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New products, innovations and world-class technologies at Electra Mining Africa

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An exhibition viewed by industry as one of the most important events on the calendar, Electra Mining Africa provides a unique platform where exhibitors can launch new products and showcase their latest innovations and technologies.

Taking place at the Expo Centre in Nasrec, Johannesburg, from 2-6 September, visitors to Electra Mining Africa will have the opportunity to connect with over 950 exhibitors and explore thousands of new products, ground-breaking machinery, latest innovations and world-class technologies at what will be the biggest show ever in its history. The many live demonstrations will give visitors an opportunity to see products and machinery in action during the five days of the exhibition.

“We knew it was going to be one of the biggest shows we’ve ever had, but we can now say that this year’s Electra Mining Africa is the biggest show in its history!” says Charlene Hefer, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions a division of Montgomery Group, the organisers of the show. “That means more top brands, products and innovations at this year’s show with a much bigger footprint of exhibition space. It’s very exciting to have reached this milestone!”

Electra Mining Africa is the biggest mining, electrical, automation, manufacturing, power and transport trade exhibition in Southern Africa..

Local manufacturing will play a prominent role at this year’s Electra Mining Africa, and, for the first time, the Local Southern African Manufacturing Expo will be incorporated within this year’s show.

“Local manufacturing spans across all the sectors that Electra Mining Africa represents and so not only will local manufacturing exhibitors be located in Hall 10, but they will also be incorporated throughout the show. We have created various packages that have made exhibiting more affordable for the smaller local manufacturers, providing benefit to these companies and to the visitors who will have an opportunity to see them at the show.”

“Industry sectors are loosely grouped within the various halls to highlight the innovations and technological advancements within these sectors, making it easier for visitors to navigate,” notes Hefer. “Halls 5 and 6 primarily focus on heavy mining equipment, a broad range of engineering support services, and machine tooling. Hall 7 is largely Automation, whilst Hall 8 features many international exhibitors as well as local exhibitors. Power Generation is a feature in Hall 9 which is also where the Seminar Theatre is located, and local manufacturing exhibitors will be showcased in Hall 10 together with the SA Mining Tech and Innovation Hub – a pavilion comprising Mining Equipment Manufacturers of SA (MEMSA), SA Mineral Processing Equipment Cluster (SAMPEC) and the Mandela Mining Precinct (MMP) and some of their members, as well as other products and services. The outside areas are popular for pump and valve exhibitors and for materials handling and transport, alongside other large equipment demonstrations. Floorplans at the show will clearly indicate where exhibitors can be found.”

“In addition to the exhibits, we are delighted to have some excellent speakers at our free-to-attend seminars who will be sharing their expertise on many topics mostly aligned with our theme days. These include sustainability, skills, safety and innovation.”

The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) will be hosting a Mine Planning and Design Colloquium alongside the show, the Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of SA (LEEASA) will be hosting a conference, and Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA) will be hosting a half-day women in mining workshop.

The non-profit organisation Women in Mining Business South Africa (WiMBIZ) will  be participating at Electra Mining Africa for the first time. WiMBIZ is a mentorship based organisation established to create a platform that unifies women entrepreneurs and professionals in the mining sector. The organisation aims to help women access opportunities across the mining value chain. WiMBIZ is excited to be hosting various events during the show.

“Electra Mining Africa has built its reputation as a platform for trade; the place where buyers and sellers meet to do business,” says Gary Corin, Managing Director of Specialised Exhibitions. “It’s a massive trade event taking place over five days, contributing to the stimulation of trade in the industrial, manufacturing and mining sectors of the South African economy.”

For further information, visit www.electramining.co.za

NOTES:

Specialised Exhibitions, a division of Montgomery Group, offers one of South Africa’s largest portfolios of trade exhibitions servicing a wide range of business-to-business sectors of the South African economy. With a proud heritage spanning over 55 years, Specialised Exhibitions is the marketer’s first choice time and again. Montgomery Group is the UK’s longest running independent events’ organiser, a fifth-generation, family-owned business with over 50 events and co-locates across 15 countries. Its purpose is simple: To serve our world, nurturing relationships and developing opportunities.

 

For further information, contact:

Natasha Heiberg

Head of Marketing

Specialised Exhibitions

Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565

Cell: +27 (0)76 168 0762

Email: natasha.heiberg@montgomerygroup.com

Battery Metals Forum returns to Kinshasa in September as demand for key minerals and metals remains high

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Global demand means unprecedented opportunities ​

Key role players in the battery manufacturing value chain from the private and public sectors are to converge in Kinshasa from 17–18 September for the Battery Metals Forum DRC-Africa.

Battery production for EVs and renewable energy storage relies on several key minerals and metals, including cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, graphite, manganese, rare earths and the 3Ts (tin, tungsten and tantalum).

The DRC is the world’s leading producer of cobalt, accounting for over 60% of global supply, and the country is also an important copper supplier, along with neighbour Zambia, in the renowned Copperbelt.

“The global demand for battery minerals presents unpresented opportunities for the DRC to leverage its natural resources for economic development” says Samukelo Madlabane, Event Director at the VUKA Group, who are the organisers of the event.

He adds: “Under the theme of ‘Building a robust sustainable battery metals ecosystem in the DRC,’ Battery Metals Forum DRC-Africa is committed to positioning the country as the African hub for battery metals production and manufacture. It contributes to building an inclusive and equitable battery metals industry in the heart of Africa, underpinning broad-based sustainable growth, local beneficiation and socio-economic development.”

Experts and trailblazers
The high-level two-day gathering will provide valuable networking and matchmaking with senior local and international industry decision-makers. During the sessions, industry experts and trailblazers, who have successfully localised the processing of raw materials and created local manufacturing industries, will share their experiences and lessons learnt along the way. In addition, attendees can study the many opportunities within the DRC’s and Zambia’s battery manufacturing industries.

In particular, the sessions will focus on:

  • An overview of the feasibility study of the proposed DRC-Zambia Special Economic Zone
    • Projects and best practices presentations – battery metals industry lead
    • Energy transition: Energy supply for the battery metals industry
    • Policies and regulations:
    – Regional corporation
    – Sustainability battery regulation
    • Infrastructure investment:
    – Local processing and beneficiation
    – Public-private partnership (PPPs)
    • Global market trends:
    – Local and regional investment opportunities
    – Market dynamics and price volatility
    • Technology and skills development: digital transformation

Industry support
Following its successful launch last year, the event has already attracted the support of leading names in the sector with Cominiere SA as the cobalt sponsor, Axishouse Group as the copper sponsor, Elephant Services as the nickel sponsor and DEV Solaire and The Hydraulic Centre as the bronze sponsors.

The following expert and VIP speakers have been confirmed for the programme:

  • Albert Zeufack, Country Director, World Bank, DRC 
  • Bodom Matungulu, Expert, Technical Advisor in Charge of Infrastructure Projects, DRC 
  • Bryan Bille, Geopolitical and policy principal, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Belgium 
  • Denis Lecouturier, Managing Expert Director, CCB, DRC
  • Eric Monga Mumba, Chief Executive, Kipay Investments, DRC
  • Franck Fambwa, Executive Director, RND Asbl (Natural Resources Development), DRC
  • H.E. Lucy Tamlyn, US Ambassador in Kinshasa, DRC 
  • Hervé-Michel Bia Buetuswa, Partner & Co-founder, OVK Law Firm SCP, DRC 
  • Iongwa Mashangao, CEO and Co-Founder, Altech, DRC 
  • Jean-Marie Kanda, Coordinator of the (ACEB)/Administration member of CCB, DRC 
  • Jessica Webe, Executive Director, United Global Compact Network, DRC 
  • Joachim Nzuzi, Chief of Staff, ERG Africa
  • Kern Iponga, Expert in Management of Special Economic Zones, Gabon 
  • Richard Zhao, Founder/CEO, Fourier Energy, China 
  • Romain Deniel, Country Manager, Arise IIP, DRC
  • Vuko Ndondo Kakule, Deputy Managing Director, CCB, DRC 
  • Yanchen Wang, Managing Director, SMM- Information & Technology Co, China 
  • Yannick Sukakumu, General Manager, Data Ratio Centres, DRC

About Battery Metals Forum DRC-Africa
Battery Metals Forum DRC-Africa is organised by The VUKA Group (formerly Clarion Events Africa), a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, ecommerce and CX sectors. Other well-known events by The Vuka Group include DRC Mining Week, Nigeria Mining Week, Enlit Africa, Africa’s Green Economy Summit, Smarter Mobility Africa, ECOM Africa and CEM Africa.Mining Review Africa, the leading monthly magazine and digital platform in the African mining industry, is the event’s premium media partner.

Battery Metals Forum DRC-Africa dates and venue:
Dates: 17–18 September 2024
Location: Fleuve Congo Hotel, Kinshasa, DRC

Website: https://www.drc-africabatterymetals.com/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/BatteryDrc
Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/BatteryMetalsDRC/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/africa-battery-metals-drc/

Media contact:Annemarie Roodbol
Email: annemarie.roodbol@wearevuka.com

Following the Success of Enlit Africa, VUKA Group Launches VUKA Energy Portfolio

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16th July 2024

VUKA Group, the Cape Town-based event and media agency, brings together its diverse energy-related media assets to launch the VUKA Energy portfolio and introduce an intuitive digital platform that brings insights, resources, and engagement to energy professionals across the continent.

  • The VUKA Energy Portfolio is well-positioned to create value and drive results for the wider industry through a series of in-person, digital and print projects
  • The VUKA Energy site is a comprehensive digital platform that transforms collaboration, insight-sharing, and engagement for the industry at wearevukaenergy.com

Building on the continued success of sector-leading brands Enlit Africa and ESI Africa, VUKA Group has launched the VUKA Energy Portfolio and introduced a centralised insights and resources hub built for industry professionals. It illustrates VUKA’s commitment to moving the energy transition forward across Africa in a just and inclusive way.

“We have made digital transformation central to our planning as an organisation, and this is reflected in the launch of the VUKA Energy site, our new home and reached at www.wearevukaenergy.com” says David Ashdown, CEO of VUKA Group. “The site is an intuitive series of curated information gateways designed to provide quality information that’s accessible and relevant, year-round. This digital platform will be integrated and cloned across the industry sectors we serve; Energy, Mining, Mobility, Retail and Green Economy, providing a depth of content unrivalled in the African media space.”

The site includes Insights and Resources that delivers evergreen content that provides solutions, addresses challenges, and focuses on long-standing industry issues and conversations. This section is bolstered by content collated by dedicated editorial teams that serve fresh insights, analyses and industry-relevant vertical topics in easy-to-read formats that are accessible on multiple devices and platforms. Users can navigate seamlessly through the site to find articles, podcasts, webinars, reports, white papers, and video content that aligns to their interests and expectations. The design is deliberate. It ensures visitors to the VUKA Energy site can quickly and easily find the information they need, delivering value and insights at speed.

The Events and Webinars listing offers readers access to a calendar of upcoming conferences and exhibitions alongside access to a library of world-class digital content. This includes our targeted and well-attended webinar series that has been created in partnership with ESI Africa and Enlit Africa.

“We have introduced an Investment Projects section which serves up a fully searchable interface connecting project owners to the investor landscape,” explains Ashdown. “From start-ups to scale-ups through to national infrastructure, we list and billboard your projects for free. The projects are listed after verification from our Quality Assurance team and selected projects are invited to our pitch stage at our live events so they can tell their story to a qualified audience.”

VUKA provides pitch event attendees with coaching so that they are on-point with their delivery and supplies the audience with insight into must-know elements. Investors benefit from an exclusive concierge matchmaking service that allows for them to connect with owners directly. Project decks can be downloaded from the site for added ease.

The site includes a section entitled Dialogues where badge details captured at the bustling Enlit Africa event will be used to send exclusive invitations for monthly online meetings. These sessions will deepen discussions around targeted industry topics with colleagues and thought leaders. The Supplier Directory section completes the picture of the launch, providing users with the ability to search for suppliers who do business in Africa. It includes information such as where they do business, their product range, and relevant contact people and is regularly updated by the Quality Assurance team. The directory promotes trade and engagement online to a qualified energy audience.

“The VUKA Energy Portfolio and website are our new home to engage with stakeholders and provide an access point to our portfolio of industry-related brands,” concludes Ashdown. “With the launch of the C&I Solar + Storage Summit into Gauteng during 19-20 November 2024 and the launch of Water Security Africa to co-locate with Enlit Africa 2025, alongside our established live and media brands: Enlit Africa, ESI Africa, Utility CEO Forum, African Power & Energy Elites, Women in Energy, and the Municipal Forum, our the VUKA Energy Portfolio delivers great influence across the sector and is recognised as an important platform to bring people and organisations together to connect with information and each other across the African energy, power and water industry verticals.”

Find out more about the VUKA Energy Portfolio at the dedicated URL www.wearevukaenergy.com to discover a world of energy-related insights and support curated specifically for the industry. To learn more about VUKA Group, our sector focus and markets connect here www.wearevuka.com

ABOUT VUKA Group

VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations to reach the next level of growth in their industry ecosystem. With over 20 years of experience in serving the business community across Africa, the company is a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences, and media in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, green economy, e-commerce, and CX sectors. VUKA Group is an independent B-BBEE compliant company, adapted to the unique conditions of Africa. VUKA Group successfully launched, as a venture partner to the race promoter, the exciting E-Fest ELECTRIC, evrt Africa, and Africa’s Green Economy Summit as part of the E-Fest in Cape Town 2023 that culminated in the historic Formula E race. Other well-known events by VUKA Group include Enlit Africa, DRC Mining Week, Nigeria Mining Week, DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum, ECOM, and CEM Africa.

 Press Contact:

Marcel du Toit. Commercial Lead – VUKA Energy . VUKA Group

marcel.dutoit@wearevuka.com

Buy tickets to MusicEx

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MusicEx is an Indoor Music Festival taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre on 26- 28 July 2024.

The music festival will be running the whole day for all three days. Along with the live performances on two stages, music lovers can attend the exhibition in Hall 3 and attend the workshops led by experts like Yvonne Chaka Chaka, YFM DJs, Andrew Mitchley from The David Gresham Record Company. There is even a stage makeup Masterclass by Willem Botha.

The MusicEx tickets are an absolute bargain at R 550.00 per day. A ticket allows you access to the event for the entire day and well into the night! Tickets can be purchased at Webtickets, https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1544301137 .

Get ready for a full day of entertainment, amazing food, the best vibes in the festival lane and an all-around celebration of South African Music and artists.

The line-up for each day is absolutely insane! Don’t miss out on this amazing Festival. All stages are indoors, so you won’t be left out in the cold! Gallagher Convention Centre has ample secure parking, or take the Gautrain as the bus stops right in front of the venue’s main gate.

Friday 26 July 2024:

Main Stage
Spoegwolf
Karen Zoid
Pabi Cooper
Mafikizolo
Kamo Mphela
Francois van Coke
Prime Circle
Young Stunna

Music Lounge
Arno Carstens
The Soil
Sipho Hotstix Mabuse
Samthing Soweto
Kings of the Weekend

Saturday 27 July 2024:

Main Stage
Kwesta
Shekhinah
Mi Casa
Zakes Bantwini
Cassper Nyovest
DBN Gogo
New Hero
Grimehouse
Zinah
Jesse Clegg
Thakzin

Music Lounge
Jesse Clegg
The Muses
Zinah
New Hero
Zolani & Feminine Force
Louise Carver
Tamara Dey & Jazz Band

Sunday 28 July 2024:

Main Stage
Lady Zamar
Majozi
Matthew Mole
Jeremy Loops
Mango Groove
Dodo Nyoka
Mashudu
DJ Zinhle

Music Lounge
Sydney Ace Mnisi
Elandre
Refentse
Bunny Majaja
Nadine

Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out on this immersive weekend of South African music. Buy your tickets now.

www.MusicEx.co.za

Energy Capital & Power Appoints James Chester as CEO

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Co-Founder and Senior Director James Chester will lead Energy Capital & Power as CEO effective June 26, as the company advances its 2024 events calendar.

 Energy Capital & Power (ECP) – Africa’s leading energy investment platform – proudly announces the appointment of James Chester as CEO, effective June 26, 2024.

As Co-Founder and Senior Director at ECP, Chester holds varied and dynamic experience in events, strategic communications, custom publishing and investment promotion activities across Africa’s fastest-growing markets. Chester serves as project lead for the South Sudan Oil & Power conference – ECP’s longest-running event – and Libya Energy & Economic Summit, working closely with key government and private sector stakeholders to showcase national investment opportunities and deliver measurable results.

 Through the inaugural US-Africa Energy Forum in 2021 and successive events in Houston including the Angola Oil & Gas networking event earlier this year, Chester has successfully introduced American companies to African investment opportunities, playing a critical role in bridging the two regions. As CEO, he will continue to innovate and develop new strategies to attract global capital, knowledge and technology to Africa’s energy sector, adapting to the evolving energy investment landscape and driving growth and development in the industry.

“We are thrilled to appoint James Chester as CEO, given his longstanding commitment to the company, robust financial acumen and in-depth market knowledge. Having led ECP projects in South Sudan, Libya and the US – as well as played an active role in each of our departments – James knows the business inside and out and will undoubtedly infuse new spirit and direction to our existing product and service offerings,” says Kelly-Ann Mealia, ECP Chairperson.

The appointment comes as ECP executes a dynamic 2024 events calendar including the Angola Oil & Gas conference in Luanda on October 2-3; MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference in Dakar on December 3-4; African Energy Week in Cape Town on November 4-8, organized in partnership with the African Energy Chamber and the Libya Energy & Economic Summit in Tripoli on January 18-19, 2025.

“It is an honor to lead ECP into its next chapter of success, with a focus on aligning our strategic vision and advancing Africa’s energy sector progress. I look forward to bringing new partners on board, expanding audience reach and evaluating how we can better serve the markets in which we operate,” notes Chester.

FAME Shorts Film Festival Launches Poster Design Competition in Partnership with Yes!Definitely

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The FAME Film Shorts Festival, in a groundbreaking collaboration with the innovative beverage company Yes!Definitely, is thrilled to announce a call for entries for the official poster design of its 2024 edition. Scheduled to dazzle audiences from September 4 to 7 at the iconic Labia Theatre in Cape Town, the festival invites artists and designers from across the globe to capture the spirit, values, and the enchanting mascot, the African penguin, in their designs.

 

This year’s competition seeks to unearth designs that are not only visually arresting but also encapsulate the essence of cinematic brilliance, appealing to a worldwide audience. The creator of the winning poster will be awarded R5,000 in cash, have their artwork featured on Yes!Definitely bottles, and gain widespread recognition as the official festival poster designer, including exclusive interviews and an invitation to attend the festival.

 

Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa, expressed his excitement about the collaboration: “We are at the forefront of celebrating creativity and innovation in the film industry, and this partnership with Yes!Definitely amplifies our commitment to providing a platform for artistic talent. This competition is more than just about finding a poster; it’s about capturing the heart and soul of cinematic storytelling and showcasing it to the world.”

 

Tracy Ruggier, founder of Yes!Definitely, added, “We are delighted to partner with the FAME Shorts Film Festival for this creative endeavour. It’s a fantastic opportunity for artists to have their work celebrated on a grand scale, and we are eager to see the creativity that emerges. Yes!Definitely is all about supporting innovative and inspiring talent, and this competition embodies our ethos perfectly.”

 

Competition Highlights:

 

For artists and designers wishing to participate, this competition is not just an opportunity to showcase their talent but to also be part of a movement celebrating the power of film and creativity. The FAME Film Shorts Festival and Yes!Definitely look forward to unveiling a design that perfectly encapsulates the festival’s vibrant spirit and the dynamic essence of storytelling.

Fostering Synergies Between Europe and Africa: Investing in African Energy Returns to Paris in 2024

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Building on the success of the 2023 edition, Energy Capital & Power (ECP) is preparing to host Investing in African Energy 2024, scheduled to take place on May 14–15, 2024 in Paris, France.

With the support of the African Energy Chamber, role-players attending Investing in African Energy 2024 will get to engage with experts and decision-makers to gain insights on African energy project development while learning about the current situation and the prospective opportunities.

Centering around forging relationships, connecting funds with energy projects and creating mutually beneficial public-private partnerships, the forum will open both European and African doors to conversations that will help to shape Africa’s energy future.

Investing in African Energy 2024 serves as a critical bridge between Europe and Africa, facilitating collaboration and driving investment toward sustainable energy advancement. This renowned event brings together industry leaders, investors and policymakers, creating a pivotal platform to foster strategic collaboration, promote local content development and accelerate sustainable energy solutions across the continent. Additionally, the forum will examine the impact of these investments on economic diversification, regional integration, employment opportunities and electrification throughout the region.

With an unwavering commitment to advancing collaboration, the forum stands as a catalyst for driving advancements in the pursuit of global energy security. An array of key features tailored to facilitate meaningful interactions and drive impactful outcomes include:

Two days of engagement: Investing in African Energy offers two days of intensive engagement, ensuring participants have ample time to explore discussions, build partnerships, and gain insights from esteemed industry experts.

Networking reception: The dedicated networking reception, a highlight of the 2023 event, remains a focal point for attendees. It offers a unique platform for participants to connect, exchange ideas and establish connections that often extend beyond the confines of the event.

Business-to-business matchmaking: Acknowledging the role of tailored business interactions in driving tangible outcomes, the 2024 forum will continue to include business-to-business matchmaking sessions. These sessions facilitate the exploration of potential partnerships and investment avenues, thus enhancing the forum’s value proposition.

Investor and country spotlights: Inspired by the valuable insights shared by African nations at the forefront of African energy and key industry players, the 2024 forum will feature in-depth investor and country spotlights. These segments offer attendees unparalleled access to the thoughts, strategies and initiatives of prominent industry players and nations.

“Investing in African Energy 2024holds great promise for both the European and African energy sectors. By uniting stakeholders from both regions, the forum fosters cross-border interactions that pave the way for impactful projects, technology exchange, and mutual growth. It’s a remarkable opportunity for Europe and Africa to jointly shape the energy landscape, creating a win-win scenario that propels global energy security and economic development forward,” says Devi Paulsen-Abbott, CEO of Energy Capital & Power.

As Europe and Africa continue cooperative efforts to shape the future of energy, the forum stands at the crossroads of innovation, connection, and growth. This convergence marks a significant step toward a brighter, more energy-empowered future for both regions.

ECP is a dynamic platform dedicated to promoting investment, growth, and advancement across Africa’s energy sector. With a spectrum of impactful events, digital resources, and investment analyses, the company seamlessly brings together the entirety of the energy value chain, spanning from the exploration of oil and gas to the realms of renewable energy. ECP’s platform serves as a catalyst for both worldwide and intra-African investment and cooperation, fostering a dynamic environment for growth and innovation.For media-related enquiries, contact Charné Hollands at charne@staging.energycapitalpower.com

Third Edition of MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Kicks Off in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

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The MSGBC region’s premier energy event – MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2023 – officially opened on Tuesday in Nouakchott, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, with an opening ceremony attended by Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani. The ceremony laid the foundation for two days of dialogue and deals, with industry leaders providing forward-looking remarks about the future of the MSGBC energy market.

“The energy sector in Mauritania has been successful in implementing a policy that will make Mauritania a producer and exporter of natural gas to the rest of the world,” stated Nani O. Chrougha, Minister of Petroleum, Mines and Energy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. “Implementing this vision needs a lot of work on different scales, including bringing investment, improving the business environment, and improving skills, along with governance and infrastructure that are in place.”

At a time when global demand is on the rise, MSGBC energy stands to play a much larger role in supplying the world. “We look to Mauritania with great anticipation, as it embarks on the journey of harnessing its natural gas resources for the betterment of its people. We, at the GECF, extend our best wishes to Mauritania in this promising path and reaffirm our commitment to providing unwavering support,” said Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the GECF.

Going forward, securing financing for the development of these reserves is challenging owing to the global energy transition. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General, African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), shared insights into how the organization is supporting African countries finance hydrocarbon projects.

 

He stated that, “At APPO, we are working on ensuring that Africa’s dependence on external sources of funding for oil and gas is put to an end. We are working with Afreximbank to establish an African Energy Bank. Two weeks ago, we approved the timeline and this bank should come online in the first half of next year. We are also working on research centers in Africa.”

To attract foreign capital and strengthen the competitiveness for investment, regional countries enacted a series of regulatory reforms, all of which have been pivotal for getting large-scale projects off the ground. NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, remarked that in Mauritania, “Great fiscals and an enabling environment has opened the door for many new investors as well as gas development, hydrogen development and solar and wind.”

 

As such, and in collaboration with global investors and regional counterparts, countries including Senegal and Mauritania are developing large-scale projects while The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Conakry are introducing licensing rounds and policies aimed at securing investment. Two major developments are coming online next year – the 2.3 million ton per annum (mtpa) Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project and the 100,000 barrel per day Sangomar oilfield development – while progress continues at the Sandiara Gas-to-Power facility and the 8 mtpa Mauritanian green hydrogen hub.

According to Gordon Birrell, EVP Production & Operations at bp, “GTA is 90% complete and we are very close to achieving first gas.” Birrell believes that GTA is both ambitious and critical, and that, “GTA is a great energy project for many reasons: it has great scale, great complexity and great significance for Mauritania and the world.”

Similarly, Mark Crandall, Founder and CEO of CWP Global – the company driving Mauritania’s $34 billion green hydrogen development – considers Mauritania to be “a very exciting place to work.” Providing insight into the green hydrogen project, he stated that, “We are going to install thousands of wind turbines and hectares of solar. We will produce over 100 TWh of power – that’s over 100 times what Mauritania is using today. Whatever is not needed here, it will be exported and enrich Mauritania through exports.”

Under the theme, Scaling Energy Opportunities in Africa’s New Frontiers, the conference represents the only energy forum focused on the entire MSGBC energy sector and its value chain. With the opening remarks, the 2023 edition of the conference officially kicked off.

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