Umbane Energy Investments
About Umbane.
Umbane Energy Investments is a specialist clean infrastructure company which deploys innovative solutions to address the Energy-Agriculture-Water nexus. We mobilize various capital sourcing structures at scale to execute on the projects by blending different flows of capital that have different risk tolerances. We deploy more flexible, risk-tolerant capital to crowd-in private sector capital to develop nascent markets.We originate, develop, finance, build, own and operate renewable energy systems for commercial customers on different pay-per-use bases. Umbane delivers grid-tied and off-grid solar projects in different formats like floating, ground mounted solar PV and Agrivoltaics.
Our Why
Umbane was founded on the principal of having the highest economic impact where and when it matters most. Having academically rigorously evaluated the macro-economic forces and variables most prescient for accelerated growth paths for the Sub-Saharan Region. Ultimately culminating in our focus on energy, agriculture and water in that order given the significance levels of these specific variables.We began our journey towards refining our why as an Independent Power Producer model offering Electricity-as-a-Service (EaaS), primarily, for commercial and industrial (C&l) applications in developing and emerging countries.
Our Vision
Umbane's vision is to address service delivery failures of African economies through innovation, utilising community owned and distributive models. We are executing this vision with the generous support of our financial partners E-Squared Investments (Pty) Ltd, the Private Finance Advisory Network, the Technology Innovation Agency and Innovate UK Business Connect. And, a myriad of technical, economic development, local governments and regional SMMEs.
Our Projects
We currently have a portfolio of 26 MW grid tied solar projects in late stage development in Namibia and a 50MW grid tied project in advanced development stage in Limpopo SA.Moreover, we also have a pipeline of 620MW at various stages of development located in Limpopo, South Africa.
South Africa
50 MW Solar PV Plant
The Khakhala 50 MW Solar PV plant is located in Mopani District, Greater Giyani Local Municipality.The power plant covers 129 ha of land area and has an estimated production area of 1MW/2ha.The nearest point of connection is 900m away at the ESKOM Thomo Substation 66KV.
Namibia
5 MW Solar PV Plant
Location: Usakos, Namibia
Land Status: 15 Ha
The Usakos Solar 5 MW Solar PV power plant has offtake with ErongoRED and has an estimated production of 6MWdc but permitted for 10MW. The nearest point of connection is 500m away at the Usakos Sub-station 11/22KV.
South Africa
Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics allows for power generation on protected agricultural land in grid-access abundant provinces like Limpopo. Agrivoltaics helps the rural community by providing consistent labour as well as providing power to local infrastructure e.g. clinics. Partial shade from the solar arrays reduces evaporation and need for irrigation. Symbiotically, the perspiration from plants cools the panels, improving power generation efficiency. Renewables reduces the dependence on coal, improving air quality, health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The use of solar-based micro-grids for the electrification of informal settlementsThis addresses the energy, food and water (irrigation) security issues, opens more grid abundant sites (as per the regulatory framework) and symbiotically improves crop yields and panel efficiency which improves energy yields. The second pilot tests the use of bio-diesel for grid-flexibility while also testing the feasibility of a diesel-electric system in rural settings (to combat renewable energy variability).
Our Values
Impact
We measure our success by the positive and tangible impact we create for communities and the planet, ensuring that our actions today contribute meaningfully to a brighter tomorrow.
Integrity
We act ethically in all business dealings, prioritizing the people and the planet.
Innovation
We pioneer groundbreaking technologies and drive transformative advancements in energy generation and agrifood systems.
Excellence
We deliver outstanding quality work and consistently seek continuous improvement.
Our Team
Managing Director
Yonela Poswa
Yonela has a Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering background from UCT. Experienced in the maintenance of electrical distribution systems; solar smart energy solutions; knowledge in medium voltage and low voltage sides; control systems and development of IoT systems. Developing Agrivoltaic design and precision Agri-tech.Their passion is commercialising, at scale, innovation and steering the technical direction of the company as Managing Director for Technical and Business Development.They are also a proud co-founder of Umbane Energy Investments and the Young Black Infrastructure Corporation.
Managing Director
Mlingani Matiwane
Mlingani started their career in macro-economic research at the Univeristy of Cape Town's School of Economics as a Principal Investigator. Subsequently, they pivoted to corporate, working at Pele Natural Energy and Pele Green Energy, primarily, working in project development while still doing quantitative and qualitative research in addition to their responsibilities for the Pele Energy Group at-large. Their primary focus and expertise are in project and corporate finance for infrastructure projects holding a Bachelors in Economics and Psychology (with a specific focus on cognitive neuroscience) [UCT] and are completing their BSc (Finance and Accounting) [LSE].Their passion is on resolving complex macro- and micro- economic and financial intricacies of generally illiquid capital markets in the global south let alone Sub-Saharan Africa. They are the Managing Director for Corporate Governance and Finance.They are also a proud Allan Gray Fellow, co-founder of Umbane Energy Investments and the Young Black Infrastructure Corporation.
Lead Engineer
Liz Mubari
Liz Mubari is an electrical engineer specializing in renewable energy generation, with a passion for accelerating universal access to sustainable energy. She has a proven track record in designing power projects across solar, wind, and battery energy storage technologies. Her expertise spans the entire project lifecycle, from pre-feasibility studies to technical due diligence, with a strong focus on designing grid-tied and off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.Currently, she is Umbane's lead engineer overseeing a 620 MW renewable energy portfolio while pioneering agrivoltaic projects that integrate sustainable food systems with clean energy solutions. Her vision is to drive climate-resilient innovations that foster economic empowerment and enable communities and businesses to thrive.
Upcoming Projects
Platinum Leaf
200 MW
Locality:Waterberg, Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Limpopo
Land Area: 400 ha
Distance to nearest substation: 1200m
Leseding
100 MW
Locality: Sekhukhune District,Limpopo
Land Area: 206ha
Distance to nearest substation: 1600m
26MW
Advanced Projects
620 MW
Project Pipeline
12 kW
Operational Agrivoltaics Garden
Contact Us
Reach us via: [email protected]
