Power Markets and Trading in Africa

Navigating Africa’s electricity markets

Course Overview

This executive short course provides a comprehensive understanding of how power markets are designed and operated, both in theory and in practice, with a special focus on South Africa. 

Participants will explore the principles underpinning electricity markets, examine market structures and trading mechanisms, and analyse how regulation and market design influence investment, system reliability, and renewable energy integration. 

The course combines theory, practical case studies, and interactive simulation exercises to illustrate how market design and trading frameworks affect real-world outcomes. 

A special focus is placed on the evolving South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM) and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

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Additional Course Information

Module Breakdown

Curriculum Overview

Foundations of Electricity Markets
  • Economic rationale for electricity markets and the role of regulation 
  • Market structures: from vertically integrated utilities to competitive systems 
  • Evolution of power markets globally and in Southern Africa 
Wholesale Market Design
  • Day-ahead, intraday, balancing, and ancillary services markets 
  • Market clearing processes, pricing, and settlement mechanisms 
  • Flexibility, dispatch, and balancing in high-renewable systems 
  • Congestion management, transmission rights, and cross-border trade 
Power Trading and Market Operations
  • Bilateral contracts, spot markets, and regional market arrangements 
  • Risk management and hedging instruments 
  • Role of market participants – generators, traders, aggregators, and system operators 
  • Power trading in SAPP and lessons from global exchanges 
Market Design and Policy in the African Context
  • Designing markets for renewable integration and reliability
  • Institutional and governance frameworks
  • Regional power pools and interconnection challenges
  • Case studies from South Africa and other emerging markets

Minimum Requirements:

  • NQF4
  • English proficiency

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE

This course is ideal for: 

  • Mid-to-senior-level professionals in government ministries, regulatory authorities, and utilities 
  • Energy traders, market operators, and system planners 
  • Project developers, investors, and advisors engaged in power market transactions 
  • Policymakers and analysts seeking to understand electricity market reform and competition 
  • Financial institutions and consultants supporting market-based procurement and trading 

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TODAY

Acquire new competencies and move your career to the next level!

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Learn with the best

Dr Wikus Kruger
Dr Wikus Kruger

Course Convenor

Dr Wikus Kruger is the Power Futures Lab Director, based at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. His research focuses on measures to accelerate investment, in particular into renewables, through structured procurement programmes such as auctions. Dr Wikus Kruger has been working in the African energy sector for 14 years. He holds a PhD from UCT; an MSc from Antwerp University; and MPhil, BPhil and BA degrees from Stellenbosch University.
Mr Jodie Martin
Mr Jodie Martin

Head: Executive Education

Jodie Martin is the Executive Education Head of Department where he leads and supports our world-class Executive Education delivery team. Jodie’s dedication to delivering customer service excellence requires him to motivate and mentor teams to strive for continuous improvement. As a veteran with close to 10 years Executive Education experience, Jodie now guides and leads to ensure efficiencies in marketing, academic quality and a high level of programme delivery excellence for executive short and customised courses, study tours and customized academic programmes. His personal motto is to remain inclusive of all ideas, encouraging of curiosity and innovation while instilling confidence in the people around him.
Ms Tarryn Mentoor
Ms Tarryn Mentoor

Manager: Executive Education Recruitment

Tarryn is a seasoned sales & marketing professional with over 8 years of experience in the higher education short course industry.

FAQ

  • 10% for groups of two or more
  • 15% for UCT and UCT GSB alumni
  • 10% for NPO’s/NPC’s

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Explain the fundamental structures and mechanisms of electricity markets and trading.
  • Analyze different power market models, including bilateral contracts, spot markets, and regional trading arrangements.
  • Evaluate pricing mechanisms and risk management strategies in electricity trading.
  • Assess the role of regulation in enabling competitive and efficient electricity markets.
  • Apply market concepts to real-world scenarios through case studies and simulations

Africa-Focused Insight - Grounded in the realities of African power sectors, with practical insights on market design and trading.  

Expert-Led Training - Taught by leading academics and practitioners including Dr. Samson Hadush.  

Hands-On Learning - Includes interactive simulation games and case-based discussions.  

Global Perspective - Draws on lessons from international markets while focusing on applicability to Africa.  

Networking Opportunities - Connect with peers, regulators, traders, and market experts across the continent.