Finance, Contracts and Risk Mitigation for Private Power Investment in Africa
This specialised UCT GSB short course offers delegates a thorough understanding of the power-sector
financing landscape. Providing advanced theoretical knowledge and practical learning experiences, it
covers the fundamentals of power project financing, infrastructure investment, and risk mitigation
measures while diving into a variety of Africa-specific case studies.
What You Will Gain
Exposure to international and regional best practices for private sector power investments
Detailed understanding of project finance, key project contracts, and risk mitigation
Knowledge of core elements of RFPs, PPAs, Implementation Agreements, and Direct Agreements
Skills to understand and analyse private power investments in Sub-Saharan Africa
An opportunity to develop a peer network for ongoing knowledge exchange
Understanding of grid-connected, renewable energy, captive power, mini-grid, and stand-alone systems
Programme Details
STATUS
Accepting Applications
DATES
DURATION
FORMAT
LOCATION
FEES
Face-to-Face
Live Online
Application deadline: 14 April 2026
R29 950
R19 500
QUESTIONS?
Curriculum
A detailed breakdown of each module covered in the programme.
Explore the reasons for and constraints of private power investment in Africa, and the conceptual foundations of project finance.
- Main debt and equity concepts
- How to read legal documents
- Introduction to cashflow forecasting
Who Should Attend
Board members and managers in utilities
Government officials and regulatory authorities
Project developers and financiers
Legal and technical advisors
Consultants and civil society professionals
Prerequisites
- NQF 4 or equivalent
- English proficiency
Teaching Team
Learn from leading academics and industry practitioners with deep expertise in Africa's energy landscape.
Dr. Wikus Kruger
Director, Power Futures Lab
Director of the Power Futures Lab and research lead on power sector investment in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Kruger's research focuses on accelerating renewable energy investment through structured procurement programmes such as auctions. With 14 years of experience in the African energy sector, he holds a PhD from UCT, an MSc from Antwerp University, and multiple degrees from Stellenbosch University.
Daniel Gross
Visiting Faculty · Adjunct Professor, Yale University
Daniel Gross is an Adjunct Professor at Yale University, teaching courses on the finance of renewable energy. He serves as Director of the Climate Pledge Fund, a US $2 billion corporate venture capital fund established by Amazon.com. Previously he was Chief Investment Officer of Climate Real Impact Solutions (NYSE-listed), a founding Partner of Hudson Clean Energy ($1B+ AUM), and a Vice President at Goldman Sachs. He has been an investor in the African power sector and has advised African utilities, regulators, and development finance institutions. He is a Fulbright Scholar and holds degrees from Yale University.
