Scaling Renewable Energy Generation & Access in SSA through Local Production & Assembly of Products

This policy brief analyzes South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), a policy created in 2023 to help enhance private sector involvement in renewable energy projects. A key feature of this policy is the “local content” requirement, aimed at stimulating domestic manufacturing and job creation within the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar and wind projects. The requirement has proven largely successful; however, adjustments have been necessary, particularly for solar panel requirements, to align with the capabilities and capacities of local manufacturers. This brief outlines the success factors and shortcomings of the policy, recommendations, best practices for adoption, and a call to action for policymakers.