The Utility Exchange Programme for Women in Energy (2026–2028) is calling on experienced women professionals in South Africa’s electricity and utility sector to apply for an opportunity focused on technical development, leadership, peer learning and international knowledge exchange.
Implemented through the South African-German Energy Programme (SAGEN), the programme responds to the major electricity-sector reforms taking place across South Africa. As municipalities and utilities take on increasingly complex technical, regulatory, governance and operational responsibilities, the programme aims to strengthen the participation and leadership of women in the sector.
Applications are open until 3 September 2026.
About the Utility Exchange Programme
South Africa’s electricity sector is undergoing significant transformation, particularly through the Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) and Municipal Electricity Trading Services Reform (MTSR).
The Utility Exchange Programme has been designed to help women professionals working within municipal utilities and electricity departments navigate these changes while strengthening their technical and managerial capabilities.
Through practical learning and professional exchange, participants will have the opportunity to connect with German utility practitioners, share experiences and explore approaches that can be adapted to the South African context.
The programme will also create an international network of women professionals working to shape the future of electricity and energy utilities.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is specifically targeted at women professionals working in South African municipal electricity and utility environments.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be employed by 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 at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in the electricity, energy or utility industry.
- Have at least 3 years of experience in a management, supervisory or technical leadership role.
- Hold a relevant tertiary qualification.
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional development, knowledge sharing and peer learning.
- Obtain written support from their employer to participate fully in programme activities.
Relevant academic backgrounds may include Engineering, Energy Studies, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Finance, Public Administration, Business Management and Infrastructure Planning, among other related disciplines.
Programme Objectives
The Utility Exchange Programme seeks to contribute to both individual professional development and broader transformation within South Africa’s electricity sector.
Its key objectives include:
- Strengthening the technical and managerial capabilities of women professionals.
- Supporting electricity-sector reform and municipal utility transformation.
- Facilitating peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange.
- Promoting women’s leadership within the energy sector.
- Encouraging organisational learning and practical application of lessons gained through the programme.
Participants will be expected to actively engage in peer-learning activities and share relevant lessons and knowledge within their organisations and broader professional networks.
International Exchange Opportunities
One of the major features of the programme is the opportunity for participants to engage with utility practitioners from Germany.
Participants will be matched with German peers according to their professional and technical expertise. Depending on availability and programme arrangements, exchanges may take several forms, including:
- Short-term secondments to Germany.
- Short-term secondments involving German practitioners.
- Virtual long-term exchanges.
These exchanges are intended to provide participants with practical exposure to different approaches to utility management, electricity-sector reform and organisational transformation.
Priority Areas
The programme covers a wide range of issues relevant to modern electricity utilities. Priority thematic areas include:
- Renewable Energy Integration
- Battery Energy Storage Systems
- Grid Management and Planning
- Utility Governance
- Infrastructure and Asset Management
- Digitalisation and Innovation
- Utility Finance
- Customer Services
- Electricity Distribution Reform
- Organisational Transformation
This broad thematic scope allows professionals from different technical and managerial backgrounds to participate while addressing challenges relevant to their organisations.
What Will Participants Gain?
Successful participants are expected to strengthen their technical and leadership capabilities while gaining practical insights from experienced utility professionals.
Expected outcomes include enhanced technical and managerial competencies, practical lessons from utility practitioners, stronger professional networks, increased understanding of electricity-sector reform and actionable approaches that can be applied within participants’ organisations.
The programme also includes a Community of Practice, which will provide a platform for participants and partner organisations to remain connected, exchange experiences and discuss common challenges.
Through periodic engagements, members of the Community of Practice will have opportunities to share practical insights and learn from one another throughout the 2026–2028 programme period.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit a single application package containing:
- A current CV
- A motivation letter of no more than two pages
- A letter of support from their institution
The motivation letter should clearly explain the applicant’s current role, a challenge or opportunity they are addressing that has clear relevance to EDI and MTSR, why participation in the programme would be valuable, and how the knowledge gained would be applied and shared within their organisation.
Employer support is an important eligibility requirement because selected participants are expected to participate fully in the programme’s learning and exchange activities.
How to Apply
Applications and enquiries should be submitted by email to sagen@giz.de
Applicants should use the following subject line:
“Application for Utility Exchange Programme”
The call for applications opened on 6 August 2026, and the application deadline is 3 September 2026.
An Opportunity for Women Shaping the Future of Energy
The Utility Exchange Programme for Women in Energy offers experienced South African women professionals an opportunity to strengthen their expertise while contributing to the transformation of municipal electricity services.
For professionals already working in senior technical, specialist or managerial roles connected to electricity distribution reform and municipal utility transformation, the programme provides a platform to learn from international peers, build leadership capacity, exchange practical solutions and bring new approaches back to their organisations.
With applications closing on 3 September 2026, eligible women professionals are encouraged to prepare their applications and secure institutional support well before the deadline.
