Africa’s energy sector open for business

AFRICA’S energy sector is open for business! Indeed, it could be argued that there has never been a better time to get involved with Africa’s ‘energyscape’.

In just ten short years, the number of energy related projects occurring in Africa has quadrupled and many of the continent’s governments are now democratic, paving the way for economic growth.

In support of the inherent opportunities within this burgeoning sector, the annual Africa Energy Indaba – which will be held from the 21st to the 23rd of February – has developed a unique roundtable event which will serve to unlock and unpack the sector’s potential for companies seeking to tap into the market.

Paul Runge, Managing Director of specialised consulting firm Africa Project Access -which supplies over 80 companies and organisations with early alerts on projects across a broad range of sectors in Africa – will be heading up the roundtable discussion.

Runge will open up the floor for discussion on major energy greenfields and brownfields projects on the continent. According to Runge the discussion will be business focused yet practical.

“We will look at projects from the ground up and talk about where things are headed. Other issues we will discuss include, amongst others, export credit insurance and how state organs can help South African and African companies and projects,” says Runge.

Joining Runge in the roundtable discussion will be role players currently engaged with some of Africa’s most notable energy projects such as Ethiopia’s hydropower programme. This programme is currently the largest project of its kind in Africa.

The roundtable discussion will bring together Africa’s energy operators, financers and other important stakeholders. Templates of specific projects will be made available to all attendees.

Adds Runge: “The discussion will serve as a unique opportunity to learn about new and exciting projects and opportunities. It will also serve as a valuable networking platform.”

Runge is well positioned to head up the round table discussion. He brings over 30 years of experience ‘in the field’ to the table and has developed a practical rationale and methodology that will no doubt be of value to companies and organisations wishing to diversify their portfolio into Africa.

Further bolstering Runge’s credentials is the fact that he has lived in Gabon and supervised projects in the Cape Verde Islands.

He also spent six years with the South African Foreign Trade Organisation and led many of the first South African business delegations into other African countries following the end of international sanctions against South Africa.

As a former diplomat, Runge is familiar with the political landscape of the countries he conducts business in which can also be deemed a useful value- add for clients seeking his services.

The Africa Energy Indaba will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. This leading business forum brings together over 300 senior level energy sector experts and decision makers.

Over 100 leading energy suppliers will also be present at the annual exhibition where they will showcase their latest technologies, equipment and services.

Delegates attending this year’s conference are invited to attend and take part in the roundtable discussion scheduled for the 23rd of February. Information pertaining to the event is available on www.energyindaba.co.za.