James Mackay

James has over 20 years of diverse experience in the public and private sectors and has worked extensively across Africa. James has professional qualifications in engineering and finance and broad knowledge that spans the energy sector, including natural gas, renewables and green hydrogen, among others. He has a strong understanding of the dynamics of emerging markets and economies, business and energy strategy, as well as hands-on experience in developing and leading large transformational programmes. Prior to his role at Energy Council of South Africa, James was the PwC energy lead with specific focus on energy strategy and Net Zero. In addition to his technical experience in engineering and large infrastructure project implementation, his shift into financial services and banking has given him a strong understanding of key drivers for successful and bankable projects. His experience includes banking, financial structuring and modelling and investment funding with the aim of driving bankable project development. He has also led the development of public private financial structures, having developed such policies and project portfolios for a number of key state-owned entities in South Africa. He has also attended the Harvard PPP programme at the Kennedy School of Business and serves on the South African Council of the International Project Finance Association (IPFA), based in London. He has supported SA ministries to develop frameworks for private sector participation in state-owned companies and participated in numerous international reviews, including representing SA on an African reverse trade mission to USA.