Connect with us

Business

Kigali, Rwanda set to welcome key decision-makers in Africa’s energy sector to the inaugural Africa Energy Expo

Published

on

Africa Energy Expo

Exhibitors include providers of renewable and clean energy, transmission and distribution, energy consumption and management, backup generators and critical power, and smart solutions

KIGALI, Rwanda, October 31, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Informa Markets (www.InformaMarkets.com), organisers of the very first edition of the Africa Energy Expo (AEE), are pleased to announce that the 2024 AEE kicks off in Kigali on Monday, 4 November 2024. It will bring together stakeholders and senior decision-makers in Africa committed to closing the continent’s energy and power infrastructure gap. With the aim of driving progress towards SDG7 (affordable and clean energy), the AEE will also focus on furthering the Africa Power Vision (http://apo-opa.co/4f4ZICq) goals and objectives.  

Taking place from 4 to 6 November 2024 at the Kigali Convention Centre, Rwanda, the AEE is a truly pan-African event that features more than 150 exhibitors representing the continent’s rapidly expanding energy sector. Exhibitors include providers of renewable and clean energy, transmission and distribution, energy consumption and management, backup generators and critical power, and smart solutions. 

Tanesco, ONEE Morocco, EgenCo Malawi, Solektra Rwanda Ltd, P4G/WRI, USA, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Ghana Grid Company, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd, and Powerhouse International are some of the entities that will be represented at AEE 2024.

“The Africa Energy Expo represents a significant milestone for Africa’s energy sector. It is the first time that high-level audiences, including government ministers, regulators, and utility CEOs, will come together in Rwanda to collaborate on transformative strategies for Africa’s energy future, encouraging investment in renewable energy projects and accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Boasting a top-calibre line-up, this event is set to become a regular feature on Africa’s energy and utilities calendar. Our specific thanks go to Tetracore for demonstrating their commitment to the sustainable growth of the industry in their role as a Gold Conference Sponsor”, said Ade Yesufu, Exhibition Director – Energy, Informa Markets.

Event highlights

The multi-day event includes a Technical Seminar that will serve as a knowledge hub to learn and share industry best practices and scientific developments, by-invitation investment and hosted buyer programmes, and several roundtables that will delve into some critical issues requiring attention from various stakeholders.

Our specific thanks go to Tetracore for demonstrating their commitment to the sustainable growth of the industry in their role as a Gold Conference Sponsor

An exclusive Leadership Summit, themed ‘Investments, integration, infrastructure, and governance to fuel the energy transition’, features an impressive line-up of esteemed speakers, interactive deep-dive sessions, roundtables, and networking opportunities.

Under discussion at the Leadership Summit will be critical themes shaping Africa’s energy future, including the development of a roadmap to universal electrification and the creation of robust policy frameworks through the African Single Electricity Markets. Speakers will explore enhancing feasibility studies and business plans to reduce financial risks in large-scale infrastructure projects, as well as the significant role of innovation in advancing last-mile rural electrification through decentralised renewable energy (DRE). Additionally, experts will discuss strategies for designing effective carbon market mechanisms that reduce emissions while boosting investment. The potential of green hydrogen in facilitating a low-carbon transition, the importance of financing energy access, and the role of gas-to-power infrastructure as a catalyst in the energy transition will also be key focus points.

Prestigious speaker line-up

Reflecting the prestige of the 2024 Africa Energy Expo, which is endorsed by Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure, confirmed speakers include: 

  • H.E. Hon. Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure, Rwanda  
  • H.E. Hon. Ibrahim Matola, Minister of Energy, Malawi  
  • H.E. Hon. Tom Alweendo, Minister of Energy and Mines, Namibia  
  • Abdellatif Bardach, President, National Electricity Regulatory Authority (ANRE), Morocco  
  • Armand M. Zingiro, CEO, Rwanda Energy Group  
  • Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, Co-Founder & Deputy Managing Director, Falcon Corporation Limited   
  • Ernest Sipho Mkhonta, Managing Director, Eswatini Electricity Company, Kingdom of Eswatini  
  • Dr. Geoffrey Aori Mabea, Executive Secretary, Energy Regulators Association of East Africa   
  • Eng. Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, MD, Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco)  
  • Kweku Awotwi, Chairman, United Bank for Africa (Ghana) Ltd.  
  • Marlene Ngoyi, CEO, Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA)  
  • Muyangwa Muyangwa, Director General, National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), Zambia   
  • Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer, Executive Secretary, Energy Commission, Ghana   
  • Pat Thaker, Editorial and Regional Director, MEA, The Economist Intelligence Unit   
  • Eng. Stephen Dihwa, Executive Director, SAPP – Southern African Power Pool Coordination Center  
  • Dr. Sydney Gata, Executive Chairman, ZESA Holdings  
  • Eng. Victor Mapani, MD, ZESCO – Zambia   
  • Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, CEO, Electricity Regulatory Authority Uganda  

How to attend the 2024 Africa Energy Expo

Various event access options are available. A three-day all-access delegate pass at the special rate of $1000 includes keynote addresses, roundtable sessions, forums and seminars, access to all exhibitors, as well as power lunches, tours, travel deals, and conference presentations. Book your delegate pass:  https://apo-opa.co/3YvwHZm

A free visitor pass provides access to over 150 local and international exhibitors, including Tanelec, Jinkosolar, Lucy Electric, Sunsynk Limited, Khereji Showrooms, Giza Cables, JA Solar, Terra Energy, and many more. Get your free visitor pass: https://apo-opa.co/40rMjQu

Visit the website for more information: www.Africa-EnergyExpo.com/  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Informa Markets: Energy.

Business

Exploring new ways of immersive storytelling with the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL spatial video lens

Published

on

This lens offers a compact and attainable entry point to the world of spatial video – whilst retaining the high optical performance of the EOS R System

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 5, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) today unveils its groundbreaking RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens, designed to make realistic, high-quality 3D still and video creation more accessible than ever before. When paired with an APS-C camera body, this lens offers a compact and attainable entry point to the world of spatial video – whilst retaining the high optical performance of the EOS R System.

It delivers a natural 63 degree field of view, closely mirroring human vision, to create immersive experiences with an extra dimension, providing emotional depth and vivid realism. Currently compatible with the EOS R71 (with potential for gradual expansion of compatibility in the future), the RF-S 7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens allows creators to capture spatial video to be experienced not only on higher-end VR headsets, but also on smartphones via VR glasses, cardboard headsets, and even handheld viewing devices for printed images.

Perfectly practical weighing only 130g, coupled with a user-friendly STM AF system, it opens up 3D shooting possibilities for stills and video to a wide variety of users, enabling anyone to create more lifelike capture of cultural performances, high-end product reveals or walk-through videos for real estate and hotels in spatial stills and videos.

Adding to a seamless and efficient workflow, the EOS VR Utility app will be updated to create spatial video for Apple Vision Pro headsets, enabling content captured on Canon EOS VR System products to be exported in MV-HEVC codec when using an Apple Mac computer.

For more information about this lens, please visit:  https://apo-opa.co/40wUXNk

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Continue Reading

Business

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa invests $50 Million in Namibia, boosting production capacity by 30%

Published

on

The investment also includes the installation of a water treatment plant with state-of-the-art water recovery technology, designed to reduce water consumption

WINDHOEK, Namibia, November 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) (www.CCBAGroup.com) has invested $50 million in a new bottling line in Namibia, capable of producing 27,000 bottles per hour. This upgrade will increase the plant’s output capacity by 30% and stimulate growth throughout the company’s value chain.

As a customer-centric, digitally enabled, growth-driven business, we are committed to excellence across our value chain

The investment also includes the installation of a water treatment plant with state-of-the-art water recovery technology, designed to reduce water consumption. Additionally, the integration of advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, will require skills training for employees, contributing to the development of a future-ready workforce for both the business and the country.

“We’ve ensured that this production line goes beyond output numbers,” said Pottie de Bruyn, General Manager of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Namibia. “It’s about creating shared opportunities across the value chain. The increased production also provides a boost to local businesses that supply us with raw materials and services.”

Sunil Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of CCBA, echoed the sentiment, adding, “This investment is a clear demonstration of our continued belief in the future of Namibia.”

Gupta also highlighted CCBA’s broader goals: “As a customer-centric, digitally enabled, growth-driven business, we are committed to excellence across our value chain. Efficient operations allow us to offer faster delivery and superior service. This new production line is another step in our journey to achieve even greater levels of execution excellence.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca Cola Beverages Africa.

Continue Reading

Business

VistaJet Continues Expansion Plans in East and South Africa

Published

on

The African Roadshow Reaffirms Commitment Towards the Region’s Economic Development 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

VistaJet (www.VistaJet.com), the world’s first and only global business aviation company, is set to organize its first-ever East and South Africa Static Display Roadshow, showcasing its flagship aircraft, the Bombardier Global 7500. The event will commence in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, followed by a landing in South Africa’s top business centers, Johannesburg and Cape Town.  Nairobi’s positioning as East Africa’s tech and business hub, along with Johannesburg and Cape Town’s role in South Africa’s mature aviation market, have made these cities essential focal points for VistaJet’s growth strategy. The roadshow will engage with prospective and existing clients and the local media, serving as a platform to share VistaJet’s ongoing expansion and dedication to support the region’s economic transformation as set out in the AcFTA agreement. This roadshow follows the monumental success of its West African edition (https://apo-opa.co/3CnKLg3), held earlier in May. 

According to the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), the number of business jets operating in Africa is expected to grow by 8% annually over the next five years. Currently, there are 418 jets on the continent, with South Africa having the largest business aircraft fleet, followed by Kenya and Nigeria. The ongoing growth of private aviation in Africa has also benefited the continent’s employment rates, with air transport contributing significantly to 7.7 million jobs and $63 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).   

Elsewhere, The 2024 Africa Wealth Report by Henley & Partners (https://apo-opa.co/40yhzxc) reveals that the total investable wealth on the African continent stands at US2.5tn and that the millionaire population is expected to increase by 65% over the next ten years, fueled by strong growth in key sectors such as fintech, business process outsourcing, software development, rare metals mining, green tech, media and entertainment, and wealth management. The ‘Big 5’ wealth markets (https://apo-opa.co/40wbGR6) — South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco — collectively account for 56% of Africa’s high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and over 90% of its billionaires.  

VistaJet offers the world’s most extensive range of business jets and in the past 14 years it has built a strong African network, transforming business aviation in the region. During the East and South Africa Roadshow, VistaJet will showcase the Bombardier Global 7500, the largest and longest-range business jet and offers unbeatable global connectivity, flying up to 17 hours non-stop. Vista has 18 in the fleet – the world’s largest fleet of Global 7500. Precision-engineered wings provide an exceptionally smooth ride in the large cabin, with four separate living spaces, including a permanent stateroom, this jet is perfectly suited for business or a family dynamic. In the first half of 2024, across Africa, Vista’s Global 7500 flight hours increased +33% – this aircraft is becoming increasingly more popular across the continent.  The Global 7500 is popular for connecting African cities, such as Cape Town to Accra and Johannesburg to Cairo and international routes such as Africa and Asia, demonstrating a strong sentiment to increasing investment between the African and Asian continents (https://apo-opa.co/4fcKzPk).   

An impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for 20 years has made Vista the largest provider of on demand business flights in the world. And the trajectory is not changing — over the last 18 months, while the private aviation industry as a whole experienced a leveling out in demand following the post-COVID boom, Vista expanded its global footprint and as of July 2024, has gained an additional 50 basis points of total market share year-over-year, with its share of the market rising to approximately 5% of the total market.  With an addressable market of over 24,000 business jets around the globe, as well as broader spectrum of aspirational fliers, there is also significantly more scope and opportunity for the Group to capture further market share over the next two decades.  

VistaJet’s main expansion plan objective is to enhance Africa’s economic growth by increasing regional investments and facilitating overall growth

In 1H 2024, Vista was once again experiencing exceptional growth – with total flight hours up +14% year-over-year – an incredible result, especially when compared to a global market that contracted by 2% over the same period.  

The VistaJet Program membership has been the biggest contributor to this growth, recording +19% growth in Program hours and a +18% increase in number of Members. The first half of 2024 continued this trajectory, marked by: 

  • Double-Digit Growth in Flight Hours: Vista recorded a significant increase in flight hours compared to 1H 2023, a direct result of Vista’s strategic foresight and market understanding. 
  • Membership Surge: 2024 has seen a substantial Membership growth as clients gravitated towards Vista’s flexible subscription-based model, reinforcing Vista’s client-first approach. 
  • Africa Success: The African continent remains a priority market for Vista with impressive growth in the first half of 2024. Africa reported strong flight activity with a +103% increase in the New Program Hours Sold and a +29% increase in total hours flown year-over-year: East Africa specifically experiencing a +46% increase in total hours flown; and South Africa, a +79% increase in total hours flown. 

With over a decade of operations in East and South Africa, VistaJet continues to play a vital role in supporting development in these sub-regions by facilitating global investments and connecting decision-makers, corporations, and business executives. Vista’s global fleet of iconic silver and red jets means its African clients will never be stranded with guaranteed availability in as little as 24 hours’ notice, no matter where they are going in the world. Global coverage, covering 96% of the globe also means knowing how to operate in over 2,700 airports, making journeys to every destination safe and reliable. VistaJet’s flexibility is unparalleled for its expanding African client base.  

Commenting on the business expansion plans, VistaJet’s President of Europe and Africa, Philippe Scalabrini, stated: “Building on the momentum of the West Africa Roadshow, we are pleased to announce the East and South Africa Roadshow.  VistaJet is committed to offering top rate, exclusive services to its extensive client network in this critical region. In response to the growing demand, we have deployed three dedicated aircraft while upholding our exceptional standards. VistaJet’s main expansion plan objective is to enhance Africa’s economic growth by increasing regional investments and facilitating overall growth.” 

VistaJet was founded 20 years ago and has established itself as the world’s leading global business aviation company. With a client base consisting mainly of corporate leaders and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals, VistaJet aims to simplify air travel by offering privacy, reliability, flexibility, efficiency, anonymity, and safety. The Cabin Hosts, trained by the British Butler Institute and MedAire, deliver the highest service standards.  Flying with VistaJet is a better alternative to ownership – offering a lower cost per hour, and a larger coverage area; as well as preferrable to brokerage – due to higher safety, and unique consistency of service; and often commercial – thanks to scheduling flexibility, and non-stop connections across airports around the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VistaJet.

Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version