60 Limpopo Entrepreneurs to Join AWEaP Energy Master Class at University of Limpopo

• African Women in Energy and Power partnered with the University of Limpopo to run a three-day energy entrepreneur programme
• 60 Limpopo entrepreneurs will explore opportunities in renewable energy, hydrogen, nuclear and artificial intelligence
• Limpopo became the third province to host the programme, after successful cohorts in Gauteng and Mpumalanga

Sixty entrepreneurs from across Limpopo are set to gain hands-on training in South Africa's fast-growing energy sector. The African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP), in partnership with the University of Limpopo, hosted its Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Development Programme: Entrepreneur Master Class from 18 to 20 August 2026 in Polokwane.

The intensive three-day programme covered renewable energy, hydrogen, nuclear energy, natural gas, artificial intelligence, project finance and personal branding. Participants worked with experts drawn from government, academia and industry before presenting their business ideas to an industry panel at the close of the programme.

Limpopo joins SA's energy transition pipeline

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Following its expansion into Limpopo after earlier runs in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, the African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP) initiative has equipped more than 160 entrepreneurs to identify and capitalize on South Africa's evolving energy sector.

Founding President Bertha Dlamini stressed that the program aims to make business owners active leaders and innovators across new markets like renewable energy, hydrogen, nuclear, energy efficiency, clean tech, and AI, rather than passive observers.

Supported by expert facilitators, the Master Class covered critical topics including energy policy frameworks, green hydrogen, nuclear supply chains, energy finance, and AI integration, with SANEDI serving as patron and the University of Limpopo facilitating cross-sector collaboration to strengthen regional economic development.

Moving forward, AWEaP plans to extend the initiative to KwaZulu-Natal, the North West, and the Northern Cape.

More on South African entrepreneurs

• Briefly News recently reported on a Limpopo entrepreneur who turned an idea involving sweet potatoes into a business.
• Bolt South Africa launched an initiative searching for an inspiring woman entrepreneur, with one winner set to receive a R50,000 cash grant.
• A former homeless mother who rebuilt her career from a borrowed office went on to create a multibillion-rand business empire.

Source: Briefly News