INSPIRE’ng Transformational Impact: Learning from the past to REwire the future

21–22 October 2026 | Johannesburg, South Africa

What does transformative impact look like for renewable energy projects in South Africa? And 20 years since the inception of REIPPPP, what have we learned about the accelerators and impediments to meaningful and inclusive community development?

The INSPIRE 2026 Learning Event brings together practitioners, communities, developers, researchers, government, industry and other partners for two days of honest reflection, practical learning and forward-looking conversations about the future of social performance and community impact.

This year’s theme, INSPIRE’ng TRANSFORMATIONAL IMPACT: Learning from the past to REwire the future, invites us to take stock of where we’ve come from, look closely at where we are now, and collectively consider what needs to change to deliver better outcomes for people and communities.

Across two days, we will explore:

• A full ecosystem reflection on how the renewable energy sector has delivered on its development ambitions
• Evidence, practical models and tools that can strengthen accountability, community participation and benefit-sharing in the just energy transition
• Co-creating a future of success by defining what social performance maturity looks like, and how we can move towards more meaningful and transformative impact
• Guest speakers, partners and peers working beyond REIPPPP, beyond South Africa and, where relevant, beyond the renewable energy sector itself
• Meaningful networking, shared learning and new relationships that can lead to collaboration beyond the event

Our full two-day agenda will include sessions and masterclasses including:

• The REIPPPP score card – a critical evaluation of REIPPP’s successes and challenges at 20 years
• Accelerators and inhibitors to meaningful and inclusive community development
• Future trends and what they imply for social performance in the RE sector
• ‘Social Performance Coming of Age’: Rewiring our practice
• Trauma sensitive leadership

Whether you work in social performance, economic development, community development, renewable energy, government, research, civil society or another part of the energy transition ecosystem, we welcome you to share your voice and experiences with us.

Let’s REwire the future, together.

Supported by GIZ’s Strengthening Participation in South Africa’s Energy Transition (P+) Project, implemented by INSPIRE.