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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 67760, member: 636"] South African authorities reaffirmed their commitment to a transmission infrastructure initiative designed to attract substantial private capital for expanding electrical networks. Officials from the Department of Electricity and Energy and the National Treasury issued a statement on Thursday emphasizing the program's adherence to transparency standards that encourage investor participation. The Independent Transmission Projects Programme received cabinet approval in December 2023 and forms part of Operation Vulindlela reform efforts targeting energy sector modernization. Government agencies are adjusting implementation schedules to coordinate with the establishment of a Credit Guarantee Vehicle supported by the World Bank Group. This insurance mechanism will reduce financial risks for companies funding infrastructure development. Authorities plan to announce pre-qualified bidders by December 15 before releasing a draft procurement request for comment. Final tender documents should appear during the third quarter of next year. The initiative seeks to add 1,164 kilometers of high-voltage transmission capacity during its initial stage, potentially drawing 126 billion rand in private financing. Officials project the expanded grid will facilitate renewable energy connections across Northern Cape, Gauteng and North West provinces while supporting job creation and local manufacturing. The Credit Guarantee Vehicle should begin operations during the second half of 2026 as a privately held insurance entity regulated by the Prudential Authority. [/QUOTE]

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