South Africa electricity market expands as Azura Power enters via Enpower Trading

The South African electricity market is undergoing a transformation as private companies increasingly engage in electricity trading. Azura Power, a pan-African group, has acquired a majority stake in Enpower Trading, a South African electricity trading firm. This acquisition marks Azura Power’s first entry into the South African market and will serve as its local trading platform to support the gradual opening of the sector to private producers and large industrial consumers.

Enpower Trading holds a private trading license from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) and possesses import and export authorizations. It is also a conditional participant in the Southern African Power Pool.

While Eskom has recently reported periods without load shedding, the industrial impact of previous electricity shortages remains significant. Research indicates that the energy crisis has weakened the South African manufacturing sector through three primary channels: reduced employment, deferred investments, and lost export opportunities. Companies faced high costs for backup energy and production disruptions, leading to job losses and stalled industrial growth.