Latest news with #VUKAGroup
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Key industry support for C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia 2025
The C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia ( a landmark event for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, is set to launch on 27-28 August 2025 at The Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka. The C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia introduces a dynamic platform to tackle energy challenges and deliver sustainable solutions for Zambia's commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors. As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group, a leading organiser of transformative industry events across Africa, this Summit will drive the SADC region's energy future. "The region has the potential to respond to the demand for sustainable energy. It is undisputable that the SADC region can do better. But what we lack in our region is collaboration", says Mr Makozo Chikote, Zambia Minister of Energy. Endorsements, Partners, and Sponsors The Summit is proudly endorsed by key industry associations and supported by a robust network of partners and sponsors committed to advancing Zambia's energy landscape. Zambia Ministry of Energy, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), and the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI) have partnered with the event, which underscores C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia's role in promoting policy advocacy, technology adoption, and investment in renewable energy. ZESCO is the proud host utility of the Summit, and they are joined by key sponsors such as Enerj, Hexing, WEG, and Vertiv. Advisory board comprising influential industry stakeholders Guiding the Summit's direction is a distinguished Advisory Board of industry experts and thought leaders who shape the programme to address pressing challenges in commercial and industrial energy security. Board members include: Ian Griffiths, Solar and Hydro Projects Developer Johnstone Chikwanda, Global Ambassador of Energy and Climate Change, Forum of African Traditional Authorities (FATA) Mbiko Banda, Electrical Engineer and Research Lead, Africa GreenCo Rodgers K. Muyangwa, Senior Manager Research and Pricing - Economic Regulation, Energy Regulation Board Rose Chikotola-Sichizya, Co-ordinator, Proudly Zambian Campaign Liana Braxton, Managing Director, Sosimple Energy Chimuka Nketani, Director: Investment, Zambia Development Agency Brian Tahinduka, Energy Head: Africa Regions, Standard Bank Their expertise ensures sessions are relevant, informative, and aligned with stakeholder needs. Confirmed speakers The Summit features speakers who bring real-world experience from across the energy value chain, including pioneers in embedded generation, PPAs, and Zambia's open-access framework. Notable speakers include: Billy Onyango, Renewable Energy Consultant, Kenya Power Chabuka Kawesha, Chairperson, Vice President (South Block), Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chikoma Kazunga, Head of Business Development and New Ventures, Africa GreenCo Helen Zulu, Country Director, ENGIE Energy Access Zambia These experts will share stories, challenges, and lessons learned to help attendees futureproof operations, secure financing, and scale clean energy solutions. Contact Babalwa Bungane for speaking opportunities at the Summit: Download the Programme ( Complimentary access for pre-qualified C&I project owners Designed for businesses grappling with unreliable utility power, load-shedding, price volatility, and operational pressures, the Hosted Buyer Programme connects participants directly with solution providers active in Zambia and the region, enabling peer-to-peer networking, insights from real-world implementations, and updates on regulatory changes, financing tools, and emerging technologies. Who Should Apply? Commercial and industrial companies Large energy users Energy project owners and buyers Enquire about the Hosted Buyer Programme here: Why Attend? This Summit is essential for businesses facing unreliable utility power and pursuing energy independence. Through masterclasses, case studies, and networking, participants will explore alternative energy and storage technologies to secure reliable energy, learn from early adopters about successful project execution, gain insights into regulatory frameworks and policy advocacy, mitigate financial and technical risks with expert advice, and build partnerships to accelerate project development. This event is critical for Zambia's C&I sectors, which depend on effective energy solutions. Key industries include retail, powering stores and supply chains consistently; manufacturing, ensuring stable energy for production; agriculture and agri-processing, supporting irrigation and processing; property development, enabling sustainable buildings; and energy-intensive users, stabilising operations for mining and industry. Join Us Seize this opportunity to elevate your energy strategy, engage with top providers, and shape the future of Zambia and the SADC region. Whether a sponsor, delegate, hosted buyer, or investor, the C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia offers unmatched value. Register for the event ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group. For sponsorship or hosted buyer enquiries, contact: Marcel du Toit About VUKA Group: As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group ( this Summit aligns with VUKA's mission to connect industries, spark innovation, and fuel economic growth. VUKA Group is a premier organiser of conferences, exhibitions, and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development in energy and related sectors.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Tickets Are Live: WomenIN Festival 2025 Is Calling the Impactful, the Bold, the Brilliant, and the Brave!
Date: 13–14 November 2025 Venue: Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town Get ready, Cape Town — the continent's most inspiring, intersectional, and women-led experience is back. Tickets for WomenIN Festival 2025 are now officially live, and this year's edition is set to be the most dynamic yet. Brought to you by the team behind the WomenIN portfolio at the VUKA Group, The WomenIN Festival is not just an event — it's a movement. We're passionate about creating real impact and proud to be walking the talk through our work with a range of NPOs and our ongoing efforts to end period poverty and more. This is a celebration of women who are building businesses, reshaping industries, mentoring the next generation, and changing what leadership looks like. It's where purpose meets power, and passion fuels possibility. More than a moment, WomenIN is a platform for progress — offering real tools, bold ideas, and authentic connection. Whether you're a student, entrepreneur, executive, artist, activist, or ally — this is the space to be seen, heard, and supported. The Only Truly Cross-Sector, Intersectional Event of Its Kind in Africa What sets WomenIN Festival apart is its cross-sector, intersectional approach. Across the year, WomenIN has hosted groundbreaking sector-specific gatherings: WomenIN Green Economy, WomenIN Energy, WomenIN Mobility, WomenIN Mining, WomenIN Digital Transformation, and more. The WomenIN Festival brings it all together — one platform, one powerful space, where industries, identities, and ideas converge. This is not just another women's event. It's the future — inclusive, ambitious, and unapologetically bold. Here's What to Expect at WomenIN Festival 2025: Conversations that matter — unfiltered talks and powerful panels with some of Africa's most impactful leaders in business, tech, media, energy, sustainability, finance, and more Hands-on learning through transformative masterclasses and workshops that equip you with the tools to lead change Youth-led showcases that amplify the voices of tomorrow's changemakers Connection spaces to collaborate and co-create with powerful women (and allies) across the continent Interactive activations, immersive experiences, and unexpected moments of joy and transformation Tickets starting at R1,499 for a 2-day experience. Group bookings available. There's an access point for everyone — from student passes to group tickets and premium VIP experiences. Sponsor a Ticket, Power a Future WomenIN is proud to introduce its Sponsor a Ticket initiative — an opportunity for individuals and organisations to sponsor access for young women who would not otherwise be able to attend. This is about creating real, tangible impact — unlocking doors, building confidence, and investing in the next generation of leaders. 'When we invest in women, we don't just change one life — we ripple transformation across communities, sectors, and economies. The WomenIN Festival is that ripple. It's where we show up for one another and leave no one behind.' — Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, WomenIN Portfolio Director, Vuka Group Real Impact. Real Change. All Year Round. From rural school drives to youth mentorship, from digital inclusion campaigns to high-impact corporate partnerships — WomenIN is more than a festival. It's a values-driven ecosystem with a clear mission: to uplift, equip, and empower women and girls in Africa to rise, lead, and thrive. Join the Movement. Be the Moment. Whether you've followed us from the beginning or you're only just discovering our work, this is your invitation to join a growing network of changemakers who are louder together, braver together — and better together. Visit to get your ticket, sponsor someone else's, or explore partnership opportunities. Come as you are. Leave ignited. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group. WomenIN (WiN): Empowering Women, Breaking Barriers, Creating Impact: WomenIN is a powerful cross-sector movement that connects, inspires, and uplifts women across Africa through collaboration, leadership, and sustainable development. From energy and mobility to retail, gaming, and the green economy, WiN is driving real change by building inclusive ecosystems where women can thrive. Through a range of in-person gatherings, digital content, workshops, and sector-specific initiatives, WomenIN provides a trusted platform for female professionals, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and allies to grow together, break silos, and co-create solutions for Africa's future. With a strong focus on capacity building, leadership development, and market access for female-owned businesses, WomenIN is building a legacy of impact for generations to come. Whether you're a corporate, NPO, SMME, or individual changemaker, there is space for you at the table—because we win when we WiN together. For more information, please visit: or contact our team at info@ ABOUT VUKA Group: VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations that drive growth and transformation across Africa's industries. With 20+ years of experience on the continent, the group delivers sector-leading platforms across Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport, Retail, and Women Empowerment. The WomenIN (WiN) portfolio is a flagship initiative of VUKA Group, championing gender inclusivity and creating opportunities for women to lead, influence, and innovate across sectors. With a proudly African team and a commitment to sustainable development, VUKA is creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to rise.
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Carbon Markets Africa Summit: Unlocking Africa's Carbon Wealth Through Integrity, Action and Investment — Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) is a project of VUKA Group
The award-winning VUKA Group ( has officially launched the Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS), a purpose-driven, high-level continental gathering that will take place from 21 to 23 October 2025 in Johannesburg. Designed as Africa's flagship platform for carbon finance, CMAS brings together policymakers, investors, standards bodies, developers and corporates to drive practical, inclusive climate action and unlock Africa's carbon value at scale. Carbon markets are quickly becoming one of Africa's most promising opportunities for climate finance and sustainable development. Yet the complexity of validation, verification, regulation and monetisation continues to challenge project developers, financiers and governments alike. 'This isn't mining or retail. The returns, timelines and requirements are different,' says Olivia Tuchten, Principal Climate Change Advisor at Promethium Carbon. 'There's money to be made and good to be done - but only if stakeholders upskill and understand the process.' CMAS is Africa's response – a strategic event focused on building confidence, closing knowledge gaps and accelerating real transactions. Strategic Moment: Africa's Carbon Future and the Global Agenda The timing of CMAS is particularly significant. With growing global momentum around carbon pricing and the operationalisation of Article 6, the outcomes of the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit in November are expected to influence the future architecture of global carbon markets. As the G20 debates issues like carbon border adjustment mechanisms and international credit standards, Africa must be ready to respond with a united, informed voice. CMAS provides a platform for African stakeholders to strategically align, share technical insights, and sharpen positions – not only for G20, but also in preparation for COP30, where climate finance and carbon market governance will again take centre stage. 'We are in the right place and at the right time today to ensure that Africa benefits from carbon markets,' says Prof Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank. A Unique Value Proposition: What Sets CMAS Apart Pan-African Focus with Global Reach: Prioritising African leadership while connecting to international buyers, standards and financiers. Ministerial Roundtable (21 October): A closed-door session convening African environment, climate and finance ministers to align policy priorities and amplify Africa's voice at COP30 and G20. Deal-Making Platforms: Investor roundtables, project showcases, deep-dive workshops and curated networking designed to convert conversations into transactions. Integrity&Compliance: Navigate voluntary and compliance carbon markets with rigor, exploring Article 6, regional frameworks and global best practice. Project Visibility: Spotlight on investable, Africa-based carbon projects with real climate and community impact. Pre-COP30 Momentum: CMAS will help unify African market positions and technical readiness in the lead-up to multilateral climate finance negotiations. Advisory Board: A Multi-Sectoral Powerhouse To ensure CMAS reflects Africa's diverse needs and opportunities in carbon markets, an influential advisory board has been convened, including: Andrew Gilder – Director, Climate Legal, South Africa Andrew Ocama – Eastern Africa Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance, Uganda Bianca Gichangi – Regional Lead – Africa, VCMI, Kenya Brett Stacey – Director, Carbon Zero Verification, United Kingdom Dr Olufunso Somorin – Regional Principal Officer, AfDB, Kenya Heather McEwan – Regional Representative, Verra, South Africa Javier Mazanares – CEO, Allen Manza, Panama Lawrence Cole-Morgan – Carbon Credit Trading Lead, Standard Bank, South Africa Mathis Granjon – Trader, Green Steps, Netherlands Maxime Bayen – Operating Partner, Catalyst Fund, Spain Olivia Tuchten – Promethium Carbon, South Africa Reshma Shah – Lead, Carbon Markets, FSD Africa, Kenya Bernardin Uzayisaba, Carbon Market Programme Specialist, UNDP, South Africa Ibrahim Shelleng, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Government of Nigeria A Pathway to African Ownership 'Africa is still not maximising its potential. We need to do things differently,' says Olufunso Somorin, AfDB. 'One of the challenges is that there are many good project developers who have very good ideas, but they don't have the resource to jumpstart their idea into an investable project.' Somorin continues: 'The AfDB has created the African Carbon Support Facility, and we are hoping to start off with a $100 million capitalisation.' Among the goals are supporting countries towards market-creating policy shifts, and the bulk of the funds will provide resources to project developers and assist in validation costs. 'The AfDB wants to increase the number of African-owned, African-based and African-led project developments on the ground,' he adds. According to Lawrence Cole-Morgan, Standard Bank, 'the carbon markets provide Africa with the ability to monetise its significant carbon sequestration potential to fund socio-economic development and badly needed adaptation, while making a meaningful contribution to combatting climate change.' Meanwhile, Andrew Ocama, Eastern Africa Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance, is of the opinion that 'each country is at a different level of readiness to actively participate in the carbon markets. To the seven Alliance countries, these markets are an important avenue for finance owing to their accountability and the measurability of their outcomes.' Event Details 21 October – Pre-Summit Day Carbon 101 seminar High-impact dialogue by the Global Trust Project 22–23 October – Main Summit Plenaries Ministerial Roundtable Investor roundtables Hands-on workshops Sector-focused dialogues Deal-making and networking Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Organised by VUKA Group With more than 20 years of experience delivering high-impact B2B events across Africa, VUKA Group is the independent, B-BBEE-compliant force behind platforms like Africa's Green Economy Summit, Enlit Africa, Smarter Mobility Africa, and DRC Mining Week. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vuka Group. Contact: Tailor-made partnerships Natalie Kruger +66 (0) 65 614 8605 Portfolio Director – Green Economy Emmanuelle Nicholls +27 (0) 83 447 8410 Website:
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia 2025 launches in Lusaka - C&I Energy + Storage Summit is a project of VUKA Group
The C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia ( a landmark event for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, is set to launch on 27-28 August 2025 in Lusaka. Hosted in Zambia's capital, this summit introduces a dynamic platform to tackle energy challenges and deliver sustainable solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors. About the Summit The C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia unites industry leaders, project owners, innovators, and financiers to advance energy security and sustainability. Following the success of the 2024 South Africa summit, this event connects pre-qualified C&I project owners with cutting-edge energy and storage providers, fostering actionable insights, peer collaboration, and strategic partnerships. As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group, a leading organiser of transformative industry events across Africa, this summit will drive the SADC region's energy future. "Zambia is at a turning point in its energy journey,' says Chanelle Hingston, Portfolio Director of VUKA Group's Power and Energy Portfolio. 'With growing demand, policy reform, and a clear appetite for private generation, there's never been a more important time to connect buyers and solution providers. Launching the C&I Energy + Storage Summit here is about unlocking real opportunities—where energy independence meets economic resilience." Why attend? This summit is essential for businesses facing unreliable utility power and pursuing energy independence. Through masterclasses, case studies, and networking, participants will explore alternative energy and storage technologies to secure reliable energy, learn from early adopters about successful project execution, gain insights into regulatory frameworks and policy advocacy, mitigate financial and technical risks with expert advice, and build partnerships to accelerate project development. This event is critical for Zambia's C&I sectors, which depend on effective energy solutions. Key industries include retail, powering stores and supply chains consistently; manufacturing, ensuring stable energy for production; agriculture and agri-processing, supporting irrigation and processing; property development, enabling sustainable buildings; and energy-intensive users, stabilising operations for mining and industry. Download the programme ( Programme highlights The two-day programme features dynamic sessions and masterclasses: Day 1 (27 August 2025): The day kicks off with a keynote, moderated by Dr Johnstone Chikwanda, featuring a project briefing on energy strategies, followed by case studies where early adopters like Dangote Cement Zambia and Shoprite Zambia share embedded generation successes. This is followed by a panel discussion on derisking business continuity, featuring Helen Zulu, Zambia Country Director, ENGIE Energy Access, and Chabuka Kawesha, Vice President (South Block), Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Day 2 (28 August 2025): The day begins with a plenary and a keynote by the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and a session on open-access electricity policy, outlining its economic impact and challenges. Masterclasses cover grid capacity and flexibility in an open-access era; navigating clean energy technologies, solar PV, and storage implementation; safety and sustainable asset management for solar PV projects; and analysis of Zambia's renewable energy tariff regime and cost insights, featuring Billy Onyango, County Operations&Maintenance Engineer, Kenya Power. Closing remarks explore the future of storage for hydro-dependent nations, addressing battery storage, climate impacts, and investment frameworks. Join us Seize this opportunity to elevate your energy strategy, engage with top providers, and shape the future of Zambia and the SADC region. Whether a sponsor, delegate, hosted buyer, or investor, the C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia offers unmatched value. For more information visit Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vuka Group. For sponsorship or hosted buyer enquiries, contact: Marcel du Toit For speaking opportunities, contact: Babalwa Bungane About VUKA Group: As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group ( this summit aligns with VUKA's mission to connect industries, spark innovation, and fuel economic growth. VUKA Group is a premier organiser of conferences, exhibitions, and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development in energy and related sectors.
Zawya
09-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Mining Week to welcome Prime Minister Tuluka on 14 June in Lubumbashi
The organisers of DRC Mining Week expo and conference in Lubumbashi are pleased to announce that the Prime Minister of the DRC, Her Excellency, Mrs Judith Suminwa Tuluka, will be in attendance during the longstanding event's 20th anniversary edition this month in Lubumbashi on 14 June during a special ministerial session. 20 years of shaping mining in the DRC From its inception, DRC Mining Week has evolved into the largest mining and infrastructure platform in the DRC and the Copperbelt, bringing together over 11,500 attendees from 50+ countries. Under the theme '20 Years of Shaping Mining in the DRC: Investing in Infrastructure Development and Energy Security – Vision 2025–2030,' this landmark edition will highlight the progress made and the opportunities that lie ahead. With mining at the heart of the country's industrialisation, the focus will be on investment, infrastructure development and energy security to drive long-term growth. Longstanding support 'We are always delighted to welcome government luminaries to Lubumbashi; therefore we have added a VIP bonus day to our event on 14 June, in order to ensure that high-level government representatives are able to engage with industry leaders,' says Samukelo Madlabane, Events Director – Mining for the VUKA Group. 'Particularly in the light of DRC Mining Week 's 20th anniversary, which would not have been possible without the government's invaluable, longstanding support for this event, which has been fostering collaboration and development within the mining sector for over two decades now.' Valuable exposure More than 11,500+ local and international mining professionals are expected at DRC Mining Week this week, promising valuable exposure and potential contacts for participating partners. The event provides a broad spectrum of thought-provoking content and opportunities to meet existing and prospective partners and clients in the mining and extractive sectors, including: Energy Investment Forum; High-level conference sessions, with topics that include: the Mining Roadmap 2025–2030; expert think-tank; market dynamics and price volatility; and positioning DRC as a leading mining country. Countless meeting and networking occasions for 1300+ elite decision-makers, including mining executives and government officials; An expansive expo with 280+ sponsors and exhibitors showcasing the latest and trusted technologies and services for the industry, including country pavilions; US Government Business Forum (invitation only); European Union Business Forum (invitation only); The Ambassador's Forum and networking business lunch (invitation only) Executive Business Forum (strictly by invitation); CEO Roundtable (Strictly by invitation); Value Chain Investment Forum; Regional Development Forum; Women Mine&Leadership Forum—always a hot ticket and an event highlight; Glittering gala dinner (strictly for ticket holders); Kamoa Site Visit (sold out). The packed programme brochure for the 2025 edition of DRC Mining Week is available on the event website. Click here ( Industry support As has become customary for DRC Mining Week, this year too the event boasts broad industry backing and institutional support, including the official partners, the DRC Ministry of Mining and FEC (Federation of Enterprises of Congo). Its main sponsors include Standard Bank as lead sponsors. The diamond plus sponsors are Ecobank, Equity BCDC, Kamoa Copper S.A., Glencore, Kamoto Copper Company S.A. and MUMI. Other mining houses that will be in attendance this year include Barrick, CMOC, ERG Africa, Gecamines, Ivanhoe Mines and MMG. DRC Mining Week dates and venue: - Expo and conference: 11–13 June 2025 - Farewell lunch on the 14th of June (Strictly by invitation); - Location: The Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, Lubumbashi, DRC Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vuka Group. Social Media: Twitter: Facebook: DRC-Mining-Week ( LinkedIn: About DRC Mining Week: DRC Mining Week is organised by The VUKA Group ( (formerly Clarion Events Africa) ( a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, ecommerce and CX sectors. Other well-known events by The Vuka Group include DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum ( Nigeria Mining Week ( Enlit Africa ( Africa's Green Economy Summit ( Smarter Mobility Africa ( ECOM Africa ( and CEM Africa ( Mining Review Africa ( the leading monthly magazine and digital platform in the African mining industry, is the event's premium media partner. Website:
