• Microsoft and Cassava Technologies have partnered together to launch training hubs in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
• The hubs are set to focus on teaching skills for renewable energy and especially to bring these solutions to local communities.
• The renewable energy sector has grown exponentially in South Africa in recent years.

Microsoft has launched a community engagement initiative in South Africa in partnership with pan-African tech giant Cassava Technologies to establish training hub locations in Johannesburg and Cape Town to help young people in the country find employment, specifically in the renewable energy sector.

Renewable energy has rocketed in usage in the last five years in South Africa, and this is no more evident than the growth the sector has seen when it comes to electricity supplied to the national grid. In July 2023, Eskom revealed it was receiving over 2 656W of renewable energy, mostly led by wind sources.

Today, this figure is likely more. As of 2024, the total amount of energy produced by solar PV sources in South Africa sat around 8.5GW, growing exponentially from 3.2GW in 2020, according to the Centre of Renewable & Sustainable Energy Studies, Stellenbosch University.

The rapid growth of renewable energy means that the space is fallow for young people to find opportunities for jobs.

“By prioritising renewable energy skills development, energy efficiency, and community microgrids, the initiative will empower the next generation to lead in the transition to clean energy,” says Cassava in an announcement sent to Hypertext.

“The project’s training hubs will play a vital role in equipping Africa’s women and youth with the skills they need to thrive in the renewable energy industry and ensure that the benefits of the energy transition are realised by all,” it added.

Cassava says that its renewable energy division will be a “key player” in the collaboration and the hubs as its renewable expertise will “ensure that the initiative delivers tangible benefits linked to clean energy jobs and projects to the communities that are involved.”

“Through this initiative, Cassava and Microsoft are supporting community engagement and sustainable development in the region and across the continent, which lays the groundwork for expansion into other African markets.”

“We are honoured to collaborate with Microsoft on this project, which ensures that we bring all Africans along as we transition to a digitally connected future using sustainable energy. By leveraging our technological expertise, on-the-ground experience, and Microsoft’s global reach, we are poised to make a lasting, positive impact on South African communities,” said Finhai Munzara, chief corporate development officer of Cassava Technologies.

[Image – Photo by Matthew Manuel on Unsplash]