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Lizwe Ndlovu

AI and IoT are not replacing human engineers but augmenting their capabilities.

Risk, readiness and the road ahead for smart solar in Africa’s cold chain (Part 3)

By Eamonn Ryan

The following article derives from a panel discussion at the Solar & Storage Africa Live conference and expo held in Gauteng in March, on the topic ‘From crisis to capacity: how SA businesses are using storage to survive and thrive’.

The panel consisted of:

  • Thabisile Kubheka, Smartgrid SA director of stakeholders engagement and community liaison
  • Lydia Kapangila, African Youth in Energy
  • David Raphael, SOLINK
  • Wale Odugbesan, Royal Power & Energy
  • Pitso Sekhoto, Eskom

This is part three of a three-part series.

Read More »Risk, readiness and the road ahead for smart solar in Africa’s cold chain (Part 3)

Closing the performance gap – from underperforming assets to intelligent networks (Part 2)

By Eamonn Ryan

The following article derives from a panel discussion at the Solar & Storage Africa Live conference and expo held in Gauteng in March, on the topic ‘From crisis to capacity: how SA businesses are using storage to survive and thrive’.

The panel consisted of:

  • Thabisile Kubheka, Smartgrid SA director of stakeholders engagement and community liaison
  • Lydia Kapangila, African Youth in Energy
  • David Raphael, SOLINK
  • Wale Odugbesan, Royal Power & Energy
  • Pitso Sekhoto, Eskom

This is part two of a three-part series.

…continuing from part one

Read More »Closing the performance gap – from underperforming assets to intelligent networks (Part 2)

From data to intelligence – how AI is reshaping solar systems in the cold chain (Part 1)

By Eamonn Ryan

The following article derives from a panel discussion at the Solar & Storage Africa Live conference and expo held in Gauteng in March, on the topic ‘From crisis to capacity: how SA businesses are using storage to survive and thrive’.

The panel consisted of:

  • Thabisile Kubheka, Smartgrid SA director of stakeholders engagement and community liaison
  • Lydia Kapangila, African Youth in Energy
  • David Raphael, SOLINK
  • Wale Odugbesan, Royal Power & Energy
  • Pitso Sekhoto, Eskom

This is part one of a three-part series.

Read More »From data to intelligence – how AI is reshaping solar systems in the cold chain (Part 1)

Unlocking energy finance in Africa (Part 2): Policy, partnerships and the path to scalable investment

By Eamonn Ryan

While innovative structuring, standardisation, and smarter system design are beginning to unlock the ‘missing middle’, they are only part of the solution. As Jose Luis Bobes at the 2026 Solar & Storage Africa Live conference emphasised, broader ecosystem support – from policy frameworks to blended finance instruments – plays an equally critical role.

…continuing from part one

Read More »Unlocking energy finance in Africa (Part 2): Policy, partnerships and the path to scalable investment

Unlocking energy finance for Africa (Part 1): Solving the ‘missing middle’ in cold chain projects

By Eamonn Ryan

At Solar & Storage Live Africa 2026, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre, much of the conversation centred on technology – solar panels, batteries and hybrid systems. Yet, as Jose Luis Bobes made clear in his session, the real enabler of the energy transition is not technology alone, but finance. Without viable funding structures, even the most effective energy solutions – including those critical to the cold chain – remain out of reach.

Read More »Unlocking energy finance for Africa (Part 1): Solving the ‘missing middle’ in cold chain projects

Agriculture powers the export resurgence (Part 2)

By Eamonn Ryan

When Donald Trump first imposed tariffs on South African goods, the outlook appeared bleak for agriculture and the cold chain. Policymakers and industry leaders warned of shrinking access to key markets, declining export revenues, and a long, uncertain transition toward alternative trade partners. This is part two of a two-part series.

…continuing from part one

Read More »Agriculture powers the export resurgence (Part 2)

Ceasefire relief – but not resolution: What the US–Iran truce means for South Africa

By Eamonn Ryan

The recent ceasefire between the US and Iran has delivered a welcome – if fragile – sense of relief to global markets. After weeks of extreme volatility, oil prices have fallen sharply, easing immediate pressure on fuel-importing economies like South Africa. But while the headlines suggest stability, the reality is more complex: this was always likely to be a temporary pause, not a lasting solution.

Read More »Ceasefire relief – but not resolution: What the US–Iran truce means for South Africa

Citrus exports poised for growth as cold chain resilience underpins 2026 outlook

By Eamonn Ryan

South Africa’s citrus industry is heading into the 2026 export season with cautious optimism, but the real story lies beyond the orchards. As global uncertainty continues to test supply chains, the strength and reliability of the country’s cold chain – from packhouse to port – will play a decisive role in ensuring that higher volumes translate into successful market delivery.

Read More »Citrus exports poised for growth as cold chain resilience underpins 2026 outlook