Arun Velusami, Marne Beukes and Dr. Bob Middleton
Per our reference on the 3rd of July following the Televised SBC TV interview back in 28 June , on Thursday 27th June, Afrimari was hosted by IHS Global Insight. The panelled seminar shared information about recent power generation projects and how this links with the oil and gas industry. Due to the limited spaces available, a full house was recorded.
Bob Middleton from AFGEN (Africa Power
Gemina Cooper (second from the left) welcoming guests Dr. George Kiourktsoglou, Stanley Morrinson and Nancy Drakou
Generation Limited) opened the evening’s talks by setting the electricity scene, giving detail of existing power pools/pipelines and transmission networks, closing on the importance of gas as a source of power, using the Ghanaian experience as an example. Marne Beukes analyst on Energy Sub-Saharaan Africa and Australasia from IHS followed, sharing the East African perspective in light of recent gas discoveries in the region. She confirmed that there are ambitious plans, though expressing the challenges which need to be overcome. Arun Velusami, from Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, who has had recent experience in the privatisation of the power projects in Nigeria, eluded on the necessary components for private sector investment in assisting Africa’s increasing demand for power.
A Q&A session followed where it was highlighted that with ample resources available to light up the region, the Governments have a role to play by creating stable investment conditions by ensuring regulatory stability, a sustainable environment in relation to human capacity and a sense of urgency and willingness to implement change.
Due to the limited spaces available, a full house was recorded.
Worth reminding our viewers that Africa today has just over one billion people and only the half have electricity. Add the Chinese intrusion and the energy proxy war there and see what comes up next!
Afrimari Updates
Afrimari’s Q3 event will be held on Thursday 26th September 2013 and are seeking offers of hosting in relation to space and refreshments. Further details of the event will be shared in due course. Viewers can visit Afrimari’s website for the dates of all 2013 events.
Afrimari continually welcomes offers of assistance regarding administration, sponsorship, venue hosting, speakers and any other suggestions on how best we can continue to serve you. Kindly email or send your suggestions and/or offers of assistance to theboard@afrimari.com .-
Useful Information
The Business Council for Africa is a pan-African organisation whose mission is to ‘encourage better business in Africa for the benefit of members and the sustainable economic development of the countries concerned.’ Afrimari was pleased to share their June briefing on Nigeria, one of the many countries they service. In addition, Afrimari will like to bring to your attention their Diaspora Initiative which brings together UK based business diaspora groups.
