In the wake of Mauritius’ 50th anniversary of Independence on 12 March, we reflect on what the country has to offer African energy investors in 2018.
Mauritius has enjoyed numerous accolades within the business community of late. In 2018 it was ranked 25th out of 190 countries in the World Bank ‘Ease of Doing Business’ report, taking first place in sub-Saharan Africa. It also came out as the top African country in the World Economic Forum’s 2017-18 Global Competitiveness Index.
The country boasts an impressive 100 percent energy access with ambitious plans of increasing renewable sources to account for 35 percent by 2025. The Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency (MARENA) was set up in 2016 to oversee the development of renewable energy projects across the island. Other sources include geothermal and waste to energy. Joint ventures between local companies and international firms are viewed as desirable and contribute to the dynamic and competitive business environment.
These benefits led to Mauritius being chosen as the next location for the Africa Energy Forum, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary from 19-22 June, 2018. The Forum brings together 2,000 decision-makers from governments, utilities, regulators, power developers, financial institutions, technology providers, consultants, law firms and large energy users to form partnerships, identify opportunities and make decisions at the highest level about how to move the sector forward.
With head office on the island nation, Africa’s largest power infrastructure service provider CONCO is a sponsor of the Africa Energy Forum this year. “Having our international head office operating out of Mauritius provides CONCO with an ideal platform to service all our international customers across the globe. The business-friendly policies and trade agreements the country shares with many other countries (including its African counterparts) makes Mauritius a logical choice,” says Clive Pillay, CONCO’s Chief Commercial Officer.
The overarching theme of the Forum – ‘Reflections on the last 20 years’ – will celebrate the achievements of the AEF community over the past two decades. Key participants who attended and supported the first years of the conference will be invited back to reflect on how the sector has evolved, and discuss developments likely to shape the industry over the next 20 years. Representatives from the World Bank and University of California, Berkeley will document outcomes throughout the Forum to assemble a reference document with action points for the next two decades.
WHEN: 19-22 June
WHERE: Mauritius
CONTACT: aef@energynet.co.uk
WEBSITE: www.africa-energy-forum.com
