As a driving force behind Pele Green Energy, Gqi Raoleka has played a pivotal role in shaping and executing the company's strategic initiatives. His foresight and ability to align corporate objectives with industry trends have positioned Pele Green Energy as the African leader in renewable energy .

Prior to his fifteen years in the energy sector establishing Pele Green Energy, Gqi pursued a seven-year career in finance, first as an investment banker in corporate finance at JPMorgan and then joining the leverage and acquisition finance team at Standard Bank.

Gqi’ current responsibilities include leading and overseeing Pele Green Energy’s three major business units, namely: project development unit, investment and funding unit and the energy operations unit. 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 keen focus on managing risk and exposure, Gqi is leading the drive towards Pele Green Energy’s geographical diversification. Gqi currently serves on the boards of Pele Green Energy’s operating power plants including the, 36 MW Solar CPV 1 Board, 88MW Nojoli Wind Farm Board and the 101MW Redstone Solar CSP Board.

As one of the founders and CEO, Gqi has been instrumental in Pele Green Energy raising over R40bn in project senior debt and R4.2bn in project equity, as well as raising over ZAR3.2bn in preference share funding over the last four years. Gqi has also played a key role in the larger part of Pele Green Energy’s key milestones including, securing their current c2.5 GW and 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 in International Finance and Monetary Theory. Gqi also accepted the inaugural Presidential Sustainability award in 2022 from President Cyril Ramaphosa.