grids, held in Johannesburg from March 24 to 26. The in-person training brought together senior professionals from African utilities, regulatory agencies, and energy ministries from seven countries to build capacity for engaging in private-sector-led transmission infrastructure projects.

While investment in generation has accelerated in recent years, transmission investment has remained stagnant at around USD 10 billion annually, far below the levels required to meet universal energy access and climate-related goals. Moreover, only 1.7% of private financing in Africa’s electricity infrastructure has gone toward transmission over the past three decades.

Recognising the need to strengthen institutional capacity in structuring, procuring, and financing transmission projects, RES4Africa and IFC designed the Master Class to equip energy sector stakeholders with the tools and knowledge necessary to make the most of private investment in transmission.

The training opened with introductory sessions on public-private partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure, focusing on structuring, procurement, risk allocation, and financing, followed by dedicated sessions on  Independent Power Transmission (IPT) projects and whole-of-network concessions. Case studies from Latin America, India, and Africa were presented to illustrate real-world applications and lessons learned. The agenda also included deep dives into contractual frameworks, regulatory considerations, tariff models, risk allocation and financing strategies, and cross-border transmission projects, offering a comprehensive understanding of the policy and financial mechanisms necessary to attract private investment.

Expert speakers from IFC, RES4Africa, Enel Green Power, K-Infra, GME, Hunton Andrews Kurth, Gridworks, Africa GreenCo, SAPP, and Meridiam, led discussions on critical aspects of transmission financing and regulation. RES4Africa and IFC extend their thanks to all the expert facilitators and participants for their contributions, and to Enel Green Power for supporting the event.

RES4Africa and IFC reaffirmed their commitment to supporting African governments and institutions in advancing transmission projects. As part of the next steps, the master class will be offered to subsequent cohorts of electricity sector practitioners to further build awareness and skills for implementing transmission infrastructure projects with private sector involvement. Additional advisory support may be provided to countries interested in implementing private-sector-led transmission projects following the training.