1st Annual African Electrical Contractors Conference
Theme: ‘‘Developing and Strengthening Energy Cluster Associations and
through Electrical Contractors Associations in Africa’’.
Energy is a core challenge faced by
all African regions. African Federation of Electrical Contractors Associations
(AFECA) strives to connect and network SME Suppliers and manufacturers in the
Electrical Contracting Industry and energy efficiency technologies from all
countries in Africa. The partnership will activate SMES through their
respective electrical contractors associations and energy clusters with high competencies
in energy efficiency and develop effective energy systems.
These cluster associations will
provide opportunities for potential suppliers to get into business contacts
with other, larger companies.
The people who develop Energy Strategies
do not implement them. Energy strategies are usually drawn up by government and
state development cooperation bodies or authorities and financed by development
partners (regional and international) – development banks. Yet these plans need
to be implemented by energy companies. Thus such companies are obliged to
operate a solution they have not developed. This is neither a desirable nor an
acceptable responsibility for any company to assume.
On the supply side; the people who
supply equipments and components do not operate them. Business in the off-grid sector is dominated by calls for tenders
to supply technical components. These calls are made by the bodies drafting
energy strategies, and often their decisions are made on price grounds. It is
not the component suppliers who is responsible for running the generation
plant, but the operator, who has had no say in the choice of technology. An
excessive risk for an operator to take, from both a technical and financial
perspective.
Private sector investors force
competition from politicians, who waste their Citizens’ money on show case
projects during election campaigns.
There is need to establish
partnerships and sustainable linkages between the private sector and the government
or electricity authorities, using long term business models and evidence-based practices. Through this partnership and
linkages, energy clusters associations and electrical contractors associations
will act as watchdogs, overseeing both parties and applying suitable sustainable
procedures.
Committed to promote sound
development of the electrical contracting industry through mutual cooperation, networking,
understanding and benefit among members of the African region, the African
Federation of Electrical Contractors Association (AFECA) will provide an
effective platform for members to express their collective opinions and ideas.
The 2014 AFECA conference will be
held in conjunction with Ghana Electrical Contractors Association in August or
October 2014 at the ……….. Hotel, conference and Exhibition center. AFECA 2014 is expected to be strongly
supported by the electrical contracting industry, governments, development
partners, private sector, companies, FDI’s, development assistance
organizations, bilateral cooperation programs, national energy authorities,
industry suppliers and African Regional Banks and development programs.
This industry – based event will
highlight several topics and will serve as a prime opportunity for delegates to
discuss current issues and identity trends around Africa in the ever-changing
industry.
In addition to experience and
information exchange, the conference will be accompanied by various value-
addition functions for industry networking.
The conference program of AFECA 2014
will be developed around the main theme of: “Developing and strengthening Energy Cluster Associations and
Electrical Contractors Associations in Africa”, which will guide the
selection of presentations and scope of the sessions. The focus is on
Innovation - the major driver of the industry not only in terms of
technological advances, but also in adopting new approaches, finding creative
solutions to problems and sharing best practices.
Sub Themes:
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Energy Policies and markets.
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Public private partnership in the Energy industry.
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Hardware technology.
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Increased Private Sector Involvement in Energy Planning
and Strategies
-
Resource Assessment and mobilization
-
African Regional representation in Global Energy
programs.
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Integration and cluster development in the energy
sector.
-
Research and development.
-
Energy and climate change
-
Alternative Energy
-
Clean energy programs and evaluation
Expected Participants:
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Private sector companies,
-
private sector association,
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NGOs ,
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Electrical Contractor Associations,
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Energy clusters,
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Policy makers,
-
ministers of energy,
-
development partners,
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Electrical Equipment Manufacturers,
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Engineers,
-
Electrical engineers,
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Civil engineers,
-
Environment professionals and organizations,
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Embassies,
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Consultants,
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Electrical equipment suppliers,
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Tax authorities,
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Clean energy CSOs etc. ,
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Industry suppliers,
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Banks,
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Financial services providers,
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Insurance companies.
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Etc
Expected sponsors and Partners
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Energy companies,
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International Energy Equipment & Component
manufacturers,
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International consultancy firms,
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Electrical applicant companies,
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Development partners,
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Development assistance organizations,
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Private sector organizations,
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Chambers of commerce,
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Clean tech companies,
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Ministries of Energy,
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Journalism and publishing companies,
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Bilateral chambers of commerce,
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Industry suppliers,
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Insurance companies,
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Banks,
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UN-Energy, UNDP, UNCCN, etc
