Power Africa, through USAID, Awards $1.4M Grant to the National Business Initiative to Advance Workforce Development for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - Power Africa through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded a $1.4 million grant to the National Business Initiative (NBI) to support the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skilling for Employment Program (SEP). This funding will accelerate efforts to equip South Africa’s workforce with critical skills for the green economy essential for the country’s ambitious energy transition.

The Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit (PMU), operating within the Office of the Presidency, is driving the multi-sectoral approach to implement the JET Plan. A key pillar of this plan is workforce development, and the JET SEP is a structured program working closely with the JET PMU and other key governmental stakeholders. It unites the private sector under a shared vision of aligning skills development with industry needs, especially in emerging sectors like renewable energy, green hydrogen, and electric mobility. The initiative is supported by 30 CEO champions from key industries, ensuring a pragmatic, inclusive approach to workforce development.

“Power Africa is excited to partner with NBI and the JET PMU to advance skills development for South Africa’s energy transition,” said Ted Lawrence, Power Africa’s Deputy Coordinator. “This grant demonstrates our commitment to the Just Energy Transition Partnership and to empowering local organizations that strengthen local systems and serve their communities. The private sector plays a critical role in South Africa’s transition away from coal, and we are proud to support the development of a skilled workforce to drive this change.”

With this grant, JET SEP will enhance efforts to create a dynamic ecosystem that addresses skills gaps,  preparing workers for sustainable careers in the rapidly growing green economy.

"I am optimistic about what we can achieve through partnership and collaboration. The road ahead is challenging, but with the commitment of the private sector, government, and all stakeholders, we can build a just, inclusive, and prosperous future for South Africa,” said Shameela Soobramoney, CEO, National Business Initiative.

Insights from the Powering Futures Report

JET SEP’s Powering Futures: The Green Skilling Opportunity report, released last week, offers a comprehensive analysis of the jobs and skills demands driven by South Africa’s energy transition. The USAID grant helps translate these insights into action, fostering the creation of a robust skills ecosystem to equip South Africans for the opportunities ahead.

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About Power Africa

Power Africa is a U.S. government-led initiative to improve access to affordable and reliable electricity in sub-Saharan Africa, unlocking the potential for inclusive economic growth and prosperity, job creation, improved health, and environmental outcomes by adding 30,000 megawatts of new electricity generation capacity and 60 million new electricity connections for homes and businesses by 2030. To know more, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.

About JET SEP
The Just Energy Transition Skilling for Employment Program (JET SEP) is a collaborative initiative led by the National Business Initiative (NBI), in partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Supported by leading South African CEOs and endorsed by the Presidency’s JET Project Management Unit (PMU), Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), JET SEP coordinates private sector contributions to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, with a focus on inclusive workforce development and sustainable job creation.

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