As a founding member of Pele Energy Group, Gqi Raoleka has played a pivotal role in shaping and executing the Group’s strategic initiatives. During his tenure as Managing Director of Pele Green Energy, he was instrumental in driving the company’s growth and positioning it as a leading African renewable energy business. His strategic foresight and ability to align corporate objectives with evolving industry trends have been central to this growth.

Prior to establishing Pele Green Energy, Gqi pursued a seven-year career in finance, beginning as an investment banker in Corporate Finance at JPMorgan Chase before joining the Leverage and Acquisition Finance team at Standard Bank.

As Chief Executive Officer of Pele Energy Group, Gqi leads and oversees the Group and its subsidiaries, Knowledge Pele and Pele Green Energy. He is also fundamental in all capital and project fundraising activities, and plays a pivotal role in managing and supporting Pele Green Energy’s major stakeholder relationships and numerous partnerships. With a strong focus on managing risk and exposure, Gqi is leading the Group’s drive towards geographical diversification, increased market share, and operational excellence. Gqi currently serves on the Boards of Pele Green Energy’s operating power plants, including the 36 MW Solar CPV 1 Board, 101MW Redstone Solar CSP Board, and the 520MW Koruson 2 Board.

During his tenure as Managing Director of Pele Green Energy, Gqi was instrumental in raising over R32bn in project debt and R5,1bn in project equity and more than ZAR2.7bn in preference share funding over four years. Gqi has also played a key role in securing PGE’s current c2.5 GW and in Pele Green Energy becoming one of the only South African IPPs to control an operating utility power plant.

Gqi holds an undergraduate degree in BCom Economics and Econometrics, as well as an Honours degree in International Finance and Monetary Theory. In 2022, Gqi also accepted the inaugural Presidential Sustainability Award from President Cyril Ramaphosa and was recognised with the award again in March 2024