The Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) is partnering with GET.transform on a significant new regional planning initiative: the update of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) Generation and Transmission Master Plan. This critical update will serve as a strategic roadmap for electricity planning and investment in the region from 2025 to 2045, addressing changing energy demands, emerging renewable energy dynamics, regional integration goals, and the need for climate-resilient infrastructure.
Led by the SAPP which includes national electricity utilities from 12 countries – this 12-month initiative is implemented with support of GET.transform’s expert consortium including GFA Consulting Group GmbH and MAI Group. The updated master plan builds on the foundation of the 2017 version and marks a significant step forward in coordinated regional planning and power sector investment.
Alison Chikova, SAPP’s Chief Engineer for Planning and Operations, emphasised the strategic value of this update:
“This plan is vital for aligning electricity infrastructure with the evolving demand and renewable energy landscape. It’s essential that we include all relevant stakeholders to ensure ownership not only at the regional level but also nationally. The alignment with regional integration frameworks is key for long-term success.”
Ene Macharm, Head of Global Partnerships at GET.transform, added “that the update is a great opportunity to align regional, national and continental master plans and provides a sound basis for the implementation of both the AfSEM and the CMP.”
The updated Master Plan aims to:
- Identify priority investments in generation and transmission infrastructure
- Ensure an adequate, efficient, and sustainable electricity supply for the region
- Support regional integration and power trade from 2025 to 2045
- Highlight critical transmission corridors for future investment
- Build resilience to climate-related risks and strengthen institutional capacity
- Align national energy strategies with continental goals, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), and the Continental Master Plan (CMP)
The work includes a comprehensive update of the previous plan through modeling, scenario development, and reporting. State-of-the-art tools will be used to simulate different investment pathways under variable conditions like shifts in electricity demand, greater renewable energy uptake, and climate challenges. Workshops and targeted capacity-building efforts will also reinforce the ability of regional planners to apply these tools effectively in long-term energy planning.
In alignment with the CMP and AfSEM goals, the updated SAPP Master Plan will serve as a cornerstone for infrastructure development. It reflects a shared vision for a more integrated, reliable, and climate-resilient energy future in Southern Africa.