Future Of The Grid: Powering A Sustainable Tomorrow
As demand surges and new energy systems grow more complex, what does it really take for us to keep the grid stable and crucially, sustainable? This session brings together those at the forefront of the sector to assess how we can harness the road ahead. What does a credible energy transition look like in practice, and how are organisations genuinely preparing for it? Where does today’s technology fit into the future, and how significant a role might it play? As data centres reshape the picture, are they a challenge to manage or an opportunity to seize?
Speakers
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Thabo MolekoaManaging Director Siemens Energy, Southern and Eastern AfricaThabo Molekoa
Managing Director Siemens Energy, Southern and Eastern Africa
Thabo Molekoa serves as Managing Director of Siemens Energy Southern & Eastern Africa, leading strategy & execution across generation, transmission, gas-topower, nuclear, and localisation, with 25 years of experience across more than 40 African countries. His career spans energy, mining, manufacturing, industrial services and infrastructure. Before Siemens Energy, he was Sub-Saharan Africa CEO at thyssenkrupp, with earlier senior roles at DuPont, Saint-Gobain and De Beers - a distinctive combination of engineering depth, operational discipline, commercial leadership and continental market experience. He holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering (UCT), an MBA (University of Pretoria) and a Certificate in Corporate Governance (UJ) and is a doctoral researcher in energy-market design.
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Canninah DladlaCluster President Sub-Saharan AfricaCanninah Dladla
Cluster President Sub-Saharan Africa
Canninah Dladla is the first female Cluster President for Schneider Electric’s Sub-Saharan Africa, which spans 43 countries and is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her role marks a strategic milestone for Schneider Electric, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation in energy management across the continent. Dladla brings three decades of leadership experience in the energy and industrial automation sectors. She rejoins Schneider Electric after serving in various strategic roles from 2008 to 2013, including Vice President of the Energy Business within the Power Systems division. Prior to her return to Schneider Electric, Dladla was Managing Director and Country Sales Director, Africa at Rockwell Automation, where she led transformative initiatives that aligned global strategy with local market needs. Her leadership was pivotal in expanding Rockwell’s footprint across both English- and French-speaking Africa, fostering inclusive growth and cultural alignment. She has also held executive roles at GE Power, where she drove strategic accounts and led key business transformation efforts. As the Sub-Saharan Africa Cluster President, Dladla is focused on accelerating Schneider Electric’s impact in the region through talent development, technology deployment, and digitization. Her vision is to empower communities and businesses by unlocking sustainable energy solutions tailored to Africa’s unique opportunities.
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Keleadile RudaEnergy Engineer and Project ManagerKeleadile Ruda
Energy Engineer and Project Manager
Keleadile Ruda is a Renewable Energy Engineer and Project Management professional with over eight years of experience advancing Botswana's energy transition through the development and delivery of solar PV infrastructure, clean energy solutions, and sustainable development initiatives. Her expertise spans utility-scale and commercial renewable energy projects, technical advisory services, energy efficiency, regulatory engagement, and stakeholder management across the public and private sectors.
Throughout her career, Keleadile has successfully coordinated multidisciplinary stakeholders including EPC contractors, financiers, government institutions, regulators, and development partners to deliver impactful energy projects that support economic growth and decarbonization objectives. She is particularly passionate about the intersection of energy, industrial development, and investment, with a focus on enabling sustainable infrastructure that drives inclusive growth across Africa.
Beyond her technical and project leadership roles, Keleadile is a co-founder of Women in Energy Botswana, and is a recognized advocate for women's participation in STEM and the energy sector and has been listed by the African Energy Chamber among the Top 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars, 2025. Keleadile actively contributes to regional and international dialogues on clean energy, sustainability, and climate resilience and is an alumnus of the African School of Regulation through the African Women in Energy Regulation Leadership Program, and the Africa Climate Academy through the Climate Finance Training. Her work continues to champion innovation, collaboration, and investment in Africa's evolving energy landscape.