Meta Mhlarhi is a seasoned infrastructure investor and transformation strategist with over two decades of experience across energy, infrastructure finance, and fund management. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mahlako Financial Services, a 100% South African women-owned investment firm; she has played a pivotal role in advancing catalytic investments that support South Africa’s just energy transition.

Under her leadership, Mahlako launched South Africa’s largest women-owned private equity energy fund, fully committing R2 billion within three years to projects that power households, industries, and communities. The firm’s portfolio spans renewable energy, dispatchable power, industrial energy solutions, and market-enabling reforms, including transactions that unlock private-sector access to the national grid.

Following this success, Mahlako has launched the Mahlako Infrastructure and Growth Fund II, a strategic investment platform targeting energy, ICT, water, transport, and logistics. The fund builds on Mahlako’s proven ability to mobilize institutional capital, structure bankable projects, and deliver inclusive growth across priority sectors.

Mahlako’s recent investment in a leading energy platform has helped establish South Africa’s largest renewable energy company, with over 2.7 GW secured and 11 GW in development. The platform represents approximately 2.5% of the country’s total generation capacity, operates 23 generating facilities, and by market capitalisation would rank among the top 100 companies on the JSE, ahead of several long-established firms.

As Chairperson of BEPA, Meta advocates for transformation and inclusive participation in South Africa’s energy sector. Her work reflects a commitment to unlocking Africa’s infrastructure potential through sustainable finance, institutional partnerships, and impact-driven investment