Africa Scotland Business Network Scotland and South African Presidential Climate Commission
Executive Energy Transition Roundtable | Edinburgh, Scotland 31st August 2023
In a global effort to combat climate change and transition to cleaner energy sources, nations around the world are taking significant steps towards achieving ambitious net-zero targets. South Africa, under the leadership of President Dr Cyril Ramaphosa, has established the Presidential Climate Commission (SAPCC) to drive its own transition towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. Recently, SAPCC sought insights and collaboration opportunities by engaging with Scotland’s vibrant energy industry. This blog post explores the noteworthy roundtable discussion that took place in Edinburgh, Scotland, where energy mix leaders from Scotland gathered to exchange ideas, share experiences, and forge new partnerships in the pursuit of South Africa’s sustainable energy future.
Scotland South Africa Trade and Relations:
Scotland and South Africa have historically enjoyed strong international trade relationships and political and business friendships. Today’s contemporary relationship between the two countries is alive with partnerships across multiple sectors but the potential for Scotland to partner with South Africa on it’s renewables journey, is enormous. It’s no surprise that SAPCC has targeted Scotland for for an insightful exchange, which saw Africa Scotland Business Network (ASBN) members in the energy industry, as well as invited guests from all over Scotland participate in the private meeting. ASBN, known for its pivotal role in fostering collaboration between African and Scottish businesses, played an instrumental role in bringing together key stakeholders for this productive event.
Facilitating Connections: ASBN’s extensive network and expertise in business relations served as the catalyst for bringing together senior leaders from across Scotland.
Creating a Platform for Dialogue: ASBN provided a platform where leaders from diverse sectors, including hydrogen, renewable energy, education, and more, could come together to share their insights and experiences in an effort to help South Africa solve it’s energy crisis. This collaborative space allowed for a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Fostering Mutual Understanding: ASBN’s experience and direct footprint in both countries allows for a mutual understanding between South Africa and Scotland. Strategically, ASBN is a registered, operational company in both South Africa and in Scotland.
Energy Transition Roundtable Content:
The roundtable event held at the exquisite Hawksmoor restaurant in Edinburgh brought together senior leaders from various sectors in energy transition. The sectors represented included:
- Hydrogen
- Hydrogen/green vehicles
- B2C renewable energy solutions
- Green minerals
- Job creation – how will the energy transition’s impact on jobs and skills required
- Education and training firms
Key Takeaways and Feedback:
Several prominent figures who attended the roundtable event shared their thoughts and experiences, offering multiple solutions from all layers of the energy transition industries. It also emphasises the need for highly focused, smaller group discussions on an international basis. As the world continues its journey towards a greener future, collaborative efforts like these will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the way forward, for Scotland, South Africa, and the world.
South Africa President’s Climate Commission, Executive Director said “the evening worked out extremely well, and each one of the people you had arranged had an interesting story to tell. There are lots of potential opportunities and links that I will be following up on”.
ASBN members had the following to report on their experience:
“Thank you for inviting me to what was a pivotal discussion in Scotland and South Africa’s collaboration towards our mutual Net Zero goals. It was really fascinating conversation with many expert perspectives and ideas coming from around the table – a huge honour to be a part of it”.
“The roundtable discussion was characterized by great dialogue and valuable insights. This was an amazing networking opportunity with positive discussion on how we can work together to support the transition to renewable energy”.
Zak Stark, Forth Valley College
“What a great night which some great discussion and insights.”
Ian Ross, Scottish Development International
“This was a great night. We will definitely progress with future discussions with SAPCC”.