Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, September 2025 – Anthem, one of South Africa’s largest independent power producers (IPP), has appointed James Cumming as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In his role, Cumming will lead the company’s 2.7GW secured capacity platform, which represents an estimated 15% share of the South African renewable energy market. His leadership comes at a pivotal time as Anthem accelerates its mission to deliver sustainable power and advance the region’s energy transition.
Cumming joins Anthem following more than a decade with African Clean Energy Developments (ACED), where he progressed through roles of increasing responsibility. Over approximately 13 years, he contributed as Executive, Manager, Principal, and ultimately General Manager, gaining extensive expertise in utility-scale wind and solar projects, commercial transactions, and renewable energy development.
Prior to his tenure at ACED, he worked at Energy Partners, where he focused on business development and market penetration strategies in renewable energy and efficiency markets. His efforts supported Energy Partners in building a strong foundation for its later growth into a leading energy solutions provider in South Africa.
Earlier, Cumming was an Environmental Economist at One World Sustainable Investments, contributing to applied research, project development, and case studies on climate change, renewable energy, and human security linkages across southern and eastern Africa. He also played an active role in business development and strategy for the firm.
He began his professional journey at the University of Cape Town, where he served as a tutor and trainer, establishing his grounding in education and research before entering the renewable energy sector.
About Anthem
Anthem was created from the integration of African Clean Energy Developments (ACED) and Energy Infrastructure Management Services (EIMS) Africa, making it one of South Africa’s largest independent power producers. Backed by the African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) IDEAS Fund, Mahlako Financial Services managed Mahlako Energy Fund, and Norfund, Anthem develops, finances, builds, owns, and operates one of the country’s most significant renewable energy portfolios.
The company’s portfolio spans 24 wind and solar PV projects across five provinces in South Africa, along with a hydroelectric project and a soon-to-close solar PV project in Eswatini. Together, these represent over 2.7GW of secured capacity and an 11GW greenfield pipeline, solidifying Anthem’s role as a key player in South Africa’s renewable energy transition. With a commitment to long-term sustainability, Anthem continues to focus on creating value for investors, stakeholders, and communities.
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