Standard Bank and Meridiam team up to to boost opportunities in Africa’s energy infrastructure

Source: © 123rf 123rf Standard Bank Group and Meridiam hosted an event, Unlocking public infrastructure investment in South Africa, to unlock investment opportunities in alternate energy infrastructure on the continent

The event hosted a mix of corporate executives, government, and media stakeholders and reflected on the investment done and the work that still needs to be done.

Alternate energy infrastructure projects

“We are singularly focused on funding projects that advance the growth and development of African countries and with Standard Bank we have a partner that is in sync with our vision,” says Thierry Déau, the founder and chief executive of Meridiam.

An independent investment Benefit Corporation and an asset manager Meridiam has been building its investment credentials on the continent since 2015.

It has partnered with Standard Bank for over the past four years focusing on alternate energy infrastructure projects.

Last year, the company bought BTE Renewables assets in Kenya, a company which reportedly operates and develops 250 MW of onshore wind and solar projects in the country.

Competitive electricity market

“Given our footprint across the continent, we are regularly looking to work with partners that share our vision for building this continent that we call home, and this kind of event is important to mark the excellent work that has gone before and the joint work we intend to continue,” says Zen Dlamini, head of public sector and Infrastructure at Standard Bank.

Last month President Ramaphosa signed the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act which sets out far-reaching reforms of South Africa’s electricity sector, including the establishment of a competitive electricity market. The Act will enable additional private sector involvement in the local energy market.

Reform journey

“The SA government is on a reform journey that requires cross-societal support, partnerships such as these are encouraging offshoots that contribute to the growth needed to get to our destination,” says Rudi Dicks, head of the project management office in the Presidency, who attended the event.

The two companies committed to continue to leverage opportunities in the energy sector across the continent.