South Africa's announcement of Chinese backing for a US$122 billion (R2.2 trillion) energy expansion programme has highlighted the critical role that transmission and distribution infrastructure will play in unlocking Africa's energy future.

The investment programme, which includes 105 GW of new electricity generation capacity and the construction of approximately 14,500 kilometres of new transmission lines by 2039, represents one of the largest energy infrastructure programmes on the African continent. Beyond strengthening South Africa's electricity system, the initiative is expected to stimulate local manufacturing of transformers, cables, batteries, solar equipment and other critical grid infrastructure, creating significant opportunities across the energy value chain.

The announcement reinforces a growing continental trend: while investment in new generation capacity continues to accelerate, equal attention must now be given to expanding and modernising transmission and distribution networks to ensure that electricity can be delivered reliably and efficiently to homes, businesses and industry.

Recognising this opportunity, the Africa Energy Indaba is once again hosting T&D Africa, a dedicated conference and exhibition, focused on transmission and distribution, bringing together utilities, transmission system operators, regulators, EPCs, OEMs, technology providers, financiers, policymakers and project developers from across Africa.

T&D Africa will provide a platform to explore the policies, technologies, financing models and partnerships required to accelerate grid expansion and modernisation. Discussions will cover transmission infrastructure, distribution networks, substations, grid digitalisation, battery energy storage integration, cross-border interconnectors, smart grids, system resilience and investment opportunities emerging across the continent.

"The scale of South Africa's planned investment demonstrates that transmission and distribution infrastructure has become one of the defining priorities for Africa's energy transition," said Liz Hart, Managing Director of the Africa Energy Indaba. "Across the continent, governments are investing heavily in expanding electricity networks to connect new renewable energy projects, improve reliability and support economic growth. T&D Africa has been created to provide the dedicated platform where the industry can collaborate, share best practice and accelerate the delivery of these critical projects."

Registration for T&D Africa is now open. Organisations involved in transmission, distribution, grid technologies, engineering, manufacturing, project development and energy infrastructure are encouraged to secure their participation and engage with the key stakeholders shaping Africa's electricity networks of the future.