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Utility Exchange Programme

About the Programme

The Utility Exchange Programme for Women in Energy is implemented under the auspices of the National Treasury and the Department for Energy and Electricity South Africa, and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for the 2026–2028 programme period.

The initiative provides a structured platform for senior female professionals in municipal utilities to engage in international peer learning, technical exchange, and leadership development.

The programme is designed to strengthen institutional capacity and support power sector governance across South African municipal electricity utilities. It functions as a mutually beneficial exchange platform rather than a one-sided capacity development initiative, enabling participants to address shared transition challenges such as renewable energy integration, battery storage and bankability, resilience and crisis management, digitalisation, social tariffs, and customer management.

Strategic match-making is facilitated by the German Association of Local Public Utilities (VKU) and the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW).

Key Components of the Programme

  • Implementation Support: Facilitates the implementation of Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) and Metro Trading Services Reforms (MTSR) by building technical and management capacity among select women professionals from municipal utilities.
  • Tailored Instrument Mix: Delivers a customized set of tools and methodologies that facilitate the application of acquired knowledge within home utilities.
  • Community of Practice: Supports continuous local peer learning through a dedicated professional community.
  • Knowledge & Technical Exchange: Focuses on the exchange of operational and technical knowledge between utilities facing similar energy transition challenges.
  • International Best Practices: Provides South African participants with direct exposure to global best practices in utility management, renewable energy integration, grid planning, and innovation in electricity distribution systems.
  • Institutional Cooperation: Strengthens institutional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and long-term professional networks between participating organisations, leveraging established city partnerships where applicable.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is open to women professionals holding senior technical or managerial roles linked to Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) and Municipal Electricity Trading Services Reform (MTSR) implementation within South African municipal utilities and electricity departments.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be employed within a metropolitan municipality, municipal electricity department, or municipal utility.
  • Hold a senior technical, specialist, or managerial position directly involved in or supporting EDI or MTSR implementation.
  • Have a minimum of 7 years' relevant professional experience in the electricity, energy, or utility industry.
  • Possess a minimum of 3 years in a management, supervisory, or technical leadership role within their organisation.
  • Hold a relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., Engineering, Energy Studies, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Finance, Public Administration, Business Management, or Infrastructure Planning).
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous professional development, knowledge sharing, and peer exchange.

Selected Participants Will Be Expected To:

  • Obtain written approval and support from their employer to participate fully in all programme activities.
  • Actively engage in peer-learning activities, knowledge exchange, and sharing lessons learned within their organisation and broader practitioner networks.

Priority Thematic Areas

  • Renewable Energy Integration
  • Battery Energy Storage Systems
  • Grid Management and Planning
  • Utility Governance
  • Infrastructure and Asset Management
  • Digitalisation and Innovation
  • Utility Finance
  • Customer Service
  • Electricity Distribution Reform
  • Organisational Transformation

Learning and Exchange Opportunities

Participants will be matched, depending on technical expertise, with a peer from Germany. Depending on availability, suitable formats are a short-term secondment to Germany, a short-term secondment from Germany, virtual long-term exchanges.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit:

  • A current CV
  • A motivation letter (maximum two pages)
  • A letter of support from their institution

The motivation letter should outline the applicant's role, a relevant EDI and MTSR challenge or opportunity, the value of the programme, and how learnings will be applied and shared within their organisation.

Applications should be submitted via email to sagen@giz.de with the subject line: "Application for Utility Exchange Programme."

Expected Outcomes

Participants shall gain enhanced technical and managerial competencies, practical lessons from utility practitioners, stronger professional networks, increased understanding of sector reform, and actionable approaches that can be applied within their organisations.

Community of Practice

The Community of Practice is an important component of the programme and provides a platform for participants and partner organisations to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Through periodic engagements, members will have opportunities to discuss common challenges, exchange practical insights, and share relevant experiences. Participation in the Community of Practice will form part of the programme experience for participants during the 2026–2028 programme period.