Linda Larbie, AfricaNews Reporter in Accra, Ghana
The Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pleased to announce its endorsement of The Africa Energy Indaba 2013. The Africa Energy Indaba which is in its 5th year has provided The German Chamber with compelling reasons to continue their association with the event; particularly after the success of The Africa Energy Indaba 2012.
“We feel participation in the Africa Energy Indaba 2013 offers a plethora of valuable information, pulse-point interaction with decision makers and a practical forum to air grievances and debate strategy pertaining to the complex and dynamic Energy Sector” Carryn Todd, HOD, Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Todd continues, “Germany was the largest producer of renewable energy within the EU-27 in 2010, with a 19.6 % share of the total; with a Solar power generation world record recently set at 22 gigawatts over 2 days - meeting half of Germany’s electricity needs. It is, inarguably, the way of the future, communal knowledge is powerful.”
“The support of Germany demonstrates their commitment to the energy sector in Africa, in finding solutions to the continent’s energy challenges. Our aim is to provide ample networking opportunities within the event to showcase German technology and services available to the African market and we encourage interested parties to participate to engage and establish trade relationships with the representatives from German” says Liz Hart, Managing Director of the Africa Energy Indaba.
“The key to joining the wave of momentum is participating from an early stage – SIEMENS South Africa, a member of The German Chamber since 1950, is one of the best examples of an established participation in The African Renewable Energy Sector” says Todd.
Siemens has been actively involved in Africa for over 150 years and employs approximately 3000 people within the African continent. Longevity is crucial in establishing a comfortable foothold in the lucrative Africa Market.
There is no doubt that the energy sector generates a lot of interest – Chancellor Angela Merkel expects renewables to contribute 35% of Germany’s electricity by 2020 – undoubtedly a viable market for South Africans to consider.
The 5th annual Africa Energy Indaba will be the forum for decision-makers and leading role-players developing Africa's energy future and seeking solutions to the challenges facing the continent’s energy needs.
