According to a recent EY report, despite current global uncertainties regarding growth prospects the longer-term outlook for economic growth and investment in Africa remains positive. African economies remain resilient, with two-thirds of sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies still growing at rates above the global average this year. In addition to this, North Africa remains at the top of the list as a strong investment destination.

On 23-24 January 2017 financiers from around the world will come together with project developers and heads of utilities from Southern, East and North Africa to get to the heart of the question; where are the investment opportunities in energy and energy related infrastructure projects and how can investors access them? Heads of utilities from North, East and Southern Africa will present live projects seeking funding and some of the most experienced and accomplished financial minds will present funding solutions and unlock the huge investment potential of the continent.

Some of the key topics to be addressed will include:

The Economic and Business Outlook for Investments in to Africa – how will current global political and economic headwinds effect Africa’s energy development? Who will be the winners and losers?

Current Project Pipelines and Investment Opportunities for Investors – An insight into what projects are looking for investments and where the specific investment opportunities are

Commitment of the Gulf to Invest in Africa � What investment opportunities are Gulf investors looking for?

Successful Blending of Public and Private Financing – Are DFIs crowding-in or crowding-out commercial capital?

How are ‘Non Traditional’ Forms of Investments Shaping Project Financing? – What are recent trends indicating?

Effective Risk Mitigation for the Current Climate – Should DFIs be developing more guarantee and risk mitigation instruments or do they need to focus on fixing structural problems?

Among confirmed speakers are:

Paul Horrocks, Lead on Private, Investment, Statistics and Development Finance Division, Development Co-operation Directorate, OECD

Mike Peo, Head: Infrastructure, Energy, Telecoms, Nedbank

Rajeev Mahajan, Project Finance Specialist, Private Sector Facility, Green Climate Fund

Gregory Smith, Projects, Energy and Infrastructure Financing, DLA Piper

James Polan, Vice President, Finance, OPIC

Ana Hajduka, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Africa GreenCo

Senior representatives from World Bank, JBIC and ERM

Source: EnergyNet Ltd.