African Review March 2013

ATR March 2013 Cover_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:27 Page 1

www.africanreview.com

Europe €10, Ghana C1.8, Kenya Ksh200, Nigeria N330, South Africa R25, UK £7, USA $12

March 2013

African Review of Business and Technology

P51

March 2013

Power systems sustain diamond mining

Volume 47 Number 22

P44

Dump trucks

at Kenyan

Gabon's President, Ali Bongo Ondimba;, outlines plans for economic expansion P20

www.africanreview.com

dam project Business:

Environment:

Construction:

Nigeria’s investment opportunities P17

Improving water utilisation and recycling P35

Building an office block in South Africa P42

S01 ATR March 2013 Start_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:34 Page 2

S01 ATR March 2013 Start_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:16 Page 3

UP FRONT

Editor’s Note

www.africanreview.com

Europe €10, Ghana C1.8, Kenya Ksh200, Nigeria N330, South Africa R25, UK £7, USA $12

March 2013

P51

Power systems sustain diamond mining

C

ommercial development is key to this month’s appraisal of African economic interests. This issue features an Ethiopian entrepreneur, an overview of Nigerian government and industry, Gabonese opportunities, and an assessment of pan-African agricultural prospects (pages 16-24).

Technology issues are addressed in terms of security, and associated increases in productivity (pages 26-28). In the automotive sector, work has been undertaken to produce suitable tyres for off-road vehicles (page 30).

This issue addresses, also, innovations in standby power applications, and systems for power plant repair (pages 31-34). Environmental concerns are covered with respect to water recycling and renewable sources of energy (pages 35-36). Engineers will be pleased to see a preview of Indutec, and to read of powder metallurgy for production of automotive components and systems for material handling in mines (pages 37-40). Construction companies may read of telehandlers and haulers, of work underway at a dam in Kenya and on a South African road, and a look ahead to the equipment and services on show at bauma (pages 41-50). Miners may see develpments in diamonds and in gold (pages 51-52).

P44

Dump trucks

at Kenyan

Gabon's President, Ali Bongo Ondimba;, outlines plans for economic expansion P20

dam project Business:

Environment:

Construction:

Nigeria’s investment opportunities P17

Improving water utilisation and recycling P35

Building an office block in South Africa P42

(Main cover picture: Doosan Infracore. Inset, bottom left: Stephen Williams. Inset, top right: Zest WEG)

Andrew Croft, Managing Editor

Contents P40

REGULARS 04 Agenda:

14 Bulletin:

Capital investment and capacity building

53 Solutions:

Movement in Africa’s communications markets

Equipment to improve industrial efficiency

FEATURES 16 Business Ethiopian entrepreneurship; Nigerian commercial prospects; Gabon’s economic trajectory; developments in Kenya; and a viewpoint on agricultural policy

P32

26 Technology CCTV for performance and productivity; and solutions for security in West Africa

30 Automotive Winches to suit off-road applications in Southern Africa

31 Power Standby power for systems stability; and maintaining downpipe infrastructure for power plant

35 Environment Improving collection, treatment and reuse of water; and knowledge of renewable energies

37 Engineering Component production with powder metallurgy; and systems for mineral handling

41 Construction Telehandlers; office construction; haulers; road repair; and an overview of solutions at bauma Audit Bureau of Circulations - Business Magazines

Managing Editor: Andrew Croft andrew.croft@alaincharles.com Editorial and Design team: Bob Adams, Lizzie Carroll, David Clancy, Kasturi Gupta, Ranganath GS, Prashant AP, Meenakshi Nambiar, Rhonita Patnaik, Genaro Santos, Zsa Tebbit, Nicky Valsamakis, Julian Walker and Ben Watts Publisher: Nick Fordham Advertising Sales Director: Pallavi Pandey Advertising Sales Manager: Jane Wellman Tel: +44 114 262 1523 Fax: +44 7976 232791 Email: Jane.wellman@alaincharles.com

51 Mining Electrical equipment for Botswanan diamond mining; and developing skills for gold extraction

China: Ying Wang Tel: +86 10 8472 1899 Fax: +86 10 8472 1900 Email: ying.mathieson@alaincharles.com

Russia: Sergei Salov Tel: +7495 540 7564 Fax: +7495 540 7565 Email: mne@acpmos.ru

India: Tanmay Mishra Tel: +91 80 65684483 Fax: +91 80 40600791 Email: tanmay.mishra@alaincharles.com

South Africa: Annabel Marx Tel: +27 218519017 Fax: +27 46 624 5931 Email: annabel.marx@alaincharles.com

Nigeria: Bola Olowo Tel: +234 80 34349299 Email: bola.olowo@alaincharles.com Qatar: Saida Hamad Tel: +974 55745780 Email: saida.hamad@alaincharles.com

UAE: Camilla Capece Tel: +971 4 448 9260 Fax: +971 4 448 9261 Email: camilla.capece@alaincharles.com UK: Steve Thomas Tel: +44 20 7834 7676 Fax: +44 20 7973 0076 Email: stephen.thomas@alaincharles.com USA: Michael Tomashefsky Tel: +1 203 226 2882 Fax: +1 203 226 7447 Email: michael.tomashefsky@alaincharles.com

Head Office: Alain Charles Publishing Ltd, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 7834 7676, Fax: +44 (0)20 7973 0076 Middle East Regional Office: Alain Charles Middle East FZ-LLC, Office 215, Loft No 2/A, PO Box 502207, Dubai Media City, UAE, Tel: +971 4 448 9260, Fax: +971 4 448 9261 Production: Donatella Moranelli, Nasima Osman, Devolina Pak, Nick Salt, Jeremy Walters and Sophia White E-mail: production@alaincharles.com Subscriptions: circulation@alaincharles.com Chairman: Derek Fordham

Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Ltd US Mailing Agent: African Review of Business & Technology, USPS. No. 390-890 is published 11 times a year for US$140 per year by Alain Charles Publishing, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX, UK. Peridicals postage paid at Rahway, New Jersey. Postmaster: send address corrections to Alain Charles Publishing Ltd, c/o Mercury Airfreight International Ltd, 365 Blair Rd, Avenel, NJ 07001.

ISSN: 0954 6782

Serving the world of business

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

3

S01 ATR March 2013 Start_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:34 Page 4

NEWS

Agenda / North Agricultural machine production underway in Algeria AGCO, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, recently commenced production of Massey Ferguson tractors with its joint venture in Constantine, Algeria.

“Together with our Algerian partners, we are pleased to produce Massey Ferguson tractors locally in Africa. This is a significant step in our long-term growth strategy for the African continent,” stated Martin Richenhagen, AGCO’s chairman, president and chief executive officer.

“AGCO is committed to grow its presence within Africa by investing in local manufacturing, distribution infrastructure and new training sites. We have committed to invest US$100mn in Africa over the coming years.”

The new joint venture in Algeria for the production of Massey Ferguson branded tractors was established earlier this year.

AGCO entered an agreement with two local partners – L’Entreprise Publique Economique de Production de Tracteurs Agricoles (EPE

K

Martin Richenhagen, AGCO Chairman, President & CEO

ETRAG Spa) and L’Entreprise Publique Economique de Commercialisation de Matériels Agricoles (EPE PMAT Spa) – to form the Algerian Tractors Company of which AGCO owns 49 per cent. The new joint venture is based in El Khroub, close to Constantine, and produces Massey Ferguson tractors for sale into the domestic Algerian market. The production has recently started and the ceremony was held to mark the occasion of the first Massey Ferguson tractor to leave the factory.

As Africa’s population is set to rise to two billion by 2050, the need for mechanisation and training, service and support for small and mediumscale farmers has never been greater.”

- Nuradin Osman, AGCO’s Director for Africa & Middle East

New asset investment operation PineBridge Investments, a global independent asset manager, now works from a MENA headquarters in the GBCORP Tower, Bahrain Financial Harbour district in Manama.

H E Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, was joined at the opening of the new HQ by other dignitaries and by leading executives from the Board of the firm - including Mervyn Davies, Lord Davies of Abersoch, CBE, Non-Executive Chairman of PineBridge Investments; David T Jiang, CEO of PineBridge Investments; and Talal Al Zain, CEO of PineBridge Investments Middle East.

H E Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj said, “As one of the leading independent asset managers, PineBridge Investments possesses the expertise and capabilities that support the thriving financial ecosystem in the Kingdom. We are pleased with PineBridge’s decision to locate their MENA headquarters in Bahrain.”

4

Making more energy by investing in Morocco

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

fW Entwicklungsbank, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has signed a loan agreement with the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (MASEN), as project company, amounting to EUR100mn (US$135.4mn) for the first large solar-thermal power plant in Morocco. The agreement was signed in the presence of the Moroccan king. This first power plant will have a capacity of 160MW. Additional plants to be built at the Ouarzazate site will increase the total installed capacity to 500MW. "By constructing this power plant Morocco is providing a breakthrough for a low-carbon and climate-friendly future technology, while simultaneously reducing the country's high dependence on energy imports. The ambitious energy plans of many North African countries towards a supply system based on renewable energies are now another step closer to being realised," said Dr Norbert Kloppenburg, member of the Executive Board of KfW Bankengruppe.

The investment costs for this initial phase amount to about EUR750mn (US$1.003bn). Along with the German Federal Government, project participants comprise the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the French development bank Agence Française de Développement (AFD), together with the World Bank and the African Development Bank. The German contribution - BMZ, BMU (Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety) and KfW - amounts to EUR115mn. To further expand the power plant park the German side has pledged a much larger commitment. The power plant will generate enough electricity for about 530,000 people. Compared to conventional electricity generation, the project will avoid approximately 310,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

S01 ATR March 2013 Start_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:34 Page 5

coming through Of course, nothing’s unstoppable. But the Volvo A40F will conquer more terrain than practically any other hauler on the market. A combination of powerful Volvo engine, “dog clutch” differential locks, rotating hitch, automatic traction control and the unique Volvo steering system means that if any vehicle can get through – at speed – it will be the Volvo A40F. See it in unstoppable action. Discover a new way.

S01 ATR March 2013 Start_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:34 Page 6

NEWS

Agenda / East Increasing access to value-added private equity investment InReturn Capital, a Nairobi-based private equity company that invests in small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across East Africa, has rebranded to Jacana Partners, a pan-African SME private equity firm and long-term partner of InReturn Capital - ahead of a legal merger closing this first quarter in 2013. The merger creates an SME private equity group with pan-African coverage that will manage a new US$75mn SME fund expected to close later in 2013.

The move marks a significant boost for East African entrepreneurs seeking value-added expertise and growth capital for their SMEs. By partnering with Jacana, entrepreneurs may expect to receive: increased access to private equity investment; dedicated on-the-ground investment teams; international private equity expertise and larger deal sizes of between US$1-5mn (up from InReturn’s current transaction size of US$0.5-1.3mn). Anthony Gichini, Partner at InReturn Capital said, “The merger of InReturn Capital with Jacana Partners represents a big step forward in private equity investment for SMEs in East Africa.”

Tanzanian compliance on transparency index Tanzania’s compliance with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which promotes greater transparency and accountability in managing oil, gas and mining sectors, “is a milestone for the country’s economic growth prospects”, said the World Bank’s Tanzania country director.

“We congratulate Tanzania on achieving this milestone, which will help translate their natural resources into inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” said Philippe Dongier, World Bank’s country director for Tanzania. “The compliance with the EITI comes at a crucial time when Tanzania has made huge gas discoveries

and the public is calling for responsible management of the new resources.”

Compliance with EITI means that Tanzania’s EITI process, launched in collaboration between government, mining companies and civil society, has been formally recognised by the EITI’s international board. Tanzania thus joins 17 countries that are already compliant.

Another 20 are candidates for EITI compliance.

The EITI process in Tanzania commits mining companies to publishing payments to government and commits government to publishing revenues received from these companies.

Investors improve Kenyan power Agreements for the Triumph Power Generation Company, a new independent power producer, were signed recently between the Government of Kenya, Kenya Power, JP Morgan Bank and the World Bank for a US$45mn Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG)., which will mobilise US$140mn in private investments for the 83MW Triumph Power Generation Project located in Kitengela, near Athi River, approximately 25km from Nairobi.

“The financing for Triumph Power Generation Company marks an important milestone, which contributes to Kenya’s Vision 2030 strategy of expanding electricity access and sets new standards for attracting local private investments to Kenya’s power sector,” said Johannes Zutt, World Bank country director for Kenya. The Project has been developed by a group of local investors, namely Broad Holding, Southern Intertrade Ltd, Tecaflex Ltd, and Interpel Investments, making it the first locally-sponsored project to benefit from a World Bank PRG.

6

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

More expected at Ethiopian building expo

T

he fourth Addisbuild International Construction, Construction Materials and Technologies Exhibition will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between 4-7 October 2013 in Addis Ababa Exhibition Centre. The key show context is the nation’s dynamic growth and prospects. Ethiopia has one of the most rapidly expanding economies in the world. Ethiopian government reduced customs tariff significantly in the framework of creating economic liberalisation. The maximum tariff came down from 230 per cent to 35 per cent and the minimum is five per cent. The average tariff is down from 41.6 per cent to 17.5 per cent. Ethiopia also several agreements that grant duty free access to many countries, including European countries and the USA. Business friendly climate, duty free access and competitive labour costs have successfully created new investments and employment opportunities. Ethiopia is also a member of COMESA which has an access to 20 African countries.

Addisbuild 2012 3rd Construction, Construction Equipments and Technologies Exhibition took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in October 13- 16, 2012. 46 exhibitors participated in the fair - 40 of which were international exhibitors. The product groups in the exhibition included construction materials, construction equipments, air conditioning, satellite systems, bathroom products, wall coverings, cables, safety and security equipments, flooring, pipes and pipe profiles, gas fittings, panel doors, generators, marble, granite and ceramics, kitchen products and equipments, PVC machines, and iron and steel products. Those companies attracted considerable visitor attention, and are expected to do so again. www.addisbuild.com

S02 ATR March 2013 Agenda_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:45 Page 7

SEE US AT

Every job is un ique. Doosan ke eps you produc With advanced tive no matter controls, easy what. m anoeuvrability, Doosan helps and ultra-relia you accomplish ble performan more work in le ce, for a new mac ss time. If you hine, take a go are in the mar od look at Doos ket an, and visit us today.

doosanequipm ent.eu

15-21 APRIL F6.612/3

S02 ATR March 2013 Agenda_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:45 Page 8

NEWS

Agenda / South Excellent teamwork at Sasol Mining The team at Sasol Mining’s that bears responsibility for ‘operations excellence’ recently won a slew of awards at the annual Sasol Mining Inyanda awards gala event. A particular source of pride was the Services Team of the Year Award, awarded to the Operations Excellence Review and Enablement team - of which BMGI and other support groups and companies are part.

The award was made following very good productivity improvement results achieved through the review and enablement process – as much as 20 per cent in some instances.

As management and operations consultants, BMGI has been a partner to Sasol Mining for the past four years helping them to implement enterprise Lean Six Sigma as part of their process improvement strategy. The Review and Enablement team of 14 people mining, process and efficiency and change management experts - assists Sasol Mining to drive Operations Excellence within its production sections at ‘the coal face’.

Sasol Mining produces approximately 40mn tons of coal annually, which is supplied to Sasol’s Infrachem and Synfuels plants to produce fuel. A portion of the production is also exported. In the commodity market there is always pressure to remain competitive through reduced cost and increased productivity. Sasol Mining’s Operations Excellence drive is aimed at ensuring that Sasol Mining remains competitive in this market. Its six mines situated in Mpumalanga and the Free State comprise a total of 53 different production sections, each of which produce about 800,000 tons of coal per annum.

Executing efficiencies, underground and on the surface The Review and Enablement team approach involves engaging sections at the coal face over a period of 12 to 16 weeks. The team reviews the application of the Operations Excellence process in the sections’ daily operations, identifies gaps in systems and processes and consults on how best to address them. Section team members are trained and coached to execute the necessary changes. On the job coaching and training are done underground with section teams and on surface with the leadership teams. BMGI plays a key role in the leadership coaching.

A key principle for the team is co-operation with the section and management teams. It is imperative that the leaders in these teams take ownership for making the Operations Excellence process part of their daily jobs. The Operations Excellence Review and Enablement team has assisted 36 sections in the last year. Where the sections have embraced and owned the process, dramatic improvements have been evident. The team’s work is benchmarked with other world class organisations, where continuous improvement is the norm.

Partnering on energy finance With planned electricity price increases of 16 per cent per annum through the next few years and high carbon emissions from coal-produced electricity, South Africa should have a booming market for energy efficiency and renewable energy. However, sustainable energy financing solutions remain scarce - as financial institutions are historically accustomed to finance against physical assets or balance sheets of companies as opposed to savings from energy efficiency.

To address this, the IFC’s Climate Change Investment Program in Africa (CIPA), in partnership with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), is assisting Sasfin Bank to develop innovative financial products for the sustainable energy market through an advisory services partnership. The new advisory services partnership agreement is supporting a US$10mn credit line provided by the IFC to Sasfin in 2012, to expand lending to projects that will help smaller businesses become more energy efficient, more productive and more competitive.

8

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

Contracting for liquid natural gas project in Mozambique

B

echtel has been selected by Anadarko Mocambique Area 1 Limitada to perform a front end engineering and design (FEED) for a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in the Republic of Mozambique. This is the first LNG project in the country.

"The Mozambique LNG FEED award builds on Bechtel's extensive experience in LNG and in Africa, where we have worked for more than 50 years," said Jack Futcher , president of Bechtel's Oil, Gas and Chemicals business unit.

"We are excited by the prospect of working with Anadarko and its partners to develop a world-class facility that will bring jobs and economic development to Mozambique."

The FEED is for the initial phase of the onshore LNG facility that will be built in the Cabo Delgado province in the northeast of the country. Bechtel will develop a design for a multi-train liquefaction plant with a nominal train capacity of five million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of LNG, and an overall LNG park plan that will allow for future expansion of the facility to approximately 50 MMTPA. First commercial LNG sales from the facility are planned for 2018.

Bechtel is a global leader in the LNG industry, having successfully delivered 28 LNG trains in nine countries, including Trinidad, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, and Australia. In addition, through the Global LNG Collaboration with ConocoPhillips, Bechtel is currently building four LNG facilities in Australia and an export facility in the United States.

Formed in 1898, Bechtel operates business units in: civil infrastructure; power generation, communications, and transmission; mining and metals; oil, gas, and chemicals; and government services.

S02 ATR March 2013 Agenda_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:11 Page 9

S02 ATR March 2013 Agenda_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:45 Page 10

NEWS

Agenda / West FirstBank introduces Premium Lounge for Premium customers It’s cozy, it is ambient. It’s a perfect meeting point for success and benefits. It’s a new world of privileges in banking; offering the ultimate customer experience to the successful and those on a rendezvous with success. The Premium Lounge, an exclusive location for privileged banking is another first from First Bank of Nigeria Limited.

The lounge comprises a large seating area with leather sofas, private meeting room/office with Wi-Fi hotspot for premium customers to stay connected to other businesses while enjoying the ease of priority service. A designated relationship manager is always available to attend to queries, resolve complaints and provide services required at all times. Premium customers also receive priority in branch cash deposits and withdrawals, instant issuance of ATM cards, provision of account statements as well as other value-added services provided by the bank. When in branches that do not have the premium lounges, privileged customers can enjoy these services by simply showing their Premium Access Cards.

Like everything premium, the lounge services are extended to FirstBank customers by invitation only. Qualified customers will be invited by their relationship manager and

H

otel operator Accor has confirmed plans to open another 5,000 rooms in Africa by 2016. Presently, the firm is Africa’s largest hotel operator with 17,000 rooms (116 hotels) in 18 countries. Sub-Saharan Africa, where Accor has 54 hotels in 14 countries, is a key area for the group, which aims to open 35 hotels there by 2020.

Denis Hennequin, Accor’s Chairman and CEO

then a premium card with which the customer can gain access to the Lounge will be issued to them.

Head of marketing and corporate communications at FirstBank, Mrs Folake AniMumuney, said, “At FirstBank, our customers mean a great deal to us; that is why we constantly initiate different ways of creating banking convenience.”

SONIBANK operations comprise part of the strategy to support SME/SMIs through the promotion of foundational entrepreneurship by giving them access to medium- and long-term credit. In this regard, SONIBANK’s priority activity is granting financial assistance to Nigerian individuals and SME/SMIs. In the pipeline, there are 12 projects to be financed between 2013 and 2018 that will create 184 permanent and 503 temporary jobs.

Working towards cybersecurity The US Department of State and the Government of Ghana co-hosted a West African Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Workshop in Accra at the end of January 2013. Thomas Dukes, Senior Advisor to the Coordinator for Cyber Issues, led the US interagency delegation and provided opening remarks along with Ambassador Cretz and various representatives from the Government of Ghana. As the Internet, networked systems, and the use of mobile phones expand throughout sub-Saharan Africa, nations are grappling with multiplying cybercrime threats. This regional workshop, a partnership between the U.S. and Ghanaian Governments, will bring together Anglophone nations of West Africa to address issues such as mobile security, computer forensics, strengthening national laws, building emergency response teams and ensuring that comprehensive national cyber security plans promote internet freedom and respect for civil rights/civil liberties.

10

High hopes for hotel firm with Lagos debut

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

Accor is set to open the ibis Lagos Ikeja in Nigeria in spring 2013” Accor has confirmed that it plans to expand principally through its economy and midscale brands ibis and Novotel - but it will also expand through its Mercure and Pullman brands as opportunities arise.

The next establishment to open in subSaharan Africa is the ibis Lagos Ikeja in Nigeria (in spring 2013).

“After operating for many years in Africa, we have high hopes for this continent and are now stepping up our expansion here.

By launching our sustainable development programme, PLANET 21, in Africa we are asserting our commitment to responsible growth,” declared Denis Hennequin, Accor’s Chairman and CEO.

S02 ATR March 2013 Agenda_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:45 Page 11

World Class Air Travel connecting Nigeria & West Africa London

N e w Yo r k

D akar B anjul

Freetow n

Ab u j a La g o s

M onrov ia A ccra Douala

K inshasa

Arik Air is Nigeria and West Africa’s leading airline.

We offer more destinations in Nigeria, Western, Central & Southern Africa, UK & USA, with over 120 daily flights from our Lagos & Abuja hubs. We operate a young and modern fleet of 23 aircraft, with average age of 5 years, all maintained in partnership with world renowned Lufthansa Technik and Iberia.

L uanda

Johanne sbur g

With more comfort, space and service on board, we look forward to welcoming you on board soon.

fly world class Buy your tickets from any Arik Air office or via your local travel agent.

a r i k a i r. c o m

S02 ATR March 2013 Agenda_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:45 Page 12

NEWS

Events / 2013 April

Oil & Gas Libya

8-11

Tripoli, Libya www.oilandgaslibya.com

Power & Electricity World Africa Johannesburg, South Africa www.terrapinn.com 9-11

Liberian Mining, Energy & Petroleum (LIMEP) Monrovia, Liberia www.limep.com

15-16 22-25

Kigali, Rwanda aitecafrica.com 18-21

23-24

MED Ports Alexandria, Egypt www.transportevents.com

electro, automation & energy Algiers, Algeria www.electro-automation.info 21-22

24-27

Pack Print Tunisia Tunis, Tunisia www.packprint-tunisia.com.tn

14-18

East Africa Com Nairobi, Kenya eaafrica.comworldseries.com 21-22

Commonwealth Law Conference Cape Town, South Africa www.commonwealthlaw2013.org

26-29

Cairo ICT Cairo, Egypt www.cairoict.com

15-21

Maghreb Renewable Energy Rabat, Morocco www.greenpowerconferences.com 22-24

bauma Munich, Germany www.bauma.de

23-24

Cloud World Forum Africa Johannesburg, South Africa www.cloudworldseries.com

16-17

Globalcom Angola Luanda, Angola www.globalcomangola.com 19-21

Electricity, Steel, Modern Homes & Offices Abuja, Nigeria www.expowestafrica.com

May 8-11

Automechanika South Africa Johannesburg, South Africa www.automechanikasa.co.za 14-16

22-25

Infrastructure Libya Tripoli, Libya www.infrastructurelibya.com

12

Rwanda ICT Summit

Indutec Johannesburg, South Africa www.exhibitionsafrica.com

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

Water Africa/West Africa Building and Construction Accra, Ghana www.ace-events.com 22-25

Eau Casablanca, Morocco www.eauexpo.com 27-30

SatCom Africa Johannesburg, South Africa www.terrapinn.com 28-30

Ugandan Mining & Energy (UMEC) Kampala, Uganda www.umec-uganda.com

S03 ATR March 2013 Report D_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:52 Page 13

On behalf of Sentula Mining

VISIT US AT STAND 25

Something BIG is coming to South Africa on March 27...

On Wednesday March 27, 2013 Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers will hold an auction that will feature an exclusive selection of mining equipment.

Every Ritchie Bros. auction is unreserved, meaning there are no minimum bids or reserve prices; every item is sold to the highest bidder on auction day, regardless of price.

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers is the world’s largest industrial auctioneer. We conduct hundreds of unreserved public auctions around the world each year, selling more equipment to on-site and online bidders than any other company in the world.

For more information, please contact Steve Barritt +971.50.6509540 or Ger Regan: +971.50.4594701 or visit our website:

www.rbauction.com

S03 ATR March 2013 Report D_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:52 Page 14

NEWS

Bulletin / Communications Staying connected during Hajj

stagnate and maintain that level of market

supporting the development of a better

Global information and communications

share (despite a growing global market) for

business environment is the best contribution

technology (ICT) solutions provider Huawei

the next four years.

local corporations can make to ensure that

has confirmed that it will continue to provide

capital reaches the many opportunities that

Saudi Arabia STC with Key Event Assurance

Kenya develops tech leaders

exist in Mozambique,” said IS Mozambique

service and ensure stable network operations

In an effort to meet growing demand for highly

CEO, Hermann Woithe.

during Hajj, the world's largest annual

skilled professionals in information technology

pilgrimage event, which takes place in Mecca,

(IT), three of Kenya’s leading universities have

New XO Learning and XO Tablet

Saudi Arabia; in 2012, over three million

partnered with IBM to create an advanced

One Laptop per Child Association (OLPCA), a

people gathered in and around Mecca for Hajj,

educational and training environment, to help

renowned project to provide a modern

with the number of STC's network subscribers

students develop critical information and

education to children through a connected

in the holy areas surpassing 2.7mn, of which

communications technologies (ICT) skills in

computing device, offers a new touch screen

more than 248,000 were roaming subscribers -

areas such as analytics, cyber security, big data,

device, the XO Learning Tablet, and the XO

as the number of mobile users in Mecca

social business and cloud; as part of the

Learning System, an Android compatible

increased by 16 per cent, leading to a 50 per

collaboration, Jomo Kenyatta, Riara and

software package for child-centric learning;

cent increase in voice services traffic, and an

Strathmore universities have access to the

OLPCA teamed up with designer Yves Behar

increase in data services traffic of 228 per cent

latest enterprise software and systems - with

of Fuse Project to create the XO Learning user

from the previous year.

faculties gaining no-charge access to an

interface and cover.

extensive library of IT curriculum for computer

BlackBerry approved by Visa

science, business and other degree

The Secure Element Manager (SEM) solution

programmes and participation in ongoing

for NFC (near field communication) mobile

training opportunities.

payments developed and offered by BlackBerry - a backend solution for

Tanzania gets super fast mobile

telecommunications operators that can

Rene Meza, managing director, Vodacom

securely manage credentials on SIM

Tanzania, said recently, “Vodacom is

(subscriber identity module) cards installed in

committed to bringing world-class LTE

all types of NFC-capable mobile devices - has

technology to Tanzania. This will contribute to

been approved by Visa; “We now offer carriers

the development of the country’s information

a robust solution with around-the-clock

and communications technology (ICT)

global support that works on any NFC-capable

industry and provide ultra-fast data services on

device, and meets the stringent technology

par with leading LTE services around the

Rolling out low cost rural communications in West Africa

and usability guidelines for Visa,” said Frank

world”; Vodacom Tanzania recently conducted

K-NET Limited, a Ghanaian network solutions

Maduri, Senior Director, NFC Services and TSM

a trial of 4G mobile communications

provider operating throughout Ghana and sub-

Product Management at RIM.

technology in Dar Es Salaam using Nokia

Saharan Africa, together with strategic partners

Siemens Networks network equipment.

Altobridge, Ameresco Solar, iDirect and Tigo,

Windows to gain market share

XO Learning will be offered through licensing agreements to tablet manufacturers, governments, book publishers, and international distributors

offers mobile voice and data connectivity to

According to the recently published report,

Redefining the incubator

rural communities; K-NET and its partners have

‘Smartphone markets: worldwide trends,

Internet Solutions (IS) Mozambique, an

developed a highly innovative solution which is

forecasts and strategies 2012–2017’, Windows

Internet service provider (ISP) in the country,

optimised for rural applications and reduces

will be the fastest-growing operating system

has launched IS Business Incubator, a

the total costs of ownership by up to 65 per

(OS) in terms of number of shipments in the

revamped version of the traditional business

cent compared to a conventional solution,

next five years - growing from 11mn units in

start-up model aimed at actively supporting

meaning that rural communities with relatively

2011 to 136mn units by 2017; the report

aspiring entrepreneurs who have passion and

low population densities of less than 1,500

indicates, also, that Android smartphones will

ambition but lack the necessary business

people may now be served profitably by the

account for 58 per cent of smartphone

skills; “In an economy that is showing one of

mobile network operators.

shipments by the end of 2013, but will then

the highest growth rates in Africa, we believe

14

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

S03 ATR March 2013 Report D_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:52 Page 15

S03 ATR March 2013 Report D_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:52 Page 16

BUSINESS

Entrepreneurship

Making the most of opportunities Profiling Getty Gizaw, an Ethiopian entrepreneur reaching out across the continent with a diverse range of projects

O

ver 10 years ago, Ethiopian born, and US-based Getty Gizaw started her own company called G2 Media, with one professional US football player with an almost impossible task of booking the player on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

“I proposed to him that he sign a one-year contract to allow me to represent him as his PR agent if I got him booked on the Oprah Winfrey Show. He was reluctant at first, saying that if his agent couldn’t get him booked, he highly doubted that I could.”

Three months later, New Media signed its first client and continued growing from there.

Since then G2 Media has gone on to provide global marketing, PR services and event production services to clients such as United Nations, US-based celebrities and other corporations and nongovernmental organisations and authorities in Africa and the Caribbean.

In the course of her work, Gizaw has also brought numerous celebrities and dignitaries to visit, speak or perform in Africa, including Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Elton John, Shakira, Usher and many more.

Promoting Africa Even though Getty was born in Ethiopia, she has a close connection to South Africa and calls it her second home.

“My father has lived in South Africa for almost twenty years and it’s been like a home to me for many years. I am very passionate about promoting Africa to the world. I want people to know that this is a continent on the come up. This is where it’s at; Africa really is the future. My work involves helping to dispel the false notions and misconceptions about the ‘dark’ continent.”

As a result, Getty, in conjunction with South African Tourism, has developed numerous campaigns to raise the country's

16

I am very passionate about promoting Africa to the world. I want people to know that this is a continent on the come up.”

- Getty Gizaw

designers who make and sell their trendy jewellery on the streets of New York and sell them to our guests at SOHO. We are also the only place on the African continent that sells the exclusive line of Bond Street perfume and scented products. We also sell a range of our own SOHO branded products like, SOHO branded Yankees caps, bracelets and now our own line of beauty and manufacture them all in Africa.”

Getty Gizaw, founder of G2 Media (Photo: Marc Baptiste)

profile internationally as a world-class tourism and film-location destination. During 2010 soccer world cup Getty arranged for and produced R&B star R Kelly’s performance at the opening ceremony.

Starting a new beauty industry business It was during the organising of that event, and out of frustration at not being able to get her nails done, waxing or beauty services the same way as in New York, that SOHO Nails Waxing Beauty salon was born.

“I knew that there was a market in South Africa which would want and pay for the same. We've basically transplanted New York City to Jo'burg. We do not just do nails.

We are also retail. We buy from local NYC

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

Staying grounded, making future plans “Life, and the reality that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. I try to live life to the fullest, love those around me and try to make the best out of any card that I’m dealt.”

The Harvard business school graduate is currently a Vice President of Thisday, one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers, managing a million-dollar budget and oversees global operations. Getty plans to open SOHO Nails Waxing Beauty salons all over the African continent, and continues to promote Africa to the world.

“I am God fearing, love filled and courageous young woman who follows her dreams and tries to live life to the fullest. This is only the beginning.” ■ Zimkhitha Sulelo

S03 ATR March 2013 Report D_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:52 Page 17

Nigeria

BUSINESS

UK investment in a new Nigeria Many British-based investors are looking at Nigeria, to get to know the markets for energy, minerals, and infrastructure, to engage with enterprises on the ground

N

igeria is the UK's second largest market in Africa, and there are ongoing investment initiatives aimed at developing infrastructure - notably, sourced externally from the United Kingdom, and from a London Stock Exchange investor base. Efforts are aimed at creating opportunities and commercial climates to suit these investors, too. Taken as an economic entity, Nigeria represents a serious business proposition, and is increasingly seen as such. The challenges involved in developing the nation's infrastructure are now understood to be opportunities to invest rather than obstacles to investment. UK Trade and Investment acts very much as a conduit to business, and gains much from British ministerial support in achieving a doubling of trade between the UK and Nigeria by 2014. Key sectors include oil and gas, and financial and banking services. However, areas such as agriculture and retail are also crying out for investment, and for British expertise and technical knowledge. And the Nigeria government is using such bilateral prospects to take concrete steps towards facilitating development of financial structures and national infrastructure to incentivise business and consumer activity.

Nigerian economy geared towards export and job creation. Minister Ngama spoke of the creation of 370,000 jobs each year in the years remaining in this decade - a highly ambitious target, supported by an internship programme and a targeting primarily of uneducated youth.

There is a focus, too, on education, with primary and secondary schooling delivered online and onsite to the nation's more remote regions, underserved communities and nomadic peoples - and a focus

by President Goodluck Jonathan's administration on the expansion of further education through the building of new universities and colleges.

"We have very good minds in Nigeria. We have to challenge them to succeed," Minister Ngama said. â–

An increasingly serious business proposition Look to the example of the Central Bank of Nigeria's Cash-Lite initiative. Look to the Nigerian government's petroleum bill, currently being passed through the nation's parliament. Look at the country's efforts towards the transformation of industrial bases. Nigeria's Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Lawal Ngama, represented such developments at the UK-Nigeria Bilateral Banking, Finance and Investment Development Conference - held recently in London, in the UK. He observed the significance of economic reforms across Africa, in terms of changing the way business is down. He offered the IMF's prediction of Nigeria's growth in the decades to come, and observed that such growth expectations are not in fact based on the oil sector, but, rather, on the telecoms sector, and on manufacturing - and in agriculture, which is benefitting from state investment of 40mn Naira (US$250,000). Minister Ngama observed, also, that reforms to revenue collection have been a key component in growth - with revenues collected growing from less than half a trillion Naira annually to over five trillion Dr Yerima Lawal Ngama, Nigeria's Naira annually, in just over a Honourable Minister of Finance decade. All this translates into a African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

17

S03 ATR March 2013 Report D_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:52 Page 18

BUSINESS

Nigeria

Badagry to bring free trade to Lagos A consortium commits to development of a West African mega-port project and free trade zone

A

PM Terminals and consortium partners are now committed to develop a new greenfield mega-port project and Free Trade Zone at Badagry in Nigeria’s Lagos State, 55 km (34 miles) west of Apapa and the Port of Lagos on the Benin-Lagos Expressway.

At full build-out, the deep-water full-service port will be one of the largest in Africa with 7 km of quay and 1,000ha(2,470 acres) of dedicated yard, and will include advanced facilities for container, bulk, liquid bulk, Ro/Ro and general cargo as well as oil and gas operations support and a barge terminal.

Plans for the adjoining Badagry Free Trade Zone will include a power plant, oil refinery, industrial park and warehousing and Inland Container Deport functions. The first phase of the project is scheduled to open in 2016.

“We are actively working with state and federal governments on the permission process,” stated APM Terminals AfricaMiddle East Regional CEO Peder Sondergaard, adding that “the Nigerian Ports Authority, Lagos State and the Nigerian federal Government have been supportive and positive”.

Last year, Nigerian Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, cited the proposed Badagry Port project as an example of a public-private partnership development which would help to address congestion and establish Nigeria as a maritime trading

18

hub for West and Central Africa during his keynote address at the 12th Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja. The BeninLagos Expressway is currently being upgraded to a 10-lane highway which will facilitate cargo movements to and from inland destinations in the region.

Improving West African shipping APM Terminals is currently one of the largest port and terminal operators in Africa, and in West Africa in particular, where APM Terminals Global Terminal Network include nine facilities in eight West African nations, including Apapa Container Terminal, and West Africa Container Terminal in Onne, Nigeria. APM Terminals Apapa, which assumed operations at Lagos’ Apapa Container Terminal in 2006, is now the busiest container terminal in West Africa, handling 600,000 TEUs in 2011, with throughput for 2012 at around 720,000 TEUs. Equally important, shipping lines and African shippers have seen significant improvements to supply chain reliability and cost savings.

Industry analysts have predicted that Nigerian container volume, which totalled 1.4mn TEUs in 2011, will outstrip existing port capacity by 2017. At present, approximately 85 per cent of all Nigerian non-oil cargo passes through the Port of Lagos. Over the next three

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

decades, Nigerian annual container traffic is expected to grow to 10mn TEUs. With 170mn people, Nigeria is the largest country in Africa by population, and the 7thlargest worldwide. By 2050, the UN has forecast that Nigeria’s population will have risen to 289mn, following only India, China, the USA and Pakistan in global population ranking. Lagos is the second-largest city in Africa (after Cairo) with a population of 10.2mn, and is home to an estimated 60 per cent of Nigerian manufacturing. The Nigerian economy, the second-largest in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa, driven by oil exports, has been forecast by the International Monetary Fund to expand by 7.1 per cent in 2012 and 6.7 per cent in 2013.

The proposed Badagry Mega-Port project fits well into APM Terminals’ strategy of infrastructure development in targeted highgrowth markets. Current new terminal and port expansion projects and investments include Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico; Moin, Costa Rica; Callao, Peru; Santos, Brazil; Ningbo, China and Poti, Georgia. The Badagry consortium partnership is comprised of APM Terminals, Orlean Invest, the Macquarie Group, Oando PLC, the Chagoury Group and Terminal Investment Limited. Support for the project has also been expressed by the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Governor of Lagos State. ■

S04 ATR March 2013 Report DD_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:56 Page 19

S04 ATR March 2013 Report DD_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:56 Page 20

BUSINESS

Gabon

An emerging powerhouse High oil prices and highly proactive and progressive government policies have driven Gabon’s economic trajectory over recent years, attracting the attention of many international companies combination of high oil prices and the fruits of highly proactive and progressive government policies have driven Gabon’s economic trajectory over recent years. This has attracted the attention of many international companies who recognise that in Gabon is found one of central Africa’s most compelling investment propositions.

Much credit for this is due to the country’s dynamic Head of State, President Ali Bongo Ondimba who has led the country with considerable verve since being elected to office in 2009. His policies all fall under one umbrella strategy that he has termed “Emerging Gabon”.

President Ali Bongo Ondimba told the conference, “Our strategy is clear; we want to partner with companies and investors who are looking for long term sustainable returns,” and he added that Gabon “has set out an ambitious agenda. We won’t

A

achieve our goals without the active support of the private sector.”

A strategy for industry and growth Significantly, the “Emerging Gabon” strategy is seeking to stimulate further economic growth, even though the country enjoys the mantle of being the most prosperous nation with the highest Human Development Index ranking in sub-Saharan Africa.

However, what is notable about President Ali Bongo’s vision is that the economic growth he is promoting is to be achieved alongside a credible emphasis on safeguarding the environment. He posits that the two objectives are not mutually incompatible – and “Emerging Gabon” has two subdivisions: “Green Gabon” and “Industrial Gabon”.

Perhaps the clearest example that the environment can be protected while economic growth is stimulated is the January

2010 decision to put a halt to the export of rough lumber logs and to encourage domestic timber industries. The idea behind this move was to make possible the creation of high-value export products and provide employment opportunities, while carefully managing the country’s forestry assets and the priceless biodiversity they contain.

This move was complemented by the Singapore-based multinational, Olam International, in 2005, entering into a joint venture with the State to create a Special Economic Zone at Nkok (27km east of the capital Libreville), focusing on timber processing. Timber is Gabon’s third largest export earner, after oil and manganese.

Olam has been present in the country, as an investor, since 1999. As a solidly multinational company headquartered in Singapore, specialising in soft-commodity trading, its long-term presence in Gabon

Gabon's President, Ali Bongo Ondimba

Gabon’s Minister of Economy, Luc Oyoubi

Rolake Akinkugbe, Head of Energy Research at Ecobank

20

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

S04 ATR March 2013 Report DD_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:56 Page 21

PRE-OWNED BY HIM. PRE-TESTED FOR YOU. WWW.IVECO-USED.COM

Look for the best. Look for Iveco, one of the top European brands in the world of transport.

Come and visit us and you’ll discover the widest range of vehicles ever: those that have been tried and tested.

No matter what your job is, you’ll find the perfect vehicle for you. From trucks to buses, from industrial to civil use. Just ask and see.

Iveco Used offers are on line, and also at more than 20 Iveco Used Centre, around the world, including Johannesburg.

Stay connected to the best.

Follow Iveco Used on: businessunitused@iveco.com

S04 ATR March 2013 Report DD_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:33 Page 22

BUSINESS

Gabon

illustrates that the country has truly shaken off the French chasse-privé tag.

Olam launched an important rice import business in 2004, which has subsequently grown rapidly to reach a consumer base of 300,000. It has a presence in all of Gabon’s major cities, and a growing business importing and distributing packaged foods and dairy products through its own worldwide network of suppliers.

The company is currently embarking on a joint venture with Indian conglomerate Tata and the Republic of Gabon that will result in the establishment of a 1.3mn tonnes per annum ammonia and urea manufacturing facility at Port Gentil for the production of agricultural fertilisers.

For this project, another Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is being developed, on Mandji Island. This SEZ is to be mainly dedicated to the oil and gas industry, and will use associated natural gas from Gabon’s oil wells to manufacture fertiliser.

Opportunities in oil and gas As for the country’s oil sector, Gabon is subSaharan Africa’s fifth largest crude oil producer.

Speaking at the investment conference, Rolake Akinkugbe, the head of energy research at Ecobank, forecasts Gabon’s oil exports averaging 263,000 barrels of oil per day (boepd) this year.

And there is exploration activity with, for example, Tullow searching for new off-shore reserves. In fact, Tullow’s activities in Gabon include exploration, development and production. Tullow has interests in 21 licences in Gabon, including 14 producing fields and back-in rights to a further six licenses. These licenses are located in areas of significant potential and give Tullow exposure to almost 40 per cent of Gabon's licensed acreage.

Since 2009, Tullow Oil has been carrying out seismic surveys in off shore waters on the coast of Gabon. Tullow and its partners drilled 53 wells in Gabon during 2010, including a series of very successful exploratory appraisal wells, and in 2011 this level of drilling activity was sustained with over 50 wells drilled.

Late last year , Tullow Oil Gabon commissioned three drilling operations to search for oil off Cap Estérias, around 30km from Libreville, within the Kiarsseny Marin oil exploration permit.

And Tullow is only one of more than 20 companies involved with exploration including super-majors such as Total, Shell and Petrobras – with the newly established National Oil Company, (the Gabon Oil Company) being tasked to manage the government’s share of joint venture licenses.

Total Gabon is scheduled to begin ultra deepwater exploration drilling at its Diaba

22

Gabon holds an abundance of natural resources (Photo: Axel Rouvin)

field in the first quarter of this year.

For finance and society But Akinkugbe’s presentation went beyond the oil potential that Gabon represents.

Ecobank, the bank she works for, has a presence in Gabon, as it does in 31 other African countries, throughout Middle Africa (south of the Maghreb, north of South Africa), making it the bank with the biggest footprint in Africa. It retains its pre-eminent status by financing expert research, and Akinkugbe’s presentation included more than energy.

It echoed what the Minister of the Economy, Luc Oyoubi (one of four senior ministers that attended the conference) had told the conference; that, in addition to reserves of oil and gas, Gabon has sizeable mineral resources of iron, gold, diamonds, magnesium, cobalt and other minerals.

“Recent explorations have revealed more than 900 potential mineral deposit sites in Gabon,” the minister told delegates.

Akinkugbe’s presentation described highgrade manganese deposits of more than 250mn tons at Moanda near Franceville.

Already, Gabon is the world’s fourth-largest producer of manganese – extracting 1.8mn tons worth almost US$6bn in 2011, but the country is looking to increase production to 5.7mn tons by 2015 to become the world’s number one producer.

And Akinkugbe revealed that new investments from international mining companies will seek to exploit precious metals and gemstones, principally gold, silver, and diamonds as well as niobium, phosphates, lead, zinc, baryte and talc.

As he announced in his Social Agenda document, President Ali Bongo’s “Emerging

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

Gabon” vision is based on the domestic conversion of these raw materials. “The Industrial Gabon component will draw on the domestic conversion of our raw materials into goods. For it is true that no country can grow solely by exporting raw materials.

“This dynamic trend started with the ferro-manganese production that will thus be consolidated, thanks to the exploitation of new manganese deposits, the construction of new railways and the exploitation of iron from Belinga. In the long term, Gabon has the potential to become a metallurgy centre, with a dynamic fabric of SMEs exporting iron-based products to the whole sub-region and beyond. Similarly, a petrochemicals centre will develop, with the conversion of hydrocarbon resources and the production of fertiliser.”

However, no matter how important the extractive industries, or indeed the timber industry are, it is agriculture that is arguably the most crucial economic sector to the vast majority of the Gabonese population, currently employing approximately 95 per cent of the population, even though it only accounts for just five per cent of GDP. Food crops make up the majority of the country’s agricultural production yet there are over 20mn hectares of unplanted arable land, representing a huge potential for new crops.

The food crops currently grown in Gabon are cassava, bananas, ground nuts, cocoyams, yams, sweet potatoes and maize – and the government’s priority is to develop agriculture by producing staples in order to ensure food self-sufficiency, but there are ample opportunities for investment in commercial farming enterprises Olam, for example, intends to create a number of plantations and plant thousands of hectares of oil palm.

“Our strategy is clear; we want to partner with companies and investors who are looking for long-term sustainable returns,” the President emphasised at the conference. “We have set out an ambitious agenda. We won’t achieve our goals without the active support of the private sector. We are looking for the right partnerships to help us. We don’t want patronage. We want partners. We don’t want handouts, we want investors. We are looking for companies to help us to realise the full value of the assets that we have; for long term returns, for many years to come.

“Our motive for pursuing such a strategy is simple: we want more jobs and better livelihoods for our citizens, today, tomorrow and long into the future. For this reason we won’t accept forms of development that compromise our natural environment.” ■ Stephen Williams

S04 ATR March 2013 Report DD_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:24 Page 23

Kenya

BUSINESS

Ahead of and after Kenya’s elections Elections are likely to go to a second round of voting; devolution is likely to increase localised contests over tax and natural resource development

P

resident Kibaki is serving his second and final term. Candidates for the 4 March 2013 general elections have formed electoral alliances based on ethnic affiliation. According to a national opinion poll in January 2013, the front-runner, with 49 per cent of votes, was the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) alliance, led by Prime Minister Raila Odinga and running partner Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, which unites support from ethnic groups in the eastern and western regions.

The rival Jubilee Coalition, polling at 40 per cent of votes, consists of Kikuyu and Kalenjin (Central and Rift Valley), led by Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and running partner Eldoret North MP William Ruto. In the likely event of a second round of voting, the Luhya-Kalenjin based Amani coalition led by Deputy Vice President Mudavadi, currently polling in third will become kingmakers.

ICC charges against Kenyatta and Ruto for inciting post-election violence in 2007-8 are likely to unsettle the election further. The ICC trials will begin on 10 April 2013 (Ruto) and 11 April 2013 (Kenyatta) at The Hague. Both candidates have attempted to use the charges to polarise voting, claiming their prosecution is a political move by Odinga. The charges are likely to reduce the support for Odinga in the Rift Valley, a Kalenjin stronghold; however, they risk dividing the Kikuyu vote, to the benefit of Vice President Musyoka.

Measures and structures Partisan violence around the elections is increasingly likely, despite mechanisms built into the 2010 Constitution to minimise ethnic politics, such as the reforms ensuring greater institutional autonomy for the police and judiciary and measures to include marginalised community representatives in government. Under the new constitution, the voting system has changed from a plurality to majority system; additionally, the winning candidate must secure 25 per cent of the vote in the each of the 47 counties. This cannot be done by relying on one ethnicity alone, and as such is likely to exacerbate inter-ethnic rivalries.

Devolution of power to county levels is likely to shift national rivalries to a local level, particularly in areas of natural resource development. In Ijara, the extension of constituency boundaries to the Orma's benefit led to retaliatory attacks by Pokomo farmers who razed villages and killed inhabitants with machetes and small arms. Post-

Natural resource development and control of public finances are key concerns�

elections, power struggles are likely between the parallel structures of the provincial authorities and the county governments, particularly over tax collection and control of natural resources.

Electoral violence is likely to follow a similar pattern to 2007/8, though disruption and collateral harm are unlikely to be as severe Candidates forming electoral alliances based on ethnic affiliation are likely to trigger inter-communal violence over the next three months.

Violence between supporters of these alliances, and other smaller ones, is very likely across the country. Moreover, the Kikuyu and Kalenjin alliance is unlikely to hold beyond presidential elections, as new county-level elections will drive rivalries over natural resource development and control of public finances in areas affected by inter-ethnic dynamics.

Long-standing rivalries between Kikuyu and Kalenjin were the key trigger for electoral violence in 2007/8 in which some 1,000 people were killed and US$1bn was lost in business revenues. Areas most affected were Rift Valley, especially Naivasha, Nakuru, Eldoret and Molo, Kisumu in Nyanza Province, and Coast Region specifically Tana River, Mombasa and Kwale, as well as urban slums in Nairobi.

Business risks Over the next three months, these locations will be at severe collateral risk to property and individuals and severe risk of business disruption due to heightened inter-ethnic rivalries. Key cargo routes at risk of disruption include the Eldoret-Nairobi-Mombasa highway, the KisumuMombasa railway and Mombasa Port. The greatest risk of civil unrest is likely in the Rift Valley Province (which houses a number of mining firms) where violence has spread along the transport corridor that connects the port of Mombasa to Kisumu. This is largely due to population density around the area, and hence proximity with rival groups. â– The source of this appraisal, Exclusive Analysis, has recently been acquired by IHS African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

23

S04 ATR March 2013 Report DD_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:56 Page 24

BUSINESS

Agriculture

Can Africa feed itself?

Africa can leapfrog out of the deepening pit of poverty encompassing its socio-economic fabric, according to Professor Calestous Juma, a professor of international development at Harvard University

I

n Professor Calestous Juma’s new book he illuminates three major opportunities that can transform Africa’s agriculture into a force for economic growth: advances in science and technology; the creation of regional markets; and the emergence of a new crop of entrepreneurial leaders dedicated to the continent’s economic improvement. Entitled ‘The New Harvest: Agricultural Innovation in Africa’, the book comprises of case studies from within Africa and success stories from developing nations around the world. It outlines the policies and changes necessary to promote agricultural innovation across the continent.

Disagreeing with the views on African agriculture outlined in the book, the author insisted that he is optimistic that Africa is in good stead to feed itself in one generation.

“The inspiration was to convey to the continent a positive message that we can feed ourselves. The focus of the book is the role of infrastructure in agricultural development.

Poor investment in rural transportation, energy, irrigation, and telecommunications has affected sectoral growth. If you modernise infrastructure then you can move produce to markets,’’ Juma said, setting the pace of the interview with African Review.

New ideas for a New Harvest “The New Harvest underscores the importance of global learning in Africa’s agricultural development. It offers new ideas for international co-operation on sustainable agriculture in the tropics,” Laura Chincilla, President of Costa Rica, observed.

The book first begins with identifying links between food security, agricultural development, and economic growth. It shines a light on why Africa has lagged behind other regions in agricultural productivity and reviews major advances in science, technology, and engineering, identifying their potential for use in African agriculture.

This exploration includes an examination of local innovation as well as indigenous knowledge encompassing information and communications technology, genetics,

24

Agricultural policies should be longterm and consistent.

Only then would Africa be lifted out of poverty and sustainable development enhanced.”

Calestous Juma

ecology, and geographical sciences.

The book emphasises the convergence of these and other fields and their implications for African agriculture.

“There is urgent need to invest in agricultural research universities in order to move African agriculture forward. Research and training should be strengthened in order to achieve success. Boosting support for agricultural research is part of a larger agenda to promote innovation,” Professor Juma enthused.

It is important to provide an enabling infrastructure for agricultural development.

Modern infrastructure facilities need to reflect the growing concern over climate change.

In this case, there is a need to design “smart infrastructure” to take advantage of advances in the engineering sciences as well as ecologicallysound systems design, according to Juma.

“Infrastructure promotes agricultural trade and helps integrate economies into world markets. It is also fundamental to human development, including the delivery of health and education services. Infrastructure investments further represent untapped potential for the creation of productive employment,” the book reads in part.

Improving capacity, improving practice Human capacity is integral to agricultural development through access to methods of improving techniques, increasing production, and gaining the ability to transform the sector into an income earning endeavour, according to Juma.

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

“The main reason why we have such poor infrastructure is that we have not invested in the training of engineers. We need to invest in the development of engineering, including that related to agriculture,” Juma observed.

“The development of small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) has been an integral part of the development of all industrialised economies. This holds true in Africa. Building these enterprises requires development of pools of capital for investment; of local operational, repair, and maintenance expertise; and of a regulatory environment that allows small businesses to flourish,’’ the book stresses.

Regional integration is a key component of enabling agricultural innovation because it dismantles three barriers to development: weak national economies; a dependence on importing high-value or finished goods; and a reliance on a small range of low-value primary exports, mainly agriculture and natural resources.

“There is lack of commitment to agricultural development on the continent at the highest level. We need the involvement of heads of state in the sector’s co-ordination. This is the missing link that needs attention. More investment in infrastructure is necessary and agriculture should be placed at the centre of the African economic development agenda.

Agricultural policies should be long-term and consistent. Only then would Africa be lifted out of poverty and sustainable development enhanced,” Juma advised.

The book explores the role of rapid technological innovation in fostering sustainability, with special emphasis on sustainable agriculture. It provides illustrations from advances in information technology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.

In summary, the book explores the new economic vision underway for African agriculture by focusing on emerging opportunities such as renewing infrastructure, building human capabilities, stimulating agribusiness development, and increasing participation in the global economy. ■ Nawa Mutumweno

S05 ATR March 2013 Report E_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:35 Page 25

EHV EHV Power Power Transformer Transfor mer upto upto 765 765 kV kV class class

Shunt Reactors Reactors Shunt upto 125 125 MVAR, MVAR, upto 420 kV 420 kV

EPC EPC Substation Substation projects upto 400 00 k kV V pto 4 projects u

M Mobile obile S Substation ubstation V u upto pto 1 132 32 k kV

P Power ower Components Components

S05 ATR March 2013 Report E_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:35 Page 26

TECHNOLOGY Security

Making more by monitoring more CCTV is not just about security anymore – it’s a performance management and productivity tool too

V

ideo cameras are a standard feature in any modern business security strategy, but many organisations fail to leverage the true value of their CCTV and remote monitoring solutions. Security cameras and remote monitoring solutions have a use that extends beyond security and theft prevention: they can in fact also be used as tools for performance management and monitoring, particularly in remote sites, helping organisations to become more productive and more efficient, and getting real value out of a solution that is often seen as a grudge purchase.

Larger organisations today are often geographically distributed across the country, with sites that are outside of major hubs and towns. Overseeing these remote locations to obtain an accurate view of performance as well as to monitor these sites for operational reasons can prove to be a challenging task.

Managers are often required to travel to these destinations, which is time consuming and expensive, not to mention its effect on the carbon footprint of the company. Site visits

also provide only limited visibility, as they can only account for the time when a manager was physically on site. CCTV solutions with remote monitoring capabilities can be used to solve these challenges, ensuring organisations can monitor multiple distributed sites without the need for a constant physical presence.

Providing constant off-site monitoring for performance management purposes has a number of benefits. It not only reduces travel time and costs, and the associated carbon footprints that go along with travel, but also aids in improving visibility, productivity and accountability. Improved performance is a result of this since constant monitoring will ensure that employees are productive, and not just when the manager is on site. This ‘big brother’ aspect assists with long-term behavioural changes which delivers further improvements to productivity.

Real-time application CCTV with remote monitoring can also help organisations to identify employees who are

not adhering to policies and procedures, in real-time, so that corrective action can be taken quickly. It is also possible to monitor when staff arrive and leave, so that time sheets can be verified, along with numerous other applications.

While remote monitoring solutions are not new, bandwidth has traditionally been an inhibiting factor, hindering organisations from taking advantage of the benefits of CCTV with remote monitoring. While bandwidth is now cheaper and more affordable than ever, video footage can still consume large amounts of data throughput. With this in mind it is important to look for a solution that offers compression technology which reduces video streams to improve throughput speeds and lessen bandwidth usage.

It is also important that remote monitoring sites be able to view footage in real-time.

Because of bandwidth limitations it is vital that CCTV and remote monitoring solutions are also able to support ultra-low bandwidths, to allow remote sites to access live content at low bitrates, while also

Best products and best practice in West Africa Sponsored by Guardia Systems Ltd, IFSEC West Africa is a world-class commercial security, homeland security, fire and safety exhibition, taking place at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, from 5-6 March 2013.

“Now in its third successful year, this is a unique event in the security sector,” said Gary Corin, managing director at Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, a member of UBM Montgomery West Africa.

“It’s the only internationally-rated exhibition in West Africa to have buy-in from government, major industry players and other critical stakeholders. IFSEC West Africa is the only show to bring the entire security

26

supply chain together, from end-users, installers and integrators to consultants, manufacturers and distributors.

This, Corin goes on to say, is reflected in the numbers.

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

“IFSEC West Africa 2012 recorded 1,750 visitors, with 40 per cent of these visitors from Africa. Most were decision-making professionals looking to make business connections and explore new developments in the local security sphere.”

In this regard, IFSEC West Africa 2013 is opening up opportunities on the continent, Corin believes, offering exhibitors a chance to grab a foothold in this untapped and highly lucrative market. Furthermore, it offers visitors a chance to view and source the most innovative products and services within the growing security sector. www.ifsecwestafrica.com

S05 ATR March 2013 Report E_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:35 Page 27

Security TECHNOLOGY enabling users to access the high resolution footage should this be necessary.

Sophisticated solutions are also able to link remote networks so that users can monitor remote sites using GSM, ADSL, GPRS, EDGE, 3G, VSAT and DigitNet technologies. These ultra-efficient solutions can stream video at lower bitrates also enable this footage to be viewed on smartphones or tablets, allowing for continuous monitoring from anywhere where there is a Wi-Fi signal. This is particularly useful as the mobile revolution takes grip and business users increasingly make use of mobile devices, providing more flexibility and the ability to monitor ‘anytime, anywhere’.

There are many industries and areas where CCTV can be used to ensure remote sites are monitored effectively, including mining, manufacturing and healthcare. All of these industries often have remote sites that need to be monitored, and can benefit from ensuring that behaviours meet certain standards, not only from a productivity aspect, but from legislation and regulatory aspects as well. Even in organisations with a single branch, it is not possible to watch all areas at all times, so using CCTV cameras as a performance monitoring and management

tool can provide enormous benefit.

Maximising the value of investment Security solutions are often a grudge purchase, so it is important to ensure that value and return on investment (ROI) for these systems can be maximised. Using CCTV for internal performance

management as well as for security purposes can help organisations to accurately monitor multiple sites, increase visibility and improve behaviours. What all of this adds up to is an immediate benefit to an organisation’s bottom line, through reduced expenses, improved productivity

Time to rethink network security In a recent issue of its ‘Time to ReThink’ series of insights into crucial issues facing IT equipment vendors, Napatech focuses on the security challenges facing businesses today and proposes a holistic solution based on analysis of a combination of network and security information.

In the brief, Napatech asserts that the adoption of three current trends - cloud computing, big data analysis and mobility - will increase data traffic, change traffic patterns and potentially expose network vulnerabilities. An effective, holistic security solution must identify where network solutions are required, monitor these critical points and ensure products can keep up with increasing speeds and data loads.

“Cloud computing, big data analysis and mobility promise great efficiencies in how we do business,” stated Erik Norup, President and CMO, Napatech. “The ideal security solution must defend against attacks without compromising efficiency. By using a holistic approach using network and security information, we believe it is possible to do just that. The good news is that the basic building blocks are already in place.”

Napatech proposes that information from network and application monitoring appliances, already installed in the majority of networks, is used to build a network profile of normal behaviour. With network behaviour analysis, it is possible to detect anomalies in real-time.

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

27

S05 ATR March 2013 Report E_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:35 Page 28

TECHNOLOGY IFSEC

Focusing on Nigerian security IFSEC West Africa highlights opportunities for security professionals on the African continent, with particular emphasis placed on West Africa’s largest economy

A

ccording to event organisers UBM Montgomery West Africa, Nigeria offers unparallelled opportunities in the West African security sector. Ross Cullingworth, portfolio manager of UBM Montgomery West Africa, said, “Nigeria boasts the second largest economy on the continent. Our host city Lagos is set to become the third largest city in the world in just over three years and as such has a growing security market.”

Regional growth in the security sector In a January 2012 research report from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Nigeria was tipped as an investment hotspot, with burgeoning economic potential reported for the West African region. IFSEC West Africa 2013, taking place at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos from 5-6 March 2013, emphasises how the growth of the region has contributed to an increased focus on security.

According to April 2012 reports from international investment advisors Invest AD, Africa has been identified as a better investment opportunity than the Asian and Latin American markets.

While mineral, oil and gas resources have earmarked the West African region for growth, wider prospects are also making it ripe for investment, including infrastructure and security, the report suggested.

IFSEC West Africa 2013 is aimed at those wanting to cater to, and capture, this potential-rich market. Cullingworth said that the IFSEC brand is fast gaining momentum in Africa, attracting hundreds of exhibiting security brands and thousands of visitors.

IFSEC West Africa 2012 attracted multiple visitors, 64 per cent of which were new visitors and 20 per cent of which had budgets in excess of US$1mn. While almost half the visitors came from Africa, the other half was made up of visitors from Asia and Europe.

Cullingworth said, “We believe people are starting to see the value of the West African market for both long and short term strategic investment and the interest increases as the market continues to open up.”

“With expansion comes innovation and a highlight of IFSEC West Africa is the progressive technology and security trends, often seen for the first time at the show. It’s proven to be an ideal time for product

DIGGING IS FOR DUMMIES

launches and interactive marketing campaigns,” he added.

A broad range of solutions The show covers the broader security topics of Africa, while allowing for exposure in specific categories within the industry. These categories include integrated security, IP & network solutions, access control and CCTV, intruder alarms, counter-terror and physical security, security and fire solutions and homeland security. It will include the launch of a dedicated Safety Pavilion, aimed at exhibitors specialising in occupational safety and health (OSH).

“The pavilion is perfect for these brands to highlight products and services, as well as provide visitors with information on new standards and best practice,” Cullingworth noted - adding, “This is a key event for the trade and commercial endusers, offering the ultimate security solutions in the market, with excellent education and networking opportunities. Security professionals will have access to the West Africa market in a comprehensive, specialised three-day event.” ■

Stand No. B22

Secure outdoor wireless CCTV transmission solutions

+44 (0)1582 578 160 28

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

enquiries@wavesight.com

www.wavesight.com

S05 ATR March 2013 Report E_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:35 Page 29

S05 ATR March 2013 Report E_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:35 Page 30

AUTOMOTIVE

Off-road

The hub winch: a new take on an old idea!

A design innovation that extends the capabilities of the average four-wheel drive vehicle

T

he older members of the 4x4 fraternity will remember the so called “capstan winches” which were fitted to the hubs of vehicles.

They allowed self recovery as well as vehicle to vehicle recovery and consisted of drums bolted onto the rims using the existing studs and nuts.

A length of thick rope was inserted into grooved slot on the drum when the vehicle was stuck. The driver then pulled himself out using his wheels and the rope which was attached to a tree or other form of anchor; they worked well but were very cumbersome, utilitarian and had a few drawbacks.

Today there is a new take on the ‘capstan’ winch known as the “hub winch” which has ironed out the flaws and offers a very cost effective solution to a winch, in addition it also allows recovery to the rear of your vehicle if so required.

In a simulation the hub winch was tested both from a functionality as well as practicality point of view, a vehicle was driven into a section of deep black turf and well and truly bedded down. Within a few minutes the two base plates and spools were fitted onto the rear wheels, the straps laid out and the whole arrangement attached to

a “dwarsbalk and anchor point. The vehicle engaged reverse gear and pulled away. The spools took up the slack and within 30 seconds the straps had rolled up onto the spools! The vehicle was on solid ground, all that remained was to clean the equipment and pack it away. And that did not take long either.

Engineered to a high standard When compared to the old “capstan” winches it is immediately apparent that this is a highly engineered version. A good deal of thought had gone into the design which covers all the permutations i.e. vehicles with traction control, diff-locks etc. as well as the types of wheels, studs and wheel size ,it can be fitted to nearly all types of vehicles including “soft” 4x4s, 4x2s, etc. The protection of very expensive alloy rims with the base plates and attaching bolts being covered in polypropylene and rubber has also been considered .The hub winch does not attach to the wheels via the existing studs as was the case with the older Capstan style winches and can be attached and removed from the wheels within a few minutes - even when off-road.

The hub winches are neatly packed in specially designed cases with the attachment system, the necessary straps and the so called ‘dwarsbalk’. The latter consists of six interlocking tubes with recovery points, the straps are attached to the ‘dwarsbalk’ keeping them parallel when you are recovering, and this in turn is attached to a recovery point. All the standard safety requirements would need to be applied when in use, as with any form of recovery. Yet the system does not employ potentially lethal steel cables and is thus much safer to use.

In the final analysis it’s an engineered take on an old concept but it definitely has merit and will cost a lot less than a winch and replacement bumper. It is not permanently attached to the vehicle (no extra weight to the front suspension) and requires no modifications to a vehicle. What’s more it does not impede airflow to the radiator. It’s a South African product which, if correctly used, carries a five year warranty on metal components. Delivery is door to door via courier to all large towns and in the outlying areas, to the couriers’ closest depot making it easily accessible. ■

Screen vibrator engineered for efficiency Designed to deliver up to 16,500 pounds of centrifugal force for efficient material separation, Martin Screen Vibrators are built to withstand the rigours of industrial application and continuous use.

Robert Nogaj, Martin Engineering Vice President of Operations and Product Management, explains, “With our new design, the energy

30

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

source is an integral part of the structural tube that can be mounted to the sides or top of a vibratory box, making it much easier for designers to engineer and manufacture new kinds of vibratory screens.” www.martin-eng.co.za

S06 ATR March 2013 Report A_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:46 Page 31

Standby Equipment

POWER

Ensuring stable energy supply in Africa Large African projects can substantially minimise costly downtime by ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply with power generation equipment available in local markets

L

arge African projects can substantially minimise costly downtime by ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, through a range of power generation equipment available in the local market through the South African division of Cummins - which specialises in the manufacture, sales and servicing of diesel engines and related technology. Cummins SA general manager for commercial power systems Nicola Morgan-Evens pointed out that the international Cummins Power Generation division is recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture of pre-integrated generator sets, ranging from 8 kVA to 3300 kVA. "All major components including engine, alternator, transfer switches and control systems are designed and manufactured according to the highest standards of quality set by Cummins."

Clean and continuous What's more, Morgan-Evens highlights the fact that current product development at Cummins Power Generation focuses on the reduction of engine and generator set emissions that can contribute to pollution and global warming. Morgan-Evens is confident that Cummins Power Generation can meet Africa’s energy needs, including: continuous, prime, peaking, standby, cogeneration or a complete turnkey power plant.

"Cummins Power Generation is about more than innovative technologies, it is also about providing customers with the highest standards of after sales service and technical support,â€? she concluded. â–

Visit us at: Libya Build, Tripoli : 19th-23rd May 2013 Buildexpo Africa, Nairobi 4th-6th May 2013

Systems to control power Morgan-Evens explained that Power Command technology from Cummins Power Generation is an innovative way to ensure the equipment in a power system works in synergy from the start. "It involves a pre-integrated design, rather than the combination of an engine, alternator, controls and transfer switches from a variety of manufacturers. The result of pre-integrated power solutions is smaller equipment footprints, reduced installation time and higher system reliability in a region that is regularly affected by constant and prolonged power outages."

For long and short term standby power needs, Morgan-Evens notes that permanently installed and mobile power systems have been used across Africa by various hospitals, factories, office buildings, hotels, casinos and telecommunication centres.

"Cummins Power Generation has the ability to meet any demands for standby power, whether it is a simple diesel generator set or a complete PowerCommand pre-integrated power generation system."

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

31

S06 ATR March 2013 Report A_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:46 Page 32

POWER

Plant

Protecting components from leaking sections What happened when a power station in Limpopo, in South Africa, called in specialist help to repair 60-m-high downpipes

S

pecialist rope access solutions provider Skyriders assisted a large power generation plant in Limpopo, South Africa, last year, in repairing downpipe infrastructure, located inside the six units, more than 60 m above ground.

Skyriders marketing manager Mike Zinn noted that a total of six power station units required repairs to their downpipe's joints. "The joints and the sealant had been installed more than 20 years ago, and was therefore old, brittle and failing. During heavy rains, water in certain areas leaked onto electrical plant components causing maintenance challenges."

Helping you find business in one of the world’s most exciting markets...

Down pipes flexibility

Complex and confined spaces Zinn highlights the fact that the downpipes ran from the roof of the power station units down through the power station building in a zigzag formation into the ground.

"This was a highly challenging job, as it was almost like a maze. The Skyriders team of rope access technicians were responsible for accessing and inspecting all areas, before taking photos, removing the old sealants, cleaning it up, installing new sealants and taking more photos," he continued.

In total, 255 joints were repaired, more than two weeks ahead of the client's deadline.

Zinn added, "Although the scope of work was relatively simple, the access constraints with regards to height, confined spaces and a fully operational plant made for a challenging work environment. The team did an excellent job from a planning and execution point of view. We

ABC audited circulation guarantees your advertisement will be seen throughout Africa

MENA ASIA USA EUROPE

Serving the world of business

32

Tel: +971 4 448 9260 Tel: +91 80 6533 3362 Tel: +1 203 226 2882 Tel: +44 20 7834 7676

e-mail: post@alaincharles.com web: www.alaincharles.com www.africanreview.net

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

Down pipes launder elbow

Downpipes have to be checked regularly to ensure that the sealant remains effective

S06 ATR March 2013 Report A_Layout 1 20/02/2013 10:35 Page 33

S06 ATR March 2013 Report A_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:46 Page 34

POWER

Plant disruptions whatsoever. As a result, the team had to make sure that ropes were never anywhere close to the conveyors and any other moving parts.

Due to an abundance of structural steel onsite, the team was able to access all six power station units from above, thereby reducing the risk of any safety issues and potential disruption."

Down pipes launder 16m

explained to the client that rope access was a far quicker and more cost effective method than scaffolding, and this method ensured that the Skyriders team was able to seal the 400 mm pipes from the 30 m level to the 60 m level in 26 days."

What's more, Zinn pointed out that all six power station units remained fully operational throughout the project.

"Skyriders' scope of the project was to undertake structural inspection and repairs of the downpipes without creating any costly

Monitoring the mend Although the project has proven to be an overwhelming success, Zinn does admit that the downpipes will have to be checked regularly to ensure that the sealant remains effective.

"Heavy rains create a lot of dirt in piping systems, and Skyriders is committed to continually undertaking regular site visits to ensure that the sealant remains effective any type of weather conditions."

With a zero-fatality record spanning more than 22 years, Skyriders has developed a reputation of being the leading provider of rope access-aided inspection, non-destructive testing (NDT) and maintenance-related services to the South African power generation industry. Looking to the future, Zinn is optimistic that the company can expand its industry leading expertise to power stations across the African continent.

In total, 255 joints were repaired by June 1, 2012, more than two weeks ahead of the clients stated deadline.

“Scaffolding has proven to be the tried-andtrusted method for above-ground applications in the African industry over the decades.

However, in industries such as power generation, rope is a far more efficient means of gaining access to a particular high elevation section of a site, as installation is considerably faster and cheaper, while technicians are provided with more flexibility and safety. With this in mind, I believe that Skyriders has placed itself in a strong position to gain market share," he concluded. ■

WHEN YOUR MISSION IS MAKING MEDICINES THAT SAVE LIVES, FAILURE’S NOT AN OPTION. ESPECIALLY POWER FAILURE. Tests are performed, results compiled and production lines roll.

Every day, a leading U.S. pharmaceuticals innovator makes the products that treat serious and life-threatening medical conditions.

Loss of power for even a short time could cost a production run … and hope for those who need help now. For the health of this company and its customers, KOHLER backup power solutions are the best medicine. With KOHLER, the power stays on because the people behind the products are on. Always.

You can’t make breakthroughs in medicine if you’ve got breakdowns in power. Which is why so many people trust KOHLER to come through. Without fail.

Tony Arroyo of Kohler prescribed two 2,000 kW KOHLER® generators and KOHLER switchgear to protect the productivity of a major pharmaceuticals maker.

GENERATORS | TRANSFER SWITCHES | SWITCHGEAR | PACKAGING Call us at +33 149178300, e-mail powersystems.emea@kohler.com, or check out KohlerPower.com KOHLER®, ON™ and the color green are trademarks of Kohler Co.

34

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

S06 ATR March 2013 Report A_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:46 Page 35

Water ENVIRONMENT

Taking a step towards efficiency The need to invest adequately in water services and to improve collection, treatment and reuse of water

E

nergy efficiency has become a focus area for businesses as the cost of electricity has continued to escalate in recent years. However, when embarking upon carbon footprint reduction initiatives and when looking to reduce resource usage to decrease costs, many organisations fail to take one all-important area into account: water. Inefficient use of water, wastage and leaks all add up. The increasing scarcity of water as a resource coupled with once again escalating costs means that businesses need to become more mindful of water consumption, or else face the consequences of literally flushing money down the drain.

As populations have increased and nations have become more industrialised across the globe, water as a resource is becoming increasingly scarce. This is a problem across the world, as highlighted in Creamer Media’s report ‘Water 2012: A Review of South Africa’s Water Sector’, which states that according to estimates by the United Nations Environmental Programme, “failure to adequately invest in water services and to collect, treat and reuse water efficiently... is exacerbating water shortages in many parts of the world and contributing to a situation where global demand for water could outstrip supply within 20 years.”

This is a global trend, of which South Africa is also a part. For, in South Africa, there are multiple issues surrounding water. Firstly, we have limited natural water supplies, and already import some of our water from the Lesotho highlands. The country has also experienced massive growth in the past few decades, which is putting strain on our limited water resources. Clean drinking water is a luxury in many parts of the country, and as society becomes more and more urbanised, demand increases and supply cannot keep up.

These challenges are compounded by ailing infrastructure, haphazard infrastructure development which has resulted in sewerage

Clean drinking water is a luxury in much of South Africa and as society becomes more urbanised, demand increases and supply cannot keep up” finding its way into ground water, and other issues such as mine drainage creating contaminated acid water underground.

The upshot of this is that water is going to become increasingly expensive over time, and if organisations continue with wasteful water practices, it will become less and less affordable. The effects of this are being felt even now, with water in Johannesburg costing up to three times as much as water in Pretoria. The challenge lies in recognising this as a cost that can be reduced and in taking steps to reduce water consumption, eliminate wastage and apply the right type of water to the right situation.

Management and measurement One of the easiest ways to optimise water consumption is to fix leaks as soon as possible, which minimises wastage. Leaking taps, leaking toilets and leaking pipes all contribute to wasted water and additional expenses.

Managing water consumption and identifying the potential for leaks can be done by installing a logger on the water metre, which will measure and monitor water consumption on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. This can also be linked into a building management system (BMS) for automated monitoring and inclusion into the BMS dashboard.

However, these solutions can be expensive, which puts them out of the price range of many businesses. The simplest and cheapest

solution to monitoring water consumption is to check the water metre at a certain time on a certain day each week. This allows organisations to build a picture of water consumption and to figure out if there are any latent issues that need fixing, as well as give a baseline average to help identify leaks and wastage in the future.

Rain water collection tanks are another area that can be explored, harvesting and using rainwater for irrigation. This can be done fairly easily, and is a cost-effective way of minimising excessive use of expensively treated drinking water. Grey water systems are also an option, however they are expensive and require specialist plumbing and treatment facilities on-site, which puts these solutions out of the price range of many businesses.

Systems for usage While systems can be put into place to measure and monitor water usage and to reduce the consumption of precious clean drinking water, the most important change that needs to take place is South Africa is that of culture. As a country we have grown used to an abundant and cheap supply of clean water, and on the whole, South Africans are indifferent towards water consumption .

Many organisations do not seem to realise just how much water wastage is costing the bottom line, as water usage is typically included in a general rates bill.

Water management needs to become part of the culture of business, and organisations should look towards including water efficiency into the general energy and environmental management portfolio. Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource, and organisations need to begin taking steps to ensure they are not flushing this resource and their profits down the drain. ■ Rip Wyma of Shared Energy Management, a Johnson Controls partner

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

35

S06 ATR March 2013 Report A_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:46 Page 36

ENVIRONMENT Renewables

Expanding energies I

n its sixth year, the German-based Renewables Academy (RENAC) brings its international capacity building project TREE (Transfer Renewable Energy & Efficiency) to South Africa. The programme is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economics as part of their “renewables -Made in Germany” initiative. It displays the German Government's commitment to contribute to

climate protection through the international promotion of renewable energy technology.

In February 2013 political and business decision-makers in South Africa were able to attend a programme to enhance their knowledge about renewable energies. The first seminar session, which was held in Durban from 11-15 February, was supported by the eThekwini Municipality, the South

African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), and the German Chamber of Commerce. It focused on “OffGrid Rural Electrification”. Taking place in Johannesburg from 18-22 February, the second session was themed ‘Solar Thermal Large Scale’ and was supported by the PDNA Academy and Solar Heat Exchangers (Pty) Ltd. As Kevin Nassiep, CEO of SANEDI said, "Renewable energy technologies can contribute to economic growth in South Africa. However, for sustainable growth a suitable political framework is required.

Capacity building measures within the TREE project are instrumental in supporting the development of renewables through crucial knowledge. Therefore projects such as TREE deserve to be fostered."

Renewable energy technologies can contribute to economic growth in South Africa.

However, for sustainable growth a suitable political framework is required. Capacity building measures within the TREE project are instrumental in supporting the development of renewables through crucial knowledge.

Therefore, projects such as TREE deserve to be fostered.”

- Kevin Nassiep, CEO at SANEDI

Although the South African government has already been promoting the development of renewable energy for many years, there are still a number of challenges to be overcome if a steady rate of growth is to be achieved -such as the poor grid network and lack of experience in financing sustainable energy projects. ■

36

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

S07 ATR March 2013 Report B.qxp_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:08 Page 37

Engineering

INDUTEC

Industrialists and engineers back Indutec In South Africa, Johannesburg hosts an umbrella event for African industry in May 2013

S

outh Africa’s leading industrial and engineering professional and employer associations, Chambers and Councils have collectively endorsed the South African Industry and Technology Fair (Indutec), the South African Industry and Technology Fair 2013. Designed as an umbrella event for African industrialists, Indutec will include Pumps Valves and Pipes Africa, Watertec Africa, Petro.t.ex Africa, Intermac Africa, Manutec Africa, Smart Automation Africa, Afriplast Expo, Energex Africa, Industrial GreenTec Africa and Empowertec Africa The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation (SEIFSA), the Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of South Africa (LEEASA) - a division of the Chamber of Engineering Technology (COET), the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) have thrown their weight behind the biggest industrial and engineering trade show in Africa.

The three-day, 10-shows-in-one event takes place from 14 to 16 May 2013 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.

The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa (SEIFSA) will hold its annual conference at Indutec, celebrating 70 years of active support for its members, industry and business in Africa.

The federation has over 2,220 member companies which employ more than 224,000 people, comprising 53 per cent of the industry’s workforce.

Industry associations “SEIFSA sees the SA Industry and Technology Fair as an ideal conduit to promote our members and our objectives to the metal and engineering industries at large,” said Adelia Pimentel, the

organisation’s Marketing and Communications Manager.

“We take our affiliations with leading industry players very seriously, including our endorsement of Indutec,” said Jim Guild, chief executive officer of the Southern African Institute of Welding.

“These industry ties form part of our strategy to create strong relationships which support our objective, and Government’s mandate, to enhance the manufacturing sector in South Africa.”

SAIW is a non-profit, professional organisation dedicated to furthering technical standards in welding fabrication and related technologies. Founded in 1948, it is a founding member of the International Institute of Welding (IIW).

Guild sees the knowledge-building and information-sharing opportunities offered by international connections at Indutec as key benefits. “It is vital for SAIW members to keep abreast of new developments, technologies and opportunities in our industry and gain exposure in well-defined target markets to increase membership and brand awareness.”

Engineering and technology Guild says the SAIW also hopes to increase its involvement in the engineering and technology sectors, especially in manufacturing, where competent welding practices are essential and certified welding inspections a legal requirement.

“The more an industry grows, the more jobs are created, and the closer South Africa gets to achieving the objectives of the National Growth Plan.”

The Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of South Africa (LEEASA), which is a division of the Chamber of Engineering Technology (COET), will also be using its endorsement of Indutec to promote its

activities in the engineering and technology sectors in general. Chamber spokesperson Viv Nel says its exposure at the Fair will create more awareness of the Chamber’s role in all engineering and technology-driven industries.

“Indutec will also expose our members to the broader engineering industry, as well as the latest products and developments,” said Nel. Industry regulator, the Engineering Council of South Africa, shares these aims.

“As a custodian of engineering intellectual capital in South Africa, our endorsement of Indutec provides us with a platform to publicise our role in the engineering sector and government infrastructure initiatives,” said Edgar Sabela, ECSA’s strategic services executive.

“South Africa has one engineer for every 3,100 people, compared to the UK and the US with one engineer for every 310 people,” continued Sabela. “We need to produce 10 times more engineers to compete with developed economies. Involvement with the Indutec show will allow us to promote engineering as a career through our Engenius Programme, and showcase our existing engineering excellence. Most importantly, it enables us to network with all key players in the field and even conclude some business.”

John Thomson, managing director of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the 10-in-one Fair, said the unqualified support from leading industry bodies indicates the show’s tenfold value to the engineering, industrial and technology sectors. “This undoubtedly translates into multiple benefits for the show’s exhibitors, and ultimately to show visitors,” said Thomson. ■ www.exhibitionsafrica.com

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

37

S07 ATR March 2013 Report B.qxp_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:08 Page 38

ENGINEERING

Metallurgy

Manipulating metal for superior parts How powder metallurgy offers the capability to produce a wide variety of reliable components

P

rocesses pertaining to powder metallurgy (PM) are highly flexible, allowing the tailoring of the physical characteristics of a product to suit specific property and performance requirements.

Whether it is by controlling porosity to develop the unique capability of selflubrication or by optimising the chemistry to provide improved longevity in wear parts, PM has a solution.

New PM parts are being generated constantly, helping companies reduce cost and open up new market opportunities.

Technology for development Powder metallurgy is continually evolving, and addresses most metallic and alloy materials, and a wide variety of shapes, developed to manufacture reliable ferrous and non ferrous parts. Annual worldwide metal powder production exceeds one million tonnes.

Created by mixing elemental or alloy powders and compacting the mixture in a die, the resultant shapes are heated or ‘sintered’ in a controlled atmosphere furnace to bond the particles metallurgically. The high precision forming capability of PM often generates components that can be finished without the need of machining.

By producing parts with a homogeneous structure, PM enables manufacturers to make products that are more consistent and predictable in terms of physical characteristics and performance. PM enables

production of assets with complex structures, controlled porosity, stress and vibrational absorption, and special properties such as hardness and wear resistance. PM parts may demonstrate superior precision, surface finish, and tolerances.

The PM process enables products to be made from materials that are tailored to specific needs. By using specially selected materials, PM enables refinements to be engineered into the mechanical properties of a part.

Saving costs, raising productivity Powder metallurgy has grown globally in recent decades, largely due to the cost savings gained over other metalworking methods such as casting or forging.

According to the European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA), the conversion of a cast or wrought component to powder metal offers cost savings of 40 per cent or more. Moreover, PM uses around 97 per cent of the starting raw material in the finished part, and is highly suited to the production of high volume components.

Making motorcars The automotive sector accounts for about 80 per cent of structural PM part production, as automotive firms have recognised the economic benefits in high-volume production scenarios. PM more cost-effective to the automotive sector because it offers superior material utilisation with close

dimensional tolerances - when compared with conventional metal forming or shaping processes, which involve significant machining operations from bar stock or from forged or cast blanks. Such machining operations can be costly and are wasteful of material and energy. As indicated, the PM process offers around 97 per cent raw material utilisation in typical scenarios. It also offers the lowest energy requirement per Kg of finished part comparing with the other manufacturing processes - typically, PM consumes only around 43 per cent of the energy compared with forging and machining.

Materials and characteristics Quality systems for PM must take into account the porosity of raw materials. During the sintering operation, the choice of the alloy influences the dimensional stability of the product. Choice of formulation can influence the precision of components. The most common compositions and their relevant properties are listed in the ISO Standards, in particular ISO 5755.

As with parts produced by traditional processes, the formulation of the alloy and thermo-mechanical operations can determine which structures are obtained in sintered parts. However, one must consider that powder metallurgy enables control of porosity levels remaining in components and that the distribution of alloying elements in a structure can improve local strengths. ■

Using lasers for precision Metric Automotive Engineering has commissioned an advanced laser measurement and alignment system to making measuring the straightness of bore and bearing journals simpler.

“The new generation heavy diesel engines are now moving from 16 cylinder to 18 and 20 cylinder one piece engine blocks,” Metric Automotive Engineering's Andrew Yorke, explains. “As these blocks become larger, the alignment of the main bearing bores has become even more critical.”

38

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

Both full and half bearing journals can be measured and aligned with equal simplicity

S07 ATR March 2013 Report B.qxp_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:08 Page 39

Sustainable or profitable?

It‘s AND, not or.

Ecoplants is the new mark for sustainable solutions from SMS that offer our customers economic and ecological advantages.

Economic because savings in energy and raw materials reduce costs; ecological because the conservation of resources is becoming ever more important. Ecoplants solutions from SMS give due consideration to both aspects – to the benefit of our customers.

The SMS group is a group of global players in plant construction and mechanical engineering for the steel and nonferrous metals processing industry. It consists of the Business Areas SMS Siemag, SMS Meer, and the industrial participations.

SMS group

Eduard-Schloemann-Strasse 4 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany

Phone: +49 211 881-0 Fax: +49 211 881-4902

communications@sms-group.com www.sms-ecoplants.com

S07 ATR March 2013 Report B.qxp_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:08 Page 40

ENGINEERING

Material Handling

Concentrating on mineral movement M&J Engineering contracts to supply silo discharge chutes to Lonmin’s Eastern Platinum (EPL) mining property in South Africa

L

onmin recently ordered eight Weba Chutes Systems to replace existing conventional chutes which have not been performing to the standard required.

The eight coarse ore silo discharge chutes will feed onto a vibrating feeder at Lonmin’s Eastern Platinum (EPL) concentrator that conveys UG2 ore with 25 per cent chrome content.

The vibrating feeder operates at a peak of 180 tph, conveying fines with a maximum lump size of 150 mm and a bulk density of 1.8 mm.

“The concentrator had been experiencing an unacceptable amount of blockages and spillage with the existing chutes,” M&J Engineering’s Ted Cruikshank said. “Our brief was to design Weba Chute Systems that address these issues and that will consistently perform to the required specifications over the long term. Lonmin also requested access points at the back of the chutes to allow for blasting in the event of a blockage.”

The Weba Chute Systems are being fabricated from 6 mm 350 WA mild steel plate lined with 25 mm Hardox liners with a spile bar arrangement.

Cruikshank adds that M&J Engineering is also processing orders for an additional 12 Weba Chute Systems that will be deployed in various applications at other Lonmin sites.

Under normal operations, Weba Chute Systems can last up to 10 years in the field and many have continued to perform effectively even longer than this.

“We’re finally gaining recognition for the many unique features of the Weba Chute System concept,” said Cruikshank. “The high number of retrofits we’re currently involved in points to the fact that many conventional chutes are not living up to their suppliers’ claims.

“We attribute this to a prevailing notion that chutes are little more than platework.

We’ve effectively created technology that

40

Locally manufactured Weba Chute Systems are designed according to the principle of conveyed material impacting on surfaces which already contain material

didn’t exist before and we’ve developed equipment and systems around it that address the multiple shortcomings of conventional transfer point design.”

Materials management across the sectors Weba Chute Systems have been primarily applied in the mining industry where materials such as copper, gold and iron ore, diamonds, coal, aggregates, cement and sand are transferred, but M&J Engineering is experiencing a steady increase in the number of enquiries from other sectors such as power generation, steelmaking, cement and food.

Locally manufactured in Southern Africa, Weba Chute Systems are designed according to the principle of conveyed material impacting on surfaces which already contain material.

“One of the most important requirements in transfer point design is to guide and control the material from the moment it enters the system until it exits the system,” said Cruikshank. “This is addressed by the Weba Chute System concept that incorporates a ‘supertube’ or cascade effect that results in material running on material at all times. Most dust is generated when material is transferred, but using this cascade

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

Lonmin has ordered eight Weba Chutes Systems to replace existing conventional chutes

system to create a ‘super-flow’ effect, we’re able to reduce volumes of unwanted fines and associated dust.

“The immediate effect of this decrease in unwanted dust and noise pollution is an enhancement of working conditions impacting positively on the health of workers, which is always a major concern in this industry. Another big benefit is a decrease in abrasion of wearing parts and consequently less maintenance is required.”

Systems for control Weba Chute Systems control the direction, flow and velocity of the calculated volume and type of material in each application, also taking into account belt width, belt speed, material sizes, shape and throughput.

“A correct and appropriate chute design is critical and it is imperative that all these factors are taken into account,” said Cruikshank. “It’s not just about manufacturing a chute. We look at both current and historical data in order to fully understand exactly what each customer requires. We look at the most important factors that need to be addressed in a particular application and this, in some cases, could be as simple as reducing dust and spillage.” ■

S07 ATR March 2013 Report B.qxp_Layout 1 19/02/2013 12:08 Page 41

Telehandlers

CONSTRUCTION

Today’s take on telescopic handlers Acting as both handy forklift for order picking and a versatile high-capacity crane the modern telehandler has moved from agriculture overseas to the general worksite all over Africa

W

hether full size (lifting three tonnes or even more) or compact, today’s telescopic handler functions much like a normal lift truck but comes equipped with an extending boom rather than the vertical mast that both guides the forks and raises the load on a conventional truck.

The main advantage of a telehandler is that the reach can be much extended, both up and out. This is particularly useful down on the farm, where smaller versions of these versatile machines were first put to work overseas, and also in construction, mining/quarrying, port handling and industrial warehouse operations generally. Various attachments can be quickly fixed to the business end of the hydraulic boom; as well as standard lifting forks these include buckets for excavation, winches and grapples for applying a hefty horizontal force, a crane hook and a post-hole or even waterwell auger. And all these can be fitted to a highly mobile wheeled machine that excels in rough-terrain conditions.

Looking back to a history of logistics Every one of these materials handlers can trace their history back to the conventional

ONLINE AUCTION WEDNESDAY 27 FEBRUARY

fork lift truck, which in turn in its earliest form was based on a simple farm tractor and provided a lifting height of less than a full metre - and came with a propensity to tip over without warning, too. Today’s lift trucks have certainly come a long way. US troops and their logistics suppliers advanced this technology massively by applying telescopic booms to the technology in the European, Pacific and Korean wars. Major advances in versatility and safety came when the development pressure eased later.

The configuration of models as supplied by today’s manufacturers such as Case, Caterpillar, Komatsu, JCB and New Holland vary widely according to the capacity (height, reach and load) at which they are rated. Scan the online specifications of suppliers such as the above and you will come across telehandler models that can shift individual loads of up to 15 tonnes or more, placing them at heights of up to 20 metres or so; that’s more than enough for servicing the needs of contractors working on a five-storey building. But whenever these extreme limits are anything like approached all sorts of safety devices now kick in, with inbuilt warning light and buzzer systems such as are

found in the cab of a conventional mobile or tower crane. It is common to find fullyautomatic systems that disengage the hydraulics whenever anything approaching a “tipping moment� (in time as well as physics theory) is approached. And safety-enhancing outriggers are often fitted.

Profitable performance As profitable niche products, compact telehandlers as supplied by a smaller range of manufacturers, such as Bobcat and Manitou, are particularly useful here in Africa. This is because they cost less to acquire or hire, but is also due to their extreme versatility (costeffective performance even with picking and placing small loads), ability to manoeuvre in very tight spaces (including within halfconstructed buildings and between indoor racking aisles, aided by the commonplace four-wheel crab steering), and general easiness to operate. They can still pack a useful forward reach of four metres or more, however, and safely place building materials on the top floor of the sort of conventional two-storey structure that is still the numberone choice throughout SSA. â–

Looking for good quality used construction equipment? /RRN QR IXUWKHU WKDQ ,URQ3ODQHW WKH OHDGLQJ JOREDO PDUNHWSODFH IRU XVHG FRQVWUXFWLRQ HTXLSPHQW 9LVLW RXU ZHEVLWH ZZZ LURQSODQHW FRP WR VHH WKH FRPSOHWH OLVW RI HTXLSPHQW UHYLHZ WKH JXDUDQWHHG LQVSHFWLRQ UHSRUWV DQG SODFH \RXU ELGV

Inspected and Guaranteed 7R FRQVLJQ HTXLSPHQW IRU RXU QH[W DXFWLRQ FRQWDFW RQH RI RXU VDOHV UHSUHVHQWDWLYHV WRGD\ RQ

DON’T MISS OUR NEXT AUCTIONS! Wed February 27

Wed March 27

Wed April 24

WWW.IRONPLANET.COM

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

41

S07 ATR March 2013 Report B NEW_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:37 Page 42

CONSTRUCTION

Offices

Building a new headquarters Murray & Roberts Buildings is working to an extremely tight construction schedule, to build an eight-storey block for Ernst & Young

A

t work on the new South African Ernst & Young headquarters in Sandton, Johannesburg, since June 2012, Murray & Roberts Buildings is keeping to an extremely tight construction schedule that will see the eight-storey Ernst & Young block completed by the end of October 2013 and the 14 storey tenanted office block, currently dubbed the Eris Tower, built by January 2014. The prestigious new development, located at 102 Rivonia Road, is being developed by Eris Property Group. Ernst & Young, which provides assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services to companies and governments, has said the move will place the professional services firm at the centre of South Africa’s economic hub - the Sandton central business district. In addition, proximity to the Sandton Gautrain station provides easy access to OR Tambo International, an increasingly important consideration as the firm’s African business grows.

Design and development The built footprint will be 98,800sq m and the development rests on eight storeys of basement parking including service areas, cold rooms, electrical plant rooms and water storage tanks. There will be a total of 1,150 staff parking bays, with provision for 100 visitor parking bays in the Ernst & Young block, with 544 staff and 29 visitor parking bays for the Eris Tower.

Boogertman + Partners are the architects on this development and have designed the building to comprise three elements — the eight storey building with an active atrium space animated by transecting stair and bridge links, the 14 storey office tower connected by a four storey high bridge that allows for future versatility and a two storey podium on which the buildings rests, further enhancing the visibility and legibility of the building. The podium forms part of the eight storey parking basement and forms the

42

ground plane of the development accommodating the main entrances to both buildings. The ground floor of the Ernst & Young building includes a staff restaurant and a client hospitality area, both with external access to views. Vehicle and pedestrian access is controlled within the boundaries of this podium, with separate vehicle entrances for the office buildings and their services. A grand sweeping staircase off Rivonia Road creates a seamless transition for pedestrians from street level to the podium.

This is augmented by a collocated lift from street level up on to the podium.

How it functions within The variable nature of the internal functions of the building manifest themselves as floating floor planes that create overhangs and protrusions, further enhancing the organic relationship between the façade and the horizontal flow of the spaces. The atrium staircases encourage people to circulate around the edge of the atrium and, with the bridges, promote internal communication and interaction among the occupants.

The façade, with convex and concave curves, will be constructed from a unitised performance glass with a light tint, in a double glazed unit which will be complemented by vertical fins, rotated at 30 degrees, to control natural light into the open office environment. The exterior of the basement area will be finished with a similar aluminium screen, providing natural light and ventilation to the upper two floors.

The main meeting rooms in both the Ernst & Young block and the Eris tower are on the seventh floors, offering excellent views from elevated balconies over the southern part of Sandton and the Inanda polo fields. The meeting rooms are connected to the main kitchen.

“This design is a first for the South African environment,” Bob van Bebber, director at

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

Boogertman + Partners, said. “It is significantly different from any other building in the area and will certainly become a local landmark.”

Interior design has been undertaken by Adrian Davidson of Savile Row and will be characterised by a natural palette with polished concrete floors and some natural timbers to complement the loose fit open plan interiors with activity-based desking solutions. The design includes meeting and breakaway areas.

4-star green rating Among several elements designed to collectively achieve a four-star green rating, the building will make the most of innovative opportunities to harness natural light and ventilation, and to conserve energy. Alison Groves of WSP Consulting Engineers, responsible for the green aspects of the development, says pre-commissioning, commissioning and quality monitoring will be undertaken for mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and fire services in accordance with the correct Chartered Institute of British Engineers codes. This provides for a continuous process of checks and balances throughout the construction process, while final responsibility lies with the independent commissioning agent, Aurecon.

“The building’s fully glazed façade will provide excellent ingress of daylight, which is linked to employee wellbeing,” said Groves. “At the same time, the glass will restrict radiant heat gain into the building and the problem of direct glare will be mitigated by the vertical fins. Sixty percent of the floor area will allow external views to the outside, enabling office personnel to look out of the windows and maintain a refreshing connection with the outdoors. In addition, the external glass has been modelled together with the HVAC system, with a primary focus on maintaining thermal comfort.” ■

S08 ATR March 2013 Report G_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:40 Page 43

S08 ATR March 2013 Report G_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:43 Page 44

CONSTRUCTION

Profile

Doosan dump trucks aid Kenyan dam project

Curves in the road of 360° are no obstacle to the Doosan ADTs

I

n Kenya, a fleet of eight Doosan MT41 articulated dump trucks (ADTs) is being utilised on a dam project in the Chemususu in the Rift Valley, 250km north east of the capital, Nairobi. This is one of several dams being constructed with heavy investment from the government of Kenya to make access to safe water much easier, removing the need for the long journeys to remote water sources made every day by women and children from small villages across the country to fetch water for their families.

Coverage and capacity The works for the Chemususu Dam started in 2009 and will cover a total of 95ha and the dam will provide a capacity of 11bn cubic

Doosan ADTs are constantly moving up and down the steep mountain roads

metres of water when it is finished. The Doosan MT41 ADTs are being used by a company called Frabo & Co Ltd to carry rock down the steep slopes of a nearby quarry and on to the site of the dam. Several million tonnes of rock must be extracted from the hillsides and transported by the Doosan trucks to help form the gigantic dam wall which will have a height of 60m.

Commenting on the Doosan MT41 ADTs, Mr Booker Mbugua, managing director of Frabo & Co Ltd, said, “The Doosan ADTs are the best machines for the job. During the rainy season, the dusty roads turn into slippery and very muddy surfaces. With their tandem bogie system, the Doosan trucks have no difficulty climbing up the slopes.

They always have traction. As a result, we do not have to stop working when the rain falls.”

Reaching new heights According to Mr Mbugua, some of the roads on the project have near to 360° curves. With the turning ring mounted at the front of the trucks, the Doosan ADTs ensure excellent stability, preventing tyre wear and avoiding the use of a differential lock system.

To reach the dump site on top of the high stone wall at the dam, the operators have to drive backwards into a very narrow piece of road between the cliffs. According to the operators, the excellent visibility offered by

On the 60m high dam wall

the Doosan machines ensures that they can dump the load with no fear as they can see all around when driving in reverse.

A positive impact The Chemususu Dam is due to be finished in the summer of 2013. It is estimated that it will produce a daily total of 35mn cubic metres of water. The water is treated in a specialised plant before being distributed to the various neighbouring communities. This will have a huge positive impact on the lives of many women and children, who will have fresh and clean water nearby, and will instead be able to spend the hours they normally lose every day collecting water, in education and in caring for their homes and families.

For more information about Doosan construction equipment, visit www.doosanequipment.eu

44

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

S08 ATR March 2013 Report G_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:40 Page 45

Haulers

CONSTRUCTION

Many variants for long and heavy haul The ADT concept has transformed off-road movement of materials - as super-efficient models and specialised trailers have made a big impact

W

hether operated in AWD or 6X4 mode, the articulated hauler or dump truck has proved itself to be the number-one choice throughout Africa for rough terrain movement of heavy materials. Up to 40 tonnes can be moved as a single load in some cases. On firm quarry or mine roadways rigid haulers remain the hauler of choice, but wherever the ground is rough – a large construction site like a dam, for example – the Swedish-invented ADT, now nearly half a century old in concept terms, is the vehicle operators really want. Only a tracked machine with all its built-in disadvantages (now banned from many sealed roads in Africa, for example) can cross rougher terrain – and much more slowly at that.

Powerful and versatile Vast improvements in suspension and electronic engine and hydraulic-systems control have made the articulated dump truck operator’s task a dream in comparison with driving those pioneer Livab machines 50 years ago.

A good sign is that all over the world military authorities have recognised the very special advantages offered by these powerful and versatile go-anywhere machines, which is why they have been adapted by the brass hats to shift materiel and even carry heavy weapons of many types. Fortunately they’re just too large and conspicuous for the bad guys to have caught on yet…

As well as Volvo CE, today’s suppliers include Africa’s very own Bell Equipment, Caterpillar, Doosan Infracore and Terex, amongst others.

Moving large quantities of payload and/or waste at lowestpossible cost, and with minimum turnaround time, is the main function which these modern-day articulated workhorses carry out.

But, particularly innovative/market-spotting manufacturers like Bell have noticed that there are many potential specialist users out there, so they have come up with special models that can move shipping containers across rough ground fast, act as water bowsers, provide an all-terrain fire-fighting service, mix cement on the move across a totally unprepared site, handle and carry logs, chip waste wood at the point of generation ready for dumping locally, and so on. We have even heard about an articulated dumper equipped with its own heavy-duty crane. And Caterpillar of course have secured their reputation for innovation with their extremely useful ejector-equipped 730- and 740-model ATDs which mean that the load – often wet and sticky mud or aggregate– can be offloaded quickly, while on the move if necessary. The smaller of these two can shift 31 tonnes. This fast-dump ability is an immense advantage for anyone in charge of one of today’s time-pressed road building teams. And the possibilities for new adaptations seem to be being extended all the time.

The articulated dump truck has proved itself to be the number-one choice throughout Africa for rough terrain movement of heavy materials

Clever heavy carriers Versatility apart, the other advantage of course is that these heavy haulers are designed as off-road machines. With multiple forward/reverse speeds (eg eight and four on the Doosan DA30) they can move briskly around the site, and even on occasion on a surfaced road (although a low-loader is usually the recommended method of inter-site movement).

Of course, the really clever sub-assembly on one of today’s articulated dumpers is the high-tech twist-and-pivot connection between the powerful tractor unit where the operator sits with an excellent view atop the front pair of wheels, and the payload-carrying trailer. This means that the units can move independently, be steered in a tight circle by high-performance hydraulic rams, which are all electronically controlled for fingertip movement of course, and all six differential-equipped wheels follow a predictable common pair of courses. Ideal for following not extending the ruts on a rough site.

As two examples of the breed, Doosan Infracore is pleasing plenty of heavy-haul enthusiasts with its new Scania powered DA30 and DA40 models, rated at 268 and 368kW gross respectively. These recently introduced machines are able to shift either 18 or 24.4 cu m, with the payload weighing in at 28/40 tonnes. Special tractor and trailer adaptations are available to meet the most challenging operating conditions Africa can offer. Check the websites of other manufacturers for comparable listings of specifications. ■ African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

45

S08 ATR March 2013 Report G_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:40 Page 46

CONSTRUCTION

Roads

Sponsorship brings rollers to road repair I

n line with developing and implementing key national government policy and objectives, Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality in Gauteng has directly tendered and outsourced the repair and maintenance of its roads to local SMME contractors as part of the bold new Ekurhuleni Road Repair and Maintenance Programme, which was launched at Bell Equipment Jet Park at the end of 2012.

Integral to the success of the programme is the commitment shown by the private sector, led by Bell Equipment, which holds the Bomag dealership for Southern Africa and has sponsored 10 Bomag BW55E single drum rollers to the programme. The Ekurhuleni SMME Contractor Road Repair and

46

At the handover at Bell Equipment, Jet Park are (left): Izak van Niekerk (Bell Equipment General Manager: Bomag Sales and Marketing), Cllr Thumbu Mahlangu (Member of Mayoral Committee: Roads and Transport, Ekurhuleni Municipality), Bokkie Coertze (Managing Director: Bell Equipment Sales South Africa) and Pascal Garrioch (Garrioch Pascal Sourcing)

Maintenance Programme represents a holistic partnership between government, the private sector and individual SMMEs, which

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

have been awarded a two-year contract on an 'as and when basis' to repair potholes and road surfaces as well as replace failed foundation layers of surfaced roads.

Bell Equipment Sales South Africa managing director, Bokkie Coertze contextualised the programme, saying, “As a South African company we understand the need and importance of partnerships between government and the private sector as well as the impact that empowering SMMEs will have on our economy...Five of the appointed SMMEs will each receive two of these machines, thereby adding almost R170,000 (US$19.000) to the asset value of each company as well as saving them each over R15,000 per month in equipment hire." â–

S08 ATR March 2013 Report G_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:40 Page 47

Infrastructure

CONSTRUCTION

Zambia’s new infrastructure card T

he Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) launched an infrastructure report card (IRC) framework recently, in order to assess and inform stakeholders on the general state of infrastructure development in the country.

This intervention is meant to reverse the declining investment trend in public infrastructure. It will provide an assessment of condition of primary asset categories of infrastructure, serving agriculture, roads and bridges, water, sanitation and solid waste, electricity and fuel operations and networks.

Furthermore, it will assess the conditions of education and health infrastructure, information and communication technology, airports, railways and water transport.

Effective and economic Speaking in Lusaka recently, EIZ president Bernard Chiwala said that infrastructure is capital stock and real catalyst that spurs the provision of public goods and services in an economy - adding that the absence of robust infrastructure stifles economic activities to enhance growth and national development and increases the cost of doing business. ‘’The IRC is the first of its kind in Zambia and shall grade the state of the built infrastructure in selected sectors and provide a comprehensive analysis and reporting to date on Zambia’s infrastructure,’’ he elaborated.

Transport, Works, Supply and Communication minister Christopher Yaluma said it is imperative to maintain infrastructure

after commissioning. ’’We have for too long suffered from a ‘patch-and-make good’ culture extending the metaphor, it must be realised that ‘a stitch in time saves nine,’’’ he elaborated.

Asset management Infrastructure is a public asset and all Zambians have a stake in its upkeep, operation and share in the expense of its construction and maintenance, the minister observed.

EIZ Past president Dr Mundia Muya said quality infrastructure enhances job creation and attracts more investment, facilitating economic development in the process. ■ Nawa Mutumweno

mpers

du ers & ix m 4 X

4

LOAD, MIX, DELIVER AND DISCHARGE UP TO 130 M3 OF QUALITY CONCRETE PER DAY

carmix.com 3 0 0 2 0 N o v e n t a d i P i a v e , Ve n e z i a - I t a l y - Te l . + 3 9 . 0 4 2 1 . 6 5 1 9 1 - i n f o @ c a r m i x . c o m

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

47

S08 ATR March 2013 Report G_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:40 Page 48

CONSTRUCTION

bauma

Higher efficiency, lower emissions he key theme of bauma 2013, taking place in Munich, Germany, from 15 to 21 April, will focus on drive technology for mobile construction machinery.

The 30th edition of the trade fair will showcase a range of construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment.

Speaking to Messe München, Professor Günter Kunze, head of the department of construction machines and conveying technology at the Technical University of Dresden, gave an insight into the development of mobile construction machinery.

T

for mobile construction machinery. Europe and the USA have implemented the tightest limit values for new machinery, varying according to performance categories.

Kunze said, “The focus is on the emission of soot particles and nitrogen oxides. Currently for the off-road category in Europe, EU Stage IIIB is the emissions standard, while in the USA the standard is US Tier 4 Interim.

“In 2014 these will be replaced respectively by EU Stage IV and US Tier 4 Final, both of which require a further drastic reduction in emissions of nitrogen oxide,” he added.

International emissions standards With increasing awareness of the effects of harmful emissions and global warming, international emissions standards have become much more stringent in recent years. It is partly due to these standards that pressure is mounting to develop drive technologies

New technologies and components In order to comply with the tighter regulations, new technologies and components have been developed. When implementing limit values on engines, however, manufacturers have encountered problems, including the fact that a low-emission combustion process results in

48

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

S08 ATR March 2013 Report G_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:40 Page 49

bauma higher fuel consumption.

Kunze said, “The requirement for ever tighter limit values has emphasised this ‘ecological conflict’. The limit values for off-road vehicles valid from 2014 require in most cases an additional treatment, downstream of the engine, with effective, durable and low-maintenance emissions-reducing components.

“Here, with mobile machinery, attention must be paid to the special conditions in which the machinery is used, to the variable operating cycles and to the performance requirements of the application in question. The enormous variety in off-road machinery makes it impossible to have a standard solution for emissions treatment,” he commented.

Manufacturers therefore define operating conditions – for example, temperature – in order to enable filter cleaning in line with soot loading and urea-dosing to reduce nitrogen oxides, depending on engine power. As these operating conditions do not apply in every case, active-regeneration processes where emissions systems generate the required temperature themselves are used.

“The emissions temperature is achieved either by means of a flame burner or a combination of a flame burner and a catalytic burner.

“Other developments are aimed at adjusting the engine for the lowest level of fuel consumption in combination with a significant increase in performance of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. With this, the future emissions standards are met with only two emissions components – CR and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC),” Kunze explained.

Power for operating equipment Along with the drive system, the operating equipment on the

CONSTRUCTION

machinery also has to be supplied with sufficient power. Combustion engines have traditionally been used to deliver this power, Kunze said.

“However, there are many ideas and solutions concerned with the ‘average requirements’ of the construction machine as a parameter in the design of the combustion engine. To cover peak loads, suitable storage is then used, which is mechanically, hydraulically or electrically operated. This is known as downsizing the installed engine performance,” he added.

Hybrid drives Interest has been increasing in hybrid drives in recent years, but as of yet no breakthrough has been made. It has taken Toyota, usually renowned for being the pioneer of hybrid design, 10 years to gain acceptance and market penetration in the automotive area.

Kunze elaborated, “In the case of mobile working machinery, the diversity, low production quantities and high lifetimes lead us to assume that developments will be slower still. Basically a hybrid drive means the availability of at least two sources of power. Many different combinations of these sources are thinkable.

“For example, it could be a combustion engine and an electrically operated machine in combination with a battery to store electricity. Or two independent batteries, for example in ground conveyors. Machines of both these types have already been designed and marketed.

“Also possible are solutions that recover energy in mechanical or hydraulic form and then store it. Just which solution is best for which machine, is dependent critically on the requirements profile. In hybrid technology in particular the construction machinery sector is working on many innovations, and these will be on show for the first time at the upcoming bauma trade show,” Kunze concluded. ■

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

49

S08 ATR March 2013 Report G_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:40 Page 50

CONSTRUCTION

Equipment

40 years of permanent 6-wheel drive on ADTs

D

oosan Construction Equipment recently held celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the unique permanent 6-wheel drive system on the company’s articulated dump truck (ADT) range. To mark the event, over 50 dealers and customers from across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region attended a 40th birthday tribute at the Doosan ADT plant at Elnesvagen in Norway.

Thanks to the unique design of a forward-mounted turning ring, sloping rear frame and free swinging tandem bogie, weight is distributed equally throughout the trucks, providing excellent stability.

The rear tandem bogie ensures all six wheels are in continuous contact with the ground for more stability and the best safety levels on the market. The permanent 6-wheel drive produced by the exceptionally flexible and agile undercarriage means that Doosan trucks can operate on very rough and soft terrain on construction sites such as road projects and mass excavation hauling as well as in mining and quarrying applications.

Dealers and customers from across the Europe, the Middle East and Africa celebrated four decades of the Doosan 6-Wheel Drive ADT at Elnesvagen in Norway

The sloping body design enhances the stability of the trucks thanks to its low centre of gravity and allows fast and easy tipping, even in the most demanding conditions. The combination of the unique tandem bogie and the sloping

rear frame results in ‘best in class’ rough and soft terrain capabilities and avoids the need for electronic aids such as traction control. ■

www.doosanequipment.eu

A new vehicle range for waste disposal T

ruck manufacturer Autocar is the ISM’s history of reliable performance confident of expanding its in Autocar’s vehicles in the USA. geographical footprint, after "The Cummins ISM has one of the launching its range of Xpeditor waste highest-power-to-weight ratios of any disposal and refuse collection vehicles engine of comparable displacement. to the South African market late in 2012.

This, combined with an advanced fuelBased in the USA, Autocar designed injection system and the patented its first African product at its design variable geometry turbo (VGT), results centre and South African headquarters in superior performance over South in Cape Town after identifying a gap in Billet points out that manual labour is another Africa's unique terrain and weather the local market, notes Autocar vice conditions," said Cummins SA Heavy factor that Autocar SA had to take into Autocar vice president for consideration when modifying the Xpeditor international business president for international business Duty OEM Relationship Manager for the local waste collection vehicle market development, Ryan Billet development, Ryan Billet.

Janean Davies.

"We have employed more than 40 South The Autocar Xpeditor range of severe duty What's more, Davies highlights the fact African engineers in order to ensure that trucks for South Africa is exclusively powered that the VGT constantly adjusts airflow we are able to custom build the Xpeditor

by ISM model diesel engines that are based on engine load, fuel quality, ambient to handle unique local operating manufactured by Cummins - a global leader pressure and temperature conditions, conditions, without compromising on the in the manufacture, sales and servicing of thereby ensuring reduced turbo lag, traditional strength and reliability of the diesel engines and related technology. Billet improved transient response and increased range," Billet explained. states that this was an obvious choice due to vehicle performance. ■

50

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

S09 ATR March 2013 Solutions_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:24 Page 51

Diamonds

MINING

Critical power for fast-track project Electrical equipment installation at opencast diamond mining operation in Botswana, to support maintenance and efficient resource allocation

T

he Zest WEG Group recently commissioned a range of equipment at Boteti Mining’s AK06 opencast diamond mining project in Botswana in record time, in execution of a contract awarded by EPCM contractor DRA. The electrical equipment was supplied in the form of a group package solution and was completed six weeks ahead of schedule on this fast-track diamond mining project located near the Orapa and Letlhakane mines.

Boteti Mining is 100 per cent owned by Lucara Diamond Corp, a Canadian company.

Lucara's US$130mn Boteti AK06 project has seen the construction of a 2.5 Mtpa processing plant that will be upgraded to 4 Mtpa after four years.

“The integrated solutions we provided were custom designed for the project and our teams were closely involved in the application engineering process with DRA,” Zest WEG Group’s David Claassen said. “We harnessed the synergies between the technical products offered by the Zest WEG Group to craft a solution that guaranteed critical power to the plant at all times.”

Taking charge of operations The contract included the supply of a medium voltage (MV) mill package comprising a 4 MW 3.3 kV squirrel cage machine complete with phase shift transformer and 12 pulse MVW01 variable speed drive (VSD). Claassen comments that one of the main benefits of this application is the 99 per cent efficiency on the VSD achieved by using high voltage IGBTs. The VSD technology is also very reliable and uses long life components. In addition, the userfriendly VSD technology allows for programming and operation by staff with normal electrical qualifications. Specialised knowledge is not a prerequisite. WEG also designed the system for ease of maintenance, since plant downtime is critical. A key design factor is the power arms, which are easily

The fully autogenous grinding mill at Boteti powered by a WEG solution comprising a 4 000 kW 3.3 kV motor, a MVW01 VSD and phase shift transformer

removed and replaceable within five minutes.

WEG has developed a frozen charge protection specific to mill applications, where the torque and angular rotation of the mill is monitored, allowing for the detection of frozen charges in the mill. In this event, the mill trips and alerts the operator before any damage can occur.

“We delivered the entire mill package earlier than scheduled as a result of good project management, WEG, our Group’s holding company, also cleared manufacturing capacity to ensure the units were completed in good time,” commented Claassen.

Application and use The greater contract included supply of nine miniature substations incorporating Lucy Ring Main Units (RMUs), which are solely distributed by the Zest WEG Group.

The mini-subs range from 200 to 1250 kVA, with voltages of 11 kV/550/420 VAC. Four fully extensible Lucy RMUs were also supplied as stand-alone outdoor units. The Lucy Sabre range comes standard in an IP54

configuration and is a very robust unit suitable for mining applications and outdoor use.

“Mini-subs have not been a part of our traditional scope of supply, but they were suitable in this application, owing to their synergy with the Lucy RMUs, the interchangeability of spare parts between the RMUs and the commonality of relays and programmes,” Claassen said.

The Zest WEG Group also supplied all low voltage (LV) electric motors and VSDs. All free-standing VSD panels were application designed, built, tested and commissioned by the Zest WEG Group, which also undertook and guaranteed the heating and ventilation calculations critical for the long term operational requirements. The LV motors were the latest generation three phase W22 IE2 units, which conform to the efficiency specification IEC 600343-30. As standard, these motors are IE2, IP66 with Class H installation. As with the MV drives, interfacing of the LV VSDs was achieved using DeviceNet. ■

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

51

S09 ATR March 2013 Solutions_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:24 Page 52

MINING

Training

Managing mineral skills T

he African Mineral Skills Initiative (AMSI), which was announced at the recentlyheld Eighth African Development Forum, offers concrete support towards the implementation of the Africa Mining Vision, an initiative supported by the gold mining company AngloGold Ashanti and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Speaking at the Forum , Richard Duffy (Executive Vice President for Africa at AngloGold Ashanti) emphasised the importance of the African Mining Vision as a clear and precise document that has brought a renewed energy and focus to the vital role that mining and minerals can play in helping Africa achieve its development goals.

“The mining sector in Africa is booming – and it needs skills,” said Duffy, “But the continent’s educational institutions are not currently in a position to meet this growing demand for a broad range of skills.

"To meet the needs of governments which need to regulate the mining sector, civil

52

‘Mineral skills’ have been defined quite narrowly – generally as being engineering and geology related - but, as Africa moves into the future, the skills equired to deal effectively with an increasingly complex world extend far beyond only engineering and geology” society which needs to offer an independent view of the sector, and the private sector which needs to grow and improve – a drastic increase in the number of Africans with skills in the mining sector is needed."

The power to strengthen a sector Antonio Pedro, Director, ECA Eastern African Subregional office, observed that the skills initiative is a welcome development as partnerships are needed between policy oriented institutions and civil society, including the private sector, to strengthen

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

the human and institutional capacities in the African minerals sector.

"Creating these capacities would strengthen Africa's bargaining power, and this is something the Africa Minerals Development Centre, to be established by the African Union Commission, ECA and the African Development Bank would aim to see up-scaled," he said.

According to Pedro, "Moving up the minerals value chain is key to growing economies that are inclusive and creating the requisite transformation that can address current vulnerabilities." ■

S09 ATR March 2013 Solutions_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:24 Page 53

SOLUTIONS

Industry VAMCOSA backs pumps, valves and pipes show

A

manufacturers’ association is supporting Pumps, Valves and Pipes Africa (PVPA 2013), one of 10 component expos at the SA Industry and Technology Fair 2013 (INDUTEC).

The Valve and Actuator Manufacturers’ Cluster of South Africa (VAMCOSA) will exhibit en masse at INDUTEC in May, showcasing some of South Africa’s manufacturing prowess to businesses around the world. VAMCOSA promotes growth in SA’s valve and actuator manufacturing industry.

“Local valve manufacturing in South Africa has declined by 60 per cent since 1994,” says Ross Hunter at VAMCOSA. www.exhibitionsafrica.com

Motor control technology that enhances energy efficiency ABB offers the ‘allcompatible’ ACS880-01 drive and an energy-efficient synchronous reluctance motor (SRM) and drive package. The ACS880-01 wall-mounted drives from the new industrial drive series simplify the customer’s business because they are all-compatible and are designed to meet the requirements set by different users, processes, businesses and environmental goals. www.abb.com

ABB’s premier motor control technology precisely controls various motors, from AC induction to permanent magnet motors

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

53

S09 ATR March 2013 Solutions_Layout 1 19/02/2013 15:45 Page 54

EQUIPMENT/ CLASSIFIED

A media converter for South African markets Since its introduction to market, the locally designed and manufactured IS certified USB to RS485 media converter has rapidly gained popularity. Jaco du Plessis, of Booyco Electronics who developed the unit for general use on the South African market, says that the IS Converter complements the company’s existing range of IS products and is available on an “off the shelf” basis, or as part of a comprehensive installation.

The USB to RS485 media converter is certified IS for associated apparatus category ‘ia’ Group I / IIC for a T4 temperature class. Du Plessis says this means when the unit is installed outside a hazardous area, it is now possible to communicate directly to IS serial devices installed in hazardous areas without the unit having to be in an explosion-proof enclosure.

“Only when the unit is installed in a hazardous area must it be contained in such an enclosure. There is no need for external serial isolators or barriers, or even additional IS power supply units,” he added.

The unit is powered directly from the USB port on a PC. The serial communication is able to operate up to distances of 1200 metres (cable dependant). Easy-to-understand LEDs indicate the power status and TX/RX transmission on the serial communication lines, clearly indicating if there is communication on the line.

All Booyco Electronics IS products are certified by an independent Certified Testing Laboratory endorsed by SANAS, in compliance with national IS standards and have batch approval certificates.

The Booyco IS certified USB to RS485 converter is readily available from Booyco Electronics.

www.booyco-electronics.co.za

Subscription Form

Advertiser’s Index

I wish to subscribe to AFRICAN REVIEW OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY for 1 year (11 issues) starting with the next copy.

Europe a 107, Kenya Ksh 2400, Nigeria N4400, South Africa R299, United Kingdom £73, USA $140

Ajman Free Zone Authority ..15

Iveco S.p.A ....................................21

Allot Nigeria Ltd. ........................19

Ke Concepts ................................53

Arik Air International Ltd. ......11

Kohler Power Systems ............34

Enclosed is my cheque/draft ❑ Please send us the invoice ❑ Please debit my: Amex ❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard ❑

Bomag GmbH and Company

Mantrac Egypt ............................33

Card number:

OHG ................................................46

Metalgalante-Carmix ..............47

Expiry date: Security Code: (Please note that we will debit your account in sterling).

Doosan Infracore..........................7

New Terex Holding (UK) Ltd. 43

Eko Hotel and Suites ..................9

Prime Electric Ltd.......................25

Emirates ..........................................2

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers........13

oooooooooooooooo oo/oo ooo

Name ..............................................................................................Position..........................................................

Organisation ..........................................................................................................................................................

Telephone............................................................Fax ............................................................................................

Address..................................................................................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................................................................................................

Ethiopian Airlines Enterprise 55

SDMO Industries........................56

Exhibition Management

SMS Siemag AG..........................39

Services (EMS) ............................12

Surveillant Fire ..........................29

Fiori SPA ........................................49

Volvo Construction

Country .........................................................................Signed ............................................................................

Email:

Subscription order can also be placed via the web: www.alaincharles.com or email at circulation@alaincharles.com

YOUR JOB TITLE/FUNCTION 01

Gedore Tools SA (Pty) Ltd. ......17 Genmac S.r.l. ................................31

Equipment AB ..............................5 Vortex Hydra ..............................48

Gorman Rupp Company ........36

Wavesight Ltd. ............................28

Guardia Systems ........................27

Zamil Steel Buildings Co. -

IronPlanet ....................................41

Egypt ..............................................52

................................................................................................Date .............................................................

Send this subscription form by airmail together with cheque payable to: Alain Charles Publishing Ltd, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place London, SW1W 0EX, UK

02 03 04 05

Corporate Management Government Municipal, Public Services Executives General Management Technical Management Others, Please specify ......................................................................

YOUR BUSINESS 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 10 16

54

African Review of Business and Technology - March 2013

Government/Public/Diplomatic Services Infrastructure Educational/Research Institutes Industry/Manufacturing Agricultural & Agro Industries Commercial Services Building/Construction/Mining Import/Export Agents, Distributors Commercial Transport Others, Please specify ............................................................................

S09 ATR March 2013 Solutions_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:24 Page 55

IMPECCABLE SERVICE ON OUR CLOUD NINE.

www.ethiopianairlines.com

S09 ATR March 2013 Solutions_Layout 1 19/02/2013 14:24 Page 56

The proactive proactiv ve engineering engineer eng ing for applications for o speciďŹ c sp REEACTIVITY ACTIVITY, C CREATIVITY REATIVITY, A ADAPTABILITY DAPTABILITY ‌ Does yyour our need in ener energy gy im impose pose the the respect respect of precise precise and speciďŹ c proposes you you the sstandards? tandards? The The SDMO SDMO engineering engineering department department proposes the P ffer e :Y our ttailor-made o ailorr--made made pr oject! TTelecommunications, elecommunications elecommunications, e Power ower Solutions of offer: Your project! milit arry ins tallations, standby standb by genset genset for fo or hospitals, hospitals, power power plants for fo or military installations, e xtreme conditions conditions sites, zone‌ sites, ATEX ATEX zone‌ extreme The most worldwide wor o ldwide audacious inst allations realized realized b y installations by he p S DMO are are tthe roof o echnologic e xperience, g uarantee SDMO proof off a ttechnologic experience, guarantee of y o our success. your

1PXFS 4PMVUJPOT 1PXFS 4PMVUJPOT 55IF UBJMPS NBEF QPXFS IF UBJMPS NBEF QPXFS

Energy Ener nerrggy Solutions Pr Provider roovider SDMO Algeria - SDMO South South Africa - SDMO MO Togo Togo o - SDMO Nigeria www.sdmo.com www.sdmo.com

www.sdmo.com TTel. e el. + +33 (0)2 98 41 41 41 41 41 41 - Fax Fax +33 (0)298 4 41 1 63 0 07 7 Industries tries - 12 12 bis rue rue de la villeneuve villeneuve CS 92 848 848 SDMO Indus 29 228 Br Brest est Cedex Cedex 2 - France France