Our Journey So Far
SADC Energy was created with a clear purpose: to help shape a cleaner, more secure energy future for Southern Africa. Although our roots are in South Africa, our journey quickly extended across the region, driven by the growing need for reliable, sustainable alternatives that support industrialisation and economic development.
Our early focus was on understanding the energy challenges facing regional industries and identifying where strategic gaps existed between demand in South Africa and upstream capacity in Mozambique. This led to the foundation of our core value proposition: building bridges between producers and consumers, enabling access to cleaner energy sources, and supporting long-term regional growth.
From the beginning, our leadership team brought decades of experience in gas, infrastructure, mining, engineering, and investment. Their combined backgrounds, from major gas developments in Southern Africa to large-scale industrial projects, positioned SADC Energy to operate with technical depth, commercial understanding, and strategic foresight.
Meet the Team
Our executive team brings together decades of leadership in gas, energy, infrastructure, mining, and investment. Their combined experience drives SADC Energy’s mission to deliver clean, reliable energy solutions across Southern Africa.
Executive Chairman
John Sichinga
John has over 30 years of experience across oil and gas, petrochemicals, electricity, and mining. A former Senior Vice President at Sasol E&P, he has led major gas developments in China, India, Mozambique, and South Africa. His technical depth and strategic leadership steer SADC Energy’s growth and clean-energy innovation.
Director
Phinda Vilakazi
With more than 23 years in oil and gas, refining, manufacturing, and energy trading, Phinda has served in senior and board-level roles across Africa and the Middle East. He holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering and an MBA, and supports SADC Energy’s operational excellence and regional expansion strategy.
Director
Isaac “Ike Cha” Chalumbira
Ike is an entrepreneur and investor with over 20-year track record in building diversified investments and impact-driven ventures. As Group CEO of Lionshare, he brings long-term strategic vision and investment expertise to SADC Energy, supporting sustainable energy development.
Director
Mojalefa (“Lefa”) Mbethe
Lefa’s background spans coal-sector investments, resource development, and energy-related dealmaking. His previous roles include Chairman and Director of Coalzar. He strengthens SADC Energy’s capabilities in project execution and resource integration.