Amidst the wait for US foreign policy decisions, proactive energy sector leaders from Africa get set to return to Washington DC for EnergyNet’s 3rd Powering Africa: Summit this March

The Summit in 2016 welcomed 620 attendees from 18 countries and whilst 65% of delegates originated from North America, investors from Europe and Asia also participated, seeking partnerships with leading technology companies, governmental agencies, the World Bank, IFC and others to drive forward their African projects already under development.

The Summit is supported again by Power Africa, the U.S. government interagency created to establish 60 million new household and business connections by 2030, aiding the potential to double the size of some African economies and the spending power of the projected 1.5bln people.

Also supporting the meeting is the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), US Africa Development Foundation and the US Africa Business Center (USABC). 

EnergyNet’s Managing Director, Simon Gosling, commented:

“It’s exciting to be working with the USABC this year.  Their members are hugely significant along the energy value chain and clearly doubling efforts to get projects moving, bringing with them much needed bankability for the capitalisation of projects. 

Equally exciting is the presence and potential of African gas to power projects. This year those attending will be exposed to crucial Gas-to-Power updates including South Africa’s gas procurement programme, which will create massive opportunities for the winning bidders and their technology partners.  Additionally, as some countries struggle to stabilise investor confidence [including South Africa itself], their IPP procurement programme in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry could lead to some 50% of international capital flowing through the country in the coming years.

Therefore taking this rogramme to the home of the World Bank only stresses further the confidence of the Minister, DOE and the procurement team itself – so personally I’m very excited.”