South Africa’s ambitious push to modernise its electricity transmission network has drawn interest from some of the world’s largest infrastructure players, placing India’s Adani Group firmly in the spotlight.

The country’s electricity ministry has selected seven alliances as pre-qualified bidders for a massive R440 billion(KSh 3.38 trillion) transmission-grid expansion programme, a move seen as central to unlocking future power generation and economic growth.

Among the shortlisted groups is Adani Power Ltd.’s Middle East unit, alongside global energy heavyweights including China’s State Grid International Development Ltd., China Southern Power Grid International Co., and France’s Electricité de France SA.

The announcement, made in Pretoria, positions Adani as a key participant in one of Africa’s most significant energy infrastructure initiatives.

The South African government has framed the programme as a foundational step in stabilising and expanding electricity supply as the country transitions away from heavy reliance on coal-fired power.

Speaking to reporters in the capital, Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa explained the significance of the move, saying this stage of the process “marks a defining milestone in government’s strategic drive to expand, modernise and strengthen South Africa’s transmission network through diversified delivery mechanisms and sustained private sector participation, in support of long-term economic growth, industrial development and national energy security.”

South Africa’s Grid Expansion and Adani’s Role

The grid expansion is designed to support South Africa’s evolving energy mix, which increasingly incorporates renewable sources alongside gas and other technologies.

Upgrading transmission infrastructure is essential to bringing new generation capacity online and reducing persistent power shortages.

Under the first phase, the government plans to issue requests for proposals to construct 1,164 kilometres of transmission lines capable of connecting more than 3,000 megawatts of new generation capacity.

Ramokgopa previously noted that, “later phases would be significantly larger, involving extensive procurement and installation of transformers and related equipment to support a network more than ten times the size of the initial pilot.”

In parallel, the minister also confirmed that four groups had been selected as preferred bidders under Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.

Also Read: Cabinet Approves Infrastructure, Sovereign Wealth Funds — What It Means for Kenyans

Adani Group: Origins, Leadership and Global Reach

The Adani Power bid forms part of a broader African expansion by the Adani Group, a multinational conglomerate founded by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani.

Established in 1988, the group has grown from a commodities trading firm into a diversified powerhouse with interests spanning ports, logistics, energy, airports, and infrastructure.

Gautam Adani, the group’s founder and chairman, is ranked by Forbes as the 27th richest person globally, with an estimated net worth of $71 billion(approximately Ksh. 9.15 trillion), making him the second richest individual in India after Mukesh Ambani.

The group’s energy portfolio includes Adani Power, Adani Green Energy, and Adani Energy Solutions, entities that have driven large-scale power generation and transmission projects across Asia and the Middle East.

Growing African Engagement, Including Kenya

Across Africa, Adani-linked entities have increasingly targeted strategic infrastructure assets, from power generation and transmission to transport logistics.

In East Africa, the group has attracted attention in Kenya following its proposal related to the transformation and management of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a project pitched as part of a wider plan to modernise aviation infrastructure and enhance regional connectivity.

While discussions around the Kenyan airport proposal have generated public debate, the bid reflects Adani’s broader strategy of partnering with governments to upgrade critical infrastructure, often through long-term investment and operational expertise.

The proposal has since been placed on hold, citing inadequate public participation over International firms taking over National assets for a long-term course.

Also Read: National Treasury Asks Kenyans to Propose Tax Policy Ideas for the 2026/27 Budget

Strategic Implications for Africa’s Energy Future

In South Africa, the inclusion of Adani Power among the pre-qualified bidders signals confidence in the group’s technical and financial capacity to deliver complex transmission projects.

Attracting global players is essential if African economies are to close infrastructure gaps, integrate renewables, and support industrial expansion.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for instant news updates

South Africa’s Power Line. PHOTO/ Bloomberg