Experts from the CSIR Water Research Centre and CSIR Energy Research Centre contributed to topical discussions influencing Africa’s water and energy sectors at this year’s Enlit Africa 2026 at the Cape Town International Conference Centre from 19 to 21 May 2026.
Both centres continuously develop technologies that provide scientific solutions to ensure reliable service delivery, sustainable resource management and a just energy transition in Africa, as highlighted through the participation of CSIR Water Research Centre manager Dr Rembu Magoba, chief researcher Prof. Vhahangwele Masindi and CSIR Energy Research Centre manager Dr Thabo Hlalele.
Critical factors shaping the continent's water and energy sectors were incorporated into a range of conference session programmes that addressed issues affecting global trends in Africa’s energy and water sectors, touching on policy, reform, capital strategies and infrastructure decision-making.
In the “Catchment-level risks and municipal risks” panel session, Magoba addressed water sector challenges such as dilapidated infrastructure, water resource diversification, acid mine drainage, invasive plants, non-revenue water, smart metering blueprints, innovation and technology updates in local government, downstream floods and scarcity, nature-based solutions, as well as insurance models to fund upgrades and de-risk infrastructure.
Hlalele promoted dynamic discourse in a closed-door dialogue on energy storage and system flexibility in South Africa. The CSIR’s participation aimed to strengthen its technical and industry insight and ensure that its research remains aligned with evolving sector priorities and real-world implementation challenges.
This year’s gathering assisted delegates in addressing challenges through scenario resilience planning by focusing on grid disturbances and system resilience, while bringing together utilities, developers and technology providers to share knowledge and experiences focused on delivery and practical outcomes.
Beyond casual networking opportunities, key decision-making meetings and curated discussions took place. A vibrant exhibition showcased displays supporting cross-sector engagement between engineers, financiers, policymakers and operators. The CSIR team valued exposure to continental conversations on water security, innovation and the energy industry, while tracking policy and regulatory shifts in energy, market reform and water.
Published 30 June 2026