Arc. Namadi Sambo, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria speaks at CNIC
CNIC: Largest Nigerian Delegation to Canada
CCAFRICA WORKING WITH YOU SINCE 2002
NED GOODMAN PRESIDENT AND CEO OF DUNDEE CORPORATION
AUGUST 2013, ISSUE 4
ARC MOHAMMED NAMADI SAMBO
VICE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA
HAJIA BOLA SHAGAYA
CEO OF PRACT OIL LTD.
CANADA ATTRACTS KEY
DECISION MAKERS AUGUST 2013
VIEW INTERACTIVE ONLINE VERSION AT WWW.THERISINGAFRICA.CA
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IN THIS ISSUE OF The Canadian Council on Africa Magazine, Summer 2013, Issue 4
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Moving Forward with Light Rail and Energy Infrastructure in Nigeria
“Trade, not Aid” Is Shaping the new Africa.
Electricity Restructuring in Canada and the Role of its Bulk Trader: Potential Lessons for Nigeria?
The Trade Finance Bank for Africa
Rewards Could Out Weigh Risks in the Nigerian Market: CNIC 2013
Editorial: We Must Succeed
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4
New Tunisian Ambassador to Canada
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New Canadian Ambassadors in Africa
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Dessau - Canadian Expertise in Africa
Page 12
CIM - Canadian Mining Communities Hold Valuable Lessons for Africa
Page 17
SNC Lavalin - A Partner of Choice for Africa
Page 18
Canary Islands: Potential Role in Canada-Africa Business Relations
Page 23
TruQuest Global - It’s Time to Invest in Africa
Page 26
The Udemba Group launched the first phase of TREND MEDIA CITY
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Atlas Partenaires - The Challenges of Good Governance in Africa
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African Women Trade and Investment Conference Successful Step on Journey to the First Ever Pan African Summit and Trade Expo for Women Exporters
Page 42
Gendered Nation Building: Rwanda
Page 46
African Women: Essential Partners in Economic Development
Page 48
Events Missions and Seminars
Page 53
Member News
Page 64
Resource Guide
Page 68
CCAfrica Members List
Page 73
CONNECT WITH US USING SOCIAL MEDIA
Copyright 2013 CCAfrica All rights to the pictures and articles within belong to CCAfrica and its members.
Editorial: We Must Succeed
T
he new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development is now a reality. The challenge to make this a success starts now. The decision to create this new department had been discussed and commented upon at many levels. The verdict was mixed, but many believe that this is a good decision and that the time had come for such an action. There were too many real or perceived disconnects on decisions taken by the former organisations. Canada was criticized, in the last few years, by many Canadians and by both countries from the developed world and many developing nations. For others, foreign policy and trade should be kept separate from our foreign aid agenda. The most frequently expressed concern was that the former would have precedence and the latter would become a secondary interest in the New
new department. Consequently, the speculation that the creation of this new department would penalize the developing nations has concerned many deeply. Are there any guarantees that this will not happen? There are not, but the legislation is quite clear that our ODA actions and policies will be responsive to the poverty reduction and humanitarian aids objectives. In addition to these objectives, the new department will be equipped to develop strategic approaches in dealing with the ever- increasing complex issues of foreign relations, trade and development in the current world scene. The decision not to choose a continent as a priority is a good step. We have always been concerned by the perception of an expressed preference by the Government for one continent versus others. One may chose a region or a country of focus for a specific program or a particular strategy, but ‘a continent’ sends the wrong signal. There are two other important decisions concerning the organization worth mentioning here. For one, under the new structure, Asia, Africa and Americas will be headed by Assistant Deputy Ministers (Geographic ADMs). Each ADM will also have the responsibility to develop strategies, policies and initiatives in foreign affairs, trade and development.
Tunisian Ambassador Canada to
His Excellency Riadh Essid, Minister Plenipotentiary
Mr. Riadh ESSID was appointed as the new Ambassador of Tunisia to Canada in October 2012. Holding a Master of Translation in Arabic, English and Spanish from the Institut Bourguiba des Langues Vivantes, Mr. Essid has held various positions within the Tunisian Foreign Affairs department that brought him to work with Asia, Africa, Arab countries and the Americas. He was promoted as a Minister Plenipotentiary in March 2011, and then was appointed as Diplomatic Counsellor of the Acting President of the Tunisian Republic Mr. Fouad Mebazaa, following the 14 January 2011 Revolution, before coming to Canada to endorse his role as the Ambassador of Tunisia. 4 | T HE R I SI N G A F R I CA
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This approach means that current resources in these 3 sectors will be under the responsibility of the ADM of the specific region. For many employees this will be a major shift. The cultural transformation will be essential to help everyone understand the new context. In the past, I have seen unfortunate situations where organisations and their employees consider themselves as superior and more important than their new colleagues. This is a recipe for failure, or at least for making the exercise much more difficult, and reduces the chances of success in the short and medium term. A final point, the sooner these decisions are taken and communicated, the better it will be. The Canadian Council on Africa has publicly supported the creation of this new department. Many others have done the same. Reengineering organisations that have been in place for decades requires collaboration and understanding from all parties. CCAfrica offers this collaboration because if the new Department succeeds, Canada will gain on the world scene and Africa will be in a better position to increase and reinforce its relations with Canada. Lucien Bradet President and CEO
New
Canadian Ambassadors
in
Africa
Philippe Beaulne becomes Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal Philippe Beaulne (BSc [Political Science], University of Ottawa, 1979; MA [International Relations], University of Ottawa, 1981; Diploma of Business Administration, University of Ottawa, 1989) joined the Department of External Affairs in 1982. Mr. Beaulne worked in Ottawa on Central and Latin American Affairs and in Middle East Affairs, as deputy director for the West and Central Africa Division, and as director for Francophonie Affairs. Mr. Beaulne served abroad in Port-au-Prince (twice), Paris and Dakar. He was ambassador to Guinea and high commissioner in Sierra Leone from 2001 to 2005. Most recently, Mr. Beaulne was ambassador to Romania, with concurrent accreditation to Bulgaria and Moldova. In 2010, he was also appointed personal representative of the prime minister for La Francophonie. He is married to Élizabeth Hilaire Beaulne and they have four children. Mr. Beaulne replaces Perry John Calderwood.
Shawn Barber becomes High Commissioner in the Republic of Mozambique Shawn Barber (BA [Economics], McGill University, 1982; MBA, University of Ottawa, 2006) joined External Affairs and International Trade Canada in 1989. In Ottawa, he has held assignments in several divisions, including Resource and Commodity Trade Policy, Environment, Non-Proliferation and Arms Control, European Union, and Middle East Relations. Mr. Barber was also deputy director for U.S. relations; director of the Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force—during which time, in 2008, he served as acting political director of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar, Afghanistan—and director of parliamentary affairs in the Corporate Secretariat. Mr. Barber has served abroad in Harare, Tel Aviv and Pristina, Kosovo, where he was head of the Canadian Office from 1999 to 2003. Most recently, Mr. Barber was director of the Global Partnership Program. He is married to Valerie Percival, and they have two sons, Owen and Theo. Mr. Barber replaces Alain Latulippe.
Perry Calderwood becomes High Commissioner in the Federal Republic of
Nigeria and Permanent Observer to the Economic Community of West African States
Perry Calderwood (BA Honours [Soviet and East European Studies], Carleton University, 1983; MA [International Affairs], Carleton University, 1986; ARCT, Royal Conservatory of Music of the University of Toronto) joined the Department of External Affairs in 1986. In Ottawa, Mr. Calderwood has held assignments as a desk officer covering South America relations and UN nuclear affairs. Later, he served as deputy director of the UN and Commonwealth Affairs Division and as director of the Eastern and Southern Africa Division. He was also the deputy to the prime minister’s personal representative for Africa. Abroad, Mr. Calderwood has served in New York City, Bogotá, Moscow, Buenos Aires and Pretoria. He also served as ambassador to Venezuela from 2007 to 2010. He also has concurrent accreditation as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
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Photo taken at CNIC 2013
May 2nd to 4th at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Ontario Left to Right:
Arc. Musa Mohammed Sada, Minister of Mines and Development Arc. Namadi Sambo, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Peter Kieran, President of CPCS Simon Kennedy, Deputy Minister of International Trade, Foreign Affairs Trade and Development Canada 6 | T HE R I SI N G A F R I CA
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Moving Forward with Light Rail and Energy Infrastructure in Nigeria was pleased to have been part of the Canada-Nigeria Investment Conference in Toronto, Ontario from May 2-4, 2013. The Conference brought together more than 600 participants from public and private sectors, including government officials of the two countries. The conference served as a significant event for the development and reinforcement of strong and amiable CanadianNigerian relations. CPCS, which provides advisory services to public and private sector clients in key infrastructure sectors, was an active participator and key player throughout the conference. Mr. Peter Kieran, President and CEO of CPCS, was able to share some of the company’s success stories from Nigeria and promote the company’s recent projects in the region including the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies and the transaction advisory/owner’s engineer of the Lagos Blue Line light rail transit system.
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Power Holding Company Nigeria (PHCN) Privatization
of
As industry leaders of energy sector development and reform, CPCS provides clients with substantial experience in identifying, planning and implementing strategies for power infrastructure development, with the objective of expanding and improving services. CPCS has been at the forefront of utilities and infrastructure development and reform over the last twenty years by assisting both private and public sector clients with responses to changing markets and the evolving needs of developing economies. Currently, CPCS is acting as the lead transaction adviser for the privatization of Nigeria’s generation and distribution companies created out of the national power utility. Nigeria is in the process of handing over control of state electricity assets to 15 private bidding companies. Along with the ratification of these deals in February, 2013, the Nigerian government has inaugurated transitional committees between purchasers, government, and the utility companies for sale in order to prepare purchasers for takeover. CPCS is proud to be associated with this major initiative that is focused
on providing all Nigerians with access to affordable and reliable power supply. CPCS received and evaluated a total of seventy-nine proposals for the purchase of five Power Generation Companies and eleven Power Distribution Companies created out of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria. One Generation Company and one Distribution Company did not receive any offers that meet the Technical Qualifications threshold set by CPCS (these two companies were retendered in a second transaction). The top financial offers for the five Generation Companies that received technically qualified bidders, whose combined installed capacity is over 3500 MW, will yield over USD $1 billion in upfront proceeds for the Federal Government of Nigeria. The proposals for the Power Distribution Companies, the price of which was set by the Federal Government, will yield around USD $1.25 billion for the 60% interest in the ten Power Distribution Companies considered that received offers from technically qualified bidders. Highly qualified bidders from all over the world have participated in the PHCN Successor Company transaction which has been hailed as the largest power sector transaction in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Instead of a traditional financial offer, the bidding parameter for the Power Distribution Companies of Nigeria was based on the reduction of Technical and Non-Technical Losses. Bidders have proposed to reduce aggregate distribution losses from an estimated 40% (or greater) to between 15% and 10%, depending on the company, over the course of the next five years. If achieved, this would result in: the reduction of end user tariffs, an increase in power available to consumers, and increases in efficiency and liquidity of the power sector of Nigeria. In addition to aiding the Federal Government of Nigeria on the successful handover of the 15 companies being sold, CPCS is currently advising the government on the Re-Bid for privatisation of the remaining two PHCN companies, one generation company and one distribution company, that did not receive technically qualified bids during the initial round. In all, 20 proposals were received by the Federal Government on April 16, 2013 for these two companies. CPCS is also involved in assisting the government in the evaluation of these proposals.
Lagos Blue Line Light Rail Transit System Building on its extensive experience in private sector participation in infrastructure, CPCS identifies, plans and implements strategies and projects that meet public objectives while ensuring bankable opportunities for investors and operators. Lagos is unique in the list of the world’s Mega-Cities (population over 15 million) in that it has no rail mass transit system. This project will be the first of several to install a world-class rail-based mass transit system in the city. It will complement and build on other urban transit initiatives, including Bus Rapid Transit initiatives and the ferry system. Once completed, the Blue Line will be the one of the first Urban Light Rail system in Sub Saharan Africa. CPCS was retained by the Lagos
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State Government agency LAMATA (Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority) to provide transaction advisory as well as conceptual design services for this proposed urban rail mass transit line. The objective was to create a plan that meets the highest international standards of technical excellence, will harnesses the energy and efficiency of the private sector and has broad social and political acceptance. In addition to conceptual design, CPCS undertook a risk analysis and examined various PPP implementations to be considered for the Blue Line. Rail projects, and in particular passenger rail projects, are capital intensive and require large amounts of upfront investment. Preliminary analysis clearly showed that the capital investment for all fixed infrastructure would not be borne by private investment. As such, the project was structured in a manner that required infrastructure investment by both the Government and the private sector. A demand study carried out for the Blue Line demonstrated what
anyone who had ever driven in Lagos before already knew – there are a lot of people traveling throughout the city at all hours of the day. This was a critical finding because it was still undetermined who would take revenue risk on the project. Given the major financial commitment to be undertaken by the government in building the fixed infrastructure, it was preferable for the revenue risk to be allocated to the operator. One of the other key findings of the demand study was that Lagosians
were spending a staggering amount of time transiting throughout the city. This did not go unnoticed by the project team, who often experienced that a round-trip drive from National Theatre to Okokomaiko, at any time during business hours, would take between three and five hours. A segregated rail mass transit system would cut this to less than thirty minutes, regardless of the time of day. The Blue Line rail system will run from Okokomaiko to Marina,
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a distance of approximately 27km. The Right-of-Way for 28km of the line will be shared with the new Badagry Expressway, a six-lane expressway serving as the spine of the corridor between Lagos and Badagry, 62 km to the east. The Badagry Expressway ends at Eric Moore, but the rail transit line will extend to Iddo, then across the Lagoon to Lagos Island on a new 1km bridge. The Blue Line will terminate at Marina. CPCS used its proprietary rail financial model to analyze the financial returns of the project against the economy of Nigeria and Lagos State, as well as analyzing the project from the point of view of the likely bidders for the operating concession. Due to the high demand for service and the high price that users are presently paying for very poor quality transportation, the projected financial return to the concessionaire exceeds the minimum target and suggests a positive concession fee payable to the Lagos State Government. CPCS assisted LAMATA in shortlisting from EOIs, tendering and selection of contractors/ operators and will also assist with negotiation with the successful bidders. In 2009, LAMATA published advertisements for the tender
of contract for the design and construction of the railway fixed infrastructure. At the same time, they advertised for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the railway operations and maintenance (OM) concession. LAMATA announced in early 2010 that Eko Rail was the preferred operations and maintenance Concessionaire, while City Metroline was the reserved bidder following a competitive bid process. LAMATA and Eko Rail are currently in negotiations. CPCS
continues to offer transaction advice to LAMATA as the transport authority negotiates with various stakeholders. CPCS is proud of its work and involvement with these successful Nigerian infrastructure projects. CPCS looks forward to continuing its strong relationship with Nigerian governments by using PPP as a vehicle to provide the Nigerian people with modern, affordable, reliable and sustainable infrastructure.
VISIT WWW.CPCS.CA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CPCS, THEIR SERVICES AND PROJECTS 1 0 | T HE R I SI N G A F R I CA
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Nigeria Power Transactions Nigeria Power Transactions
Lagos Metropolitan Blue Line
Nigeria Port Transaction
Lagos Metropolitan Blue Line
CPCS is a global consulting firm that full range offirm CPCS is aprovides global aconsulting advisory services that provides a fullacross rangea of completeadvisory spectrumservices of transport, across a energy and urban development complete spectrum of transport, sectors.and Withurban officesdevelopment in Lagos, energy Abuja and CPCS is sectors. WithCalabar, offices in Lagos, workingand to unlock Nigeria’s Abuja Calabar, CPCS is productive capacity and working to unlock Nigeria’s continues to produce results productive capacityasand well as measurable value-added. continues to produce results as well as measurable value-added.
www.cpcs.ca www.cpcs.ca
Nigeria Port Transaction
33 47 47
offices in Nigeria
offices in Nigeria
projects projects
$3$3Billion Billion investment generated investment generated
Canadian Expertise in Africa: Contributing to Engineering and Infrastructure Developement
Grande Mosquee Interview by: Sophie St-Laurent
Jean-François Leroux Vice president Planning & Management – Strategic Development Branch, Dessau
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olding a Master degree in Management from Montreal’s HEC, Mr. Leroux contributes to the elaboration of Dessau’s growth strategy and commercialisation of engineering and construction services in the international market. His management and new markets strategic development skills have allowed Dessau to increase its presence and success 1 2 | T HE R I SI N G A F R I CA
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in international markets. He agreed to share Dessau’s experience on the African market with The Rising Africa. How did the company start developing interests in the African market? It is in the 1970’s, in Sub-Saharan Africa, that Dessau initiated its first project at an international level, choosing Africa for two major projects: construction of Zaïre’s (today’s DRC) 700 km national road including 16 bridges, as well as Douala’s port extension in Cameroon, a project that necessitated the construction of docks, storage areas, roads and railways. At the beginning of the 2000’s, Dessau consolidated its presence in Africa by creating an affiliated office, Dessau Maghreb. Thus, it centralized Dessau’s activities in the North African region. Within a few years, Dessau imposed itself as an infrastructure leader in Algeria. Today, the firm employs more than 5,000 employees, including 100 working in its Algiers office; among them, 80% are local staff. You were one of the main
sponsors for the Montreal Infrastructure Conference, held in March 2013. Why was it of interest for Dessau to get involved in this event? Infrastructure is a market in which Dessau has been developing a solid expertise, and this is why this conference was very important the company. Moreover, with the increasingly fast growth of the African continent, the need and demand for transport infrastructure, energy and wastewater treatment have been considerably increasing. Dessau has been collaborating with CCAfrica since its creation in 2002. Why is this partnership important for Dessau? The presence of an organisation such as CCAfrica, which contributes to regional economic development, facilitates Dessau’s trade between Africa and Canada, contributes to the development of business relationships and partnerships, and allows a better understanding of the African market. Since 2002, the collaboration with CCAfrica has resulted in Dessau’s participation to trade missions and pertinent
Tebessa Line
meetings with high profile key decision makers. Dessau’s investments in Africa are increasingly significant. Why do you invest in Africa compared to another continent? Africa is a constantly growing continent with multiple needs in infrastructures, transport, energy, water, and construction. In addition, many African countries such as Algeria, Ghana, Cameroon and Chad demonstrate a real openness to Canadian engineering and construction expertise. Dessau has been getting more involved in Algeria in the past years. Could you dress a slightly more specific portrait of the actual Algerian infrastructure and engineering market? Africa has important needs regarding the infrastructure sector. Billions of dollars will be invested in this sector in the coming years. To penetrate these markets, Quebec firms have assets that play in their favor: they have the ability to provide innovative solutions, they can easily adapt to new contexts and are open-minded, promoting exchange and learning.
This is exactly what we are doing in Algeria, which enables us to continue our development in other African countries. Which role is being endorsed by the public sector in Algeria? The Algerian public sector is the main work provider for our company. Projects such as the 165 km railway connecting Ain M’Lila and Tébessa, Algiers subway and road construction works are good examples of the public sector’s implication in the infrastructure development of Algeria. Projects in which Dessau is involved in Algeria are large scale projects. Do these projects reflect the actual Algerian market, or are they exceptions to the rule? Our current and completed projects were all started in response to the country’s specific demand and will to invest in Africa. Indeed, according to Algeria’s 2009-2014 five-year plan, $150 billion will be spent on public works. Dessau is currently working on the construction of the EastWest highway in Algeria which will, once completed, become part of the Trans-Maghreb highway,
linking all five North African nations. Could you tell us a little more about this large scale project? Spanning 1,200 km, this sixlane highway includes five tunnels, 60 interchanges, and 390 civil engineering structures including 25 major viaducts, rest areas, truck stop service stations, and maintenance and operations control centres. In addition to preparing tender documents and validating studies, Dessau helped the client manage the project and supervise construction work. We also transferred work methods and tools to the client’s teams. Dessau exports its expertise abroad, but also relies on local expertise to share knowledge and innovate in the way we perform the work. Dessau is also involved in the construction of the Great Mosque of Algiers, which will run until 2015. What are the successes and challenges you have faced in this project so far? Since 2007, Dessau has been involved in project management assistance for the construction AUGUST 2013
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Autoroute East-West
Autoroute East-West
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of the Great Mosque of Algiers, a multifunctional space that brings together history, arts, scientific research, Islamic knowledge and spiritual contemplation. This Mosque has the tallest minaret in Algeria and can accommodate 120,000 devotees. The site also has a hotel, congress centers, gardens, shops and restaurants. Among the challenges we have faced are the integration of major constraints such as an important seismicity, the height of the building, high security level needed, sustainability of materials, modernity and authenticity of the concept. These two projects include social and environmental issues. What are Dessau’s policies on corporate social responsibility and how does it reflect in the two above-mentioned projects? Sustainable development is based on the search of a coherent and sustainable balance between economic, environmental and social aspects of our lifestyle and societal choices. At Dessau, this concept is important because our projects are designed for different communities and have a direct incidence on future generations. Together with our clients and partners, we deploy our expertise to improve the environmental, social and economic impacts of our projects. We have established a Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence, which allows us to offer our clients cutting-edge expertise in key areas to increase the sustainability of a project. In addition, as a major economic and social player, Dessau generates thousands of jobs, contributing to the improvement of the communities’ living conditions. We need to understand the issues affecting social acceptability of each project and discuss them with our clients, our partners and the community at a larger level. To this end, several guides have been prepared in order to mark out the treatment of records relating to environmental impact and noise studies, waste management, contaminated soil and water, re-vegetation, rehabilitation of work areas as well as environmental monitoring of the project, allowing an increased awareness of project stakeholders. What is the project Dessau is most proud of in the African continent? All our mandates are a source of pride. The objective of the infrastructure projects we carry out is to foster social and economic development, thus improving
the quality of the population’s life. Projects like the national road of Zaïre, the East-West Highway and the Great Mosque of Algiers have a particular significance, because they represent an important milestone in our development on the African continent. Is a future expansion into other African markets to be expected
for Dessau? There is a strong potential for development that we continue to explore through our expertise. Many African countries have demonstrated a growth rate among the strongest in the world, in addition to having a very favorable borrowing capacity. Furthermore, the political context of the
continent has greatly stabilized itself in recent years. Dessau has carried out projects in more than 50 countries in the past 40 years. Thus, we have the knowledge and experience required to pursue our growth. We wish to establish solid and sustainable business relations with several African countries. Grande Mosquee
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Canadian Mining Communities Hold Valuable Lessons for Africa Article by: Jean Vavrek, Executive Director, Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
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hether it is in rail, energy, IT or deepwater ports, Africa is in need of an enormous infrastructure investment – estimated at over $30 billion a year. The mining sector offers the best opportunity to accomplish rapid growth; mining projects are hotbeds of new infrastructure. But the only way that prosperity can be sustained in the long run is by building bona fide mining communities. Africa increases its chance of developing successful mining communities by looking at what has been accomplished in Canada. This country has a robust network of mining professionals who can help each other overcome challenges at home and abroad. For example, Sudbury, Quebec’s North Shore, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Saskatchewan, are just a few of the places where Canadians are thriving from the benefits that mining brings. In these regions, the industry has created vital networks of suppliers and mining companies, which offer jobs to people, money that flows into local businesses, and
higher standards for education. The infrastructure developed in Canada has been carefully planned to benefit not just one mining project, one time, but to be sustained for generations of mine workers. If prospective mining districts in Africa want these same kinds of benefits, it will be crucial for leaders to take a longer-term view, and this can be best accomplished by joining an association like CIM for support. We also have close ties to AUSIMM and SAIMM, and there is no shortage of resources between the three organizations. CIM is particularly well-situated to serve French-speaking Africa, where a number of projects are in the pipeline. Why is a network like CIM important? When CIM members need help solving problems, for example, they can look to their peers in our various technical societies and to the papers that have been written and archived in our technical paper library. Members receive CIM Magazine and CIM Journal, which are chock full of crucial ideas and resources.
But getting involved is the only way to truly experience the benefits of an institute like CIM. We sponsor a number of events in Africa, so there is a good chance that you will be able to find one in your region. Still, no one organization can do it all. That is why we also work closely with Canada’s trade commissioners, as well as supplier organizations like CAMESE, and across other sectors, working with organizations like CCAfrica, which are all tremendous resources. Many Canadian universities offer mining engineering and natural resource development programs, and CIM offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help with higher education. Done correctly, mining in Africa offers a fantastic opportunity to develop an infrastructure base on which other sectors can stand and economies can be built. By taking part in CIM and learning from the challenges and successes we have had in building Canadian mining communities, Africa increases its chances of success.
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A PARTNER OF CHOICE FOR
AFRICA
SNC
-Lavalin has a world-class reputation in consulting, design, engineering and construction of processing facilities for mining, including all infrastructure components required for remote project development. Our approach emphasizes project management and technological excellence, and outstanding ethics, quality, environmental, social acceptability and health & safety performance. SNC-Lavalin has developed a strong expertise in the empowerment of local resources, merging the local skills in a particular country with the expertise of a globally recognized TierOne company. This provides the client with an optimum business solution by combining stateof-the- art technology and project management systems with the maximum possible local knowhow. AUGUST 2013
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A Track Record of Contributions to African Industry
performance, while contributing to the enhancement of the skills of thousands of local trade workers.
SNC-Lavalin has been active in Africa since the early 1960s, completing more than 800 projects in 52 countries. This long history includes many worldclass contracts in the mining and metallurgy sector:
SNC-Lavalin and its joint venture partner were retained by AngloBase Namibia Ltd. to provide EPCM services for the state-of-the-art Skorpion zinc mine and refinery. Located in the remote Namib Desert, the project was undertaken successfully in conditions of extreme heat and high winds. A peak labour force of 2,500 was employed, and SNC-Lavalin was responsible for both training and housing them during the project.
Mozal Aluminum Project Mozambique SNC-Lavalin was retained by BHP Billiton to provide complete EPCM services for the 245,000tpy Mozal I aluminum smelter. Extensive education, prevention and treatment programs were set up at the project’s work camp, and a large-scale training program was created to teach valuable skills to thousands of local tradesmen. The successful completion of Mozal I—six months ahead of schedule and under budget—allowed SNCLavalin to win Mozal II, the second phase of the project to double the smelter’s capacity. The second phase also achieved excellent health & safety, cost and budgetary
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Skorpion Zinc Project Namibia
Simandou Iron Ore Project - Guinea and Liberia SNC-Lavalin was mandated by Rio Tinto to complete a social and environmental baseline study of the Simandou Project (an iron ore mine, a 690-km railway and a deepwater port) in the Republic of Guinea, to carry out the simplified social and environmental impact study of the early works of the project, and to perform a comparative analysis study (environmental and technicoeconomic) of project alternatives.
SNC-Lavalin completed a series of social and environmental studies to ensure that the design, construction and implementation of the project comply with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards and with Rio Tinto’s policies. SNC-Lavalin was also asked to support Vale in the development of the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea and Liberia. To limit the project’s impact on the way of life of local villagers, SNCLavalin completed a social and environmental baseline study and impact assessment for the project, including socio-economic surveys of 69 surrounding villages and hamlets.
Tonkolili Iron Ore Project Sierra Leone SNC-Lavalin has been providing specialized marine and materials handling expertise for the Tonkolili Iron Ore project since 2012. At the facility’s port, SNC-Lavalin helped the client engineer and construct a twin hopper iron ore rail car dumper building and outgoing conveyor series, each with a capacity of 6,000 t/h. SNC-Lavalin is now providing further expansion services at the
port for Phase 2 of the project.
Western Range DSO Iron Ore Project - Liberia SNC-Lavalin was awarded a contract by ArcelorMittal to provide EPCM services for the development of the Nimba Western Range iron ore project in Liberia. The Nimba iron ore deposit is located in the far northwest of Liberia, close to the border junction with Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire. The project included the development of an open-pit mine and ore processing plant with crushing and screening facilities, rehabilitation of an existing railway and port, renovation of township infrastructure and all necessary facilities, as well as roads and infrastructures required for the production of 4 Mtpy. Subsequent phases will expand production to 15 Mtpy and include the installation of a process plant.
Ambatovy Nickel Project – Madagascar SNC-Lavalin was awarded an EPCM contract for the 60,000-tpy Ambatovy nickel project, including a mandate to develop a sustainability model to maximize local benefits. One of the solutions SNC-Lavalin
came up with was the Local Resources Development Initiative (LRDITM). Over 6,000 locals were taught bricklaying, formwork, rebar bending, painting and welding, all while receiving instruction in health & safety, which created over 5,500 direct jobs. Hundreds of local businesses were assisted with tendering, work scheduling, and health, safety and environmental management. SNC-Lavalin also oversaw the implementation of environmental management and protection plans, including an extensive re-vegetation initiative and training for contractors.
Sangarédi Alumina Project – Guinea SNC-Lavalin’s involvement with the Sangarédi Alumina Refinery project began with a contract for an environmental and social impact assessment and a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). The company was subsequently asked to implement the RAP in compliance with the Equator Principles and IFC policies for two villages, as well as create a community development program for all 20 villages located within the mining concession. The project consists of an alumina processing
plant with a capacity of 3.2 Mtpy. In addition to the mine and the refinery, the project includes the construction of a cogeneration power plant to supply steam and electricity to the refinery, a rail terminal, a storage area for red mud, a dam to establish a water supply reservoir and a village for the refinery workers. The client, Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), also mandated SNC-Lavalin to design and develop an agriculture and livestock development scheme, as well as a mine reclamation plan for the project. The implementation of the mining complex and support facilities will result in the loss of land, pastures and plantations which will affect 20 villages in the area. This project mandate is currently underway as SNC-Lavalin has identified and quantified the effects of the implementation and operation of the mine, and recommended mitigation measures to compensate for the lost land and to improve revenues for farmers and ranchers in the area. Visit www.snclavalin.ca
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UN UNIVERS D’EXPÉRIENCE A WORLD OF EXPERIENCE
En affaires depuis 1911, SNC-Lavalin est une firme de calibre mondial qui dispose de bureaux permanents dans tout le Canada et dans plus de 40 autres pays. Nous fournissons une gamme complète de solutions techniques et apportons notre savoir-faire inégalé en de multiples disciplines d’ingénierie : des services de consultation et de conception aux mandats d’IAC/IAGC, en passant par le financement de projets, les ententes de concession à long terme et l’exploitation et l’entretien d’infrastructures. Au cours des 40 dernières années, nous avons réalisé plus de 800 projets en Afrique. Nous avons bâti notre réputation sur notre capacité et notre détermination à exécuter des projets de façon durable et sécuritaire, quelle qu’en soit la taille, et sur notre écoute attentive des clients que nous servons.
www.snclavalin.com
In business since 1911, SNC-Lavalin is a global service provider with permanent offices across Canada and in over 40 countries worldwide. We offer the full spectrum of technical expertise from engineering consulting and design services to full EPC/EPCM assignments, including project financing, long-term concession agreements, and the operation and maintenance of infrastructure assets. Over the past 40 years, we have completed some 800 projects in Africa. Our reputation is built on our seamless and sustainable execution of projects of all sizes, our commitment to health and safety, and a keen understanding of our clients’ various needs.
Canary Islands: Potential Role in Canada-Africa
Business Relations
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r. Nola Kianza, the founder of Canadian Council on Africa (CCAfrica) was recently invited by the Government of the Canary Islands, Spain, to explore possible partnerships between CCAfrica and Government of the Canary Islands in promotion of business linkages among Canada, Canary Islands and Africa. The Canary Islands region has been positioning itself as a natural Hub for business with West Africa and it would also like to invite Canadian companies to explore potential business opportunities there. During his visit Mr. Kianza met with senior government officials, private sector leaders and business associations. He also visited main infrastructures such as ports, airports, hospitals, private clinics, universities, and regional airline companies. In addition Mr. Kianza met with other organizations with similar interests such as CASA Africa and the European Business Council for Africa and the Mediterranean. The purpose of these visits was to allow Mr. Kianza to see what the Canary Islands has to offer to Canadian companies establishing their
headquarters in the region. The government officials underscored three advantages of establishing businesses in the Canary Islands. First, they emphasised the fact that the Canary Islands is strategically located about 100 kilometres from West Coast of Africa, in the enclave between three continents: Europe, Africa and America. Mr. Pablo Martin Carbajal, Executive Director, African Affairs, Government of the Canary Islands, indicated that they also have strong trading institutional links with West Africa. Second, the Canary Islands boasts a sound network of infrastructure. Its ports and airports are efficient and well developed, allowing effective international trade relations. Its education sector is similar to the Canadian system, with vocational training centers and universities offering high academic standards that could provide training for local employees instead of having them travel to Canada for their formations. Moreover, health services are, according to the Canary Islands government, equal to European standards as far as the quality is concerned. Third, the cost of living is lower in the Canary Islands than Europe; as a
member of the Euro Zone and the European Union (EU) the Canary Islands allows a company to settle there, benefiting from all European benefits at a lower cost but closer to Africa. Thus, the Canary Islands would be a perfect location for African headquarters of Canadian companies compared to usually most popular cities such as Paris and London. Kinross, a Canadian Mining company that has its African headquarter located in the Canary Islands, even says that its African regional office has been really cost effective. There were joint Press Conferences with Deputy Minister, Economic Development and Tourism and Executive Director Africa, Government of the Canary Islands to promote the role that can be played by the Canary Islands in linking Canada and Africa, and express their wish to reach out to other companies to come to the Islands and benefit from its location, infrastructure, and cost effectiveness. CCAfrica’s mandate is to promote economic development between Canada and Africa, and works in collaboration with other organizations around the world with similar interests. AUGUST 2013
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Christophe Gautier In Africa, natural resource assets are still sought after, but foreign investors are increasingly attracted to infrastructure and consumer sectors. The continent is home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies and offers the highest risk-adjusted returns on foreign direct investment among economies. Canada, Europe and the US, Africa’s traditional business partners, face fierce competition from emerging market investors, with China and India at the top.
“Trade, not aid” is shaping the new Africa.
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nvesting in Africa means adapting your strategy to the regional diversity. The onesize-fits-all approach is not to be pursued here. Africa is home to 54 sovereign states, with uneven development, numerous small markets, and varied practices and regulations. One approach recommended for your investment strategy is to segment Africa regionally and know the basics. 24 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA
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Africa’s average rate of growth bounced back from the economic recession to over 6%. The economy is entering a process of diversification. Mining and oil remain big businesses, but now there are two other major growth areas: infrastructure and the consumer market, with all the allied industries developing around both. Telecom, financial services, retail,
pharmaceuticals and cleantech are only some of the sectors on the rise. Thanks to the explosion of the cell phone, mobile banking has taken off: nearly 70% of Kenyan adults access financial services online, compared to less than 5% in 2006. A thriving middle class is growing: one recent estimate put its size at over a third of the total population, making it about the same size as China’s or India’s.
Compliance with the numerous and evolving regulatory and tax systems can be challenging. Think long-term rather than high short-term returns. Demonstrate long-term commitment. Africa has some of the world’s fastest growing economies and offers the highest riskadjusted returns on foreign direct investment among emerging economies. To succeed, investors must look beyond dazzling returns and one-off projects, and sign on as participating partners in Africa’s long-term growth and development. Invest in Africa’s growth and development by teaming up with local and global entrepreneurs.
Canada interested industry.
in
is the
mostly mining
According to Natural Resources Canada, 155 Canadian companies with “cumulative mining assets” totaling $31.6 billion were operating in 39 countries in Africa in 2011. Canada is most active in the continent’s eastern region, where companies have $13 billion in assets, followed by the west with $10 billion. The top five countries where Canada has money on the ground are Zambia ($6.3 billion), Mauritania ($4.7 billion), South Africa ($4.3 billion), Madagascar ($3.2 billion), and the Democratic Republic of Congo ($3 billion). Some of the major Canadian players
in Africa today are Allana Potash Corp., Barrick Gold Corp. (through its majority holding of African Barrick Gold), Endeavour Mining Corp., First Quantum Minerals Ltd., IAMGold Inc., Nevsun Resources Ltd., Platinum Group Metals, SEMAFO Inc., Sherritt International Corp., and Volta Resources Inc. Those are the big names, most of which are headquartered in Toronto. But there are also hundreds of Canadian “junior” companies prospecting for future mines in Africa. Nochane Rousseau, Partner and Mining Industry Leader for Quebec, declared: “It is the developed markets, such as Canada, that are home to the major stock exchanges where a majority of mining companies trade and where many of the industry’s investors reside. In contrast, the progression of emerging market economies will be the key determinant for the future of the industry. While China is significant, it is part of a bigger picture of rapidly emerging nations with vast populations. China is today’s story but other emerging market nations, such as Africa, will help to sustain demand for commodities over the longer term with increased urbanization. In 2009, of the Top 100 mining companies on the TSX-V only one company was primarily operating in Africa. Now there are nine companies primarily operating in
Africa. As unexplored land becomes increasingly scarce worldwide, the relatively unexplored areas of Africa continue to attract serious investors despite the associated risks.”
PwC in Africa: Increased investment to better service our clients Dennis Nally, Chairman of PwC International, declared: “Africa is an important frontier for economic growth. We believe the regional economy could double by 2020 to nearly US$3 trillion and we are getting a clear signal from our international clients that Africa is an increasingly important market for them.” In 2011, PwC, Africa’s leading professional services firm, undertook an ambitious growth strategy for the region. This includes a US$100 million investment in people and infrastructure, a focus on building an integrated advisory business, and plans to recruit 8,000 additional partners and staff over the next five years. PwC’s main motivation is to align ourselves with our clients’ strategies.
PwC Canada launches a new initiative: The Africa Desk Designed to assist Canadian companies doing business in Africa, including in francophone West African countries, the Africa Desk offers the simplicity of a single contact with a versatile group of bilingual professionals. They combine concrete experience in Africa; acute expertise in transactions, audit, advisory services and tax; and knowledge on growing industries in Africa. Belonging to the PwC network of offices around the world, the Africa Desk in Canada provides an easy and local contact of a trusted advisor for your strategies in Africa. For more information about PwC Africa Desk, please contact Christophe Gautier Telephone: 1+ 514 205 5279 Email: christophe.gautier@ca.pwc.com
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TruQuest Global Time to Invest in Africa It’s
Making business aspirations a realty is not an easy task in today’s complex and highly competitive international trade arena. TruQuest Global Inc., a business strategy firm based in Toronto helps clients to find the common language that leads to successful, long-term partnerships, opening new market opportunities and turning problems into win-win situations in international trade. In order to know more about its involvement in the African market, CCAfrica interviewed Oby Gold Agu, the C.E.O. of TruQuest Global Inc.
Barrister Oby Gold Agu Chief Executive Officer, TruQuest Global
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ow does TruQuest Global Inc. facilitate international trade undertakings? We identify business and investment opportunities in the sectors of interest to our clients 26 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA
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within various countries in Africa and work closely with them to take advantage of these opportunities. The sectors we focus our work on are mainly energy (including renewable energy), oil and gas, mining, infrastructure development, health,
Interview by: Rishanthi Pattiarachchi and agriculture. In order to help our clients, we work with a range of local and international partners. Our partner span includes investment funds, private companies, and private investors across the globe. Public-Private Partnerships
(PPPs) are increasingly seen as indispensable elements in todays’ economic development. In general, how do you describe the importance of PPPs? We consider PPPs as a very important tool for economic development. Getting the private sector involved in key sectors of the economy tends to have an allround positive effect in raising the standards of services provided, as well as ensuring faster turnaround times for projects because there is less dependency on the availability of public capital, and better allocating the risks associated with such projects. How do you see PPPs, particularly, in the economic development of Africa? I think PPPs have played and continue to play a significant role in the economic development of Africa. Typically, as a result of PPPs, private companies tend to become more competitive in their approach, and through their successes, they experience increased productivity and profits. Quite often, PPPs also signal increases in employment, particularly, for local people within the area where the projects take place. As a result, there is growth and development in the economy. Could you explain your motivations to obtain corporate membership of CCAfrica? CCAfrica is a great organization. I was and continue to be very impressed by the organization’s unwavering dedication to the economic development of Africa. My decision to obtain CCAfrica’s membership was mainly inspired by that. We are also active sponsors of major CCAfrica events. For example, we were the platinum sponsors of the recently concluded Canada - Nigeria Investment Conference, and were Principal Sponsors of the African Women Trade and Investment Opportunities Conference in May 2013. We are so excited about the great work the organzation is doing and understand the need to support this work financially. As a woman entrepreneur, how do you describe the increasing
participation of African women in business? It is great to see more and more women involved in business. The world is changing and many barriers that hindered the participation of women in business are being removed as perceptions have changed and are evolving. As a woman in business I am so proud to not only witness this change but also to be an agent of this change. Women have a lot to offer. Africa has proven the fact that African women are as capable as men to lead businesses. I am personally excited to see how African women entrepreneurs are so passionate about finding new business adventures not only in the African continent, but also in other countries like Canada. We need to help them to find more opportunities to flourish in the business world. If we help them, they will definitely change the future of the African continent. You deal with many entrepreneurs as a trade facilitator. Do you see an increasing trend from Canadian entrepreneurs who are eager to do businesses in Africa? Yes I do. Also, I think this
trend will only increase with the great facilitating services being carried out by organizations such as CCAfrica. I have seen trade conferences organized by CCAfrica provide an essential service to create a platform for increased trade relationships between Canada and Africa. As more and more Canadian entreprenuers embark upon business in Africa, this can only serve to benefit both the Canadian economy and the economies of the african countries they do business with. What is your advice for Canadian entrepreneurs who are enthusiastic about doing business in Africa? It has been said by many commentators that Sub-Saharan Africa is poised to be the world’s next greatest economic success story. It is undeniably a land of opportunity. So, I would definitely encourage Canadian entrepreneurs to actively explore opportunities to do business within the continent. It’s indeed the time to invest in Africa. I would also encourage them to take advantage of the great resources that such an organization as CCAfrica provides.
Senator Don Meredith with Barrister Oby Gold Agu at CNIC 2013
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The Udemba Group launched the first phase of
TREND MEDIA CITY in Nigeria a 3 billion US$ project building capacity and infrastructure
Eng. Uzo Udemba Chairman/CEO The Udemba Group
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rend Media City (TMC) is an infrastructure and human capital development project promoted by The Udemba Group, www.tugafrica.com, a leading Nigerian group involved in Engineering, Construction, Media and Entertainment, seeking to harvest local talents, build 28 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA
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infrastructure of the future in Africa to lure back talents in diaspora and raise entrepreneurs to begin a new era of wealth creation for the world from Africa through innovations, creativity and inventions in the digital media, arts and culture, science and technology, lifestyle and tourism which will shift emphasis away from the exploitation of mineral resources as a source of economic prosperity into innovation, invention and creativity. The up-market residential apartments and condos will set new
standards in design, construction, energy efficiency and luxury. The eco-friendly green and secure environment with renewable clean energy source and robot operated transportation system will become home to some of the most creative minds and intellectual capital. Tourists will be given tours of the indoors sets and post productions studios in the Film City. Also for the adventurous, excursions will be given in and around locations, where their favorite films were shot. If that isn’t enough, at the end of the day, they can relax and enjoy
exciting movies at the multiplex theater in the city’s entertainment zone. Commercial and restaurant space near the hotels will offer a relaxing shopper’s paradise for the day and when the sun goes down, an active nightlife will start. From its high rise luxury living, Trend Media City will be attracting successful international Africans and Friends of Africa, who have been in search of a place to call Home. Trend Media City is the global living place with international standard of living, which will be located in a spectacular “ecofriendly” property. It will become the hub for businesses in the creative industry that will leverage abundant natural resources, excellent weather, low wages and favorable government policies on the sector to deliver the highest returns on investment. It will become an important global destination for film making, major celebrity events, conventions and exhibitions, as well as a popular destination for conventions and exhibitions. Trend Media City will provide the best leisure activities for visitors from all around the world and derive benefit as a theme park economy, an international “green” tourism destination and a business park. It will be a city for media, entertainment and lifestyle, gathering a pool of world’s best talents in an ideal “live-work-play” environment in Africa. On Friday, August 2nd, The Udemba Group (TUG) announced the launch of the first phase of the Trend Media City project, beginning
with the African Film and TV Academy (AFTA), a multi-campus Film and Media education institute. AFTA is a joint venture between Trend Media City and Whistling Woods International – Institute for Film Fashion & Media from India. Although the Nigerian film industry is the second largest in the world in terms of volume of production, it is a high volume, low value industry. Two main reasons can explain this: Nollywood primarily caters to the domestic market - its reach outside of Nigeria and some parts of Africa is negligible - and its production lacks quality. Most Nigerian films go straight to DVD, hardly one or two percent get released in cinemas. Both these reasons are entwined. Unless there is demand for quality, there is no incentive to improve the quality and conversely, unless the market place for Nigerian films grows, there will not be a demand for quality. AFTA sets out to hone
and shape the abundant local talents in Africa and turn them into quality film producers and TV professionals. These professionals will in turn raise the quality of the industry, both creatively and technically, and ensure that it achieves critical and financial success. The well-educated and well-trained talent introduced into the African film industry by way of this film academy will then go on to constitute a majority of the next generation of filmmakers in Nigeria and Africa who will tell the African story, present its exquisite landscape to the word through motion pictures, music and through writings. AFTA is now uniquely positioned to offer a complete range of courses from Continuing Education Courses to degrees and diplomas. It will begin simultaneously in Port Harcourt and Lagos in September 2013 with an initial intake. The existing facilities, training faculty and resources of the local partners’ universities will serve this phase. The launch of AFTA marks the beginning of implementation of the first phase of the Trend Media City. The other components of TMC Phase One are the African Diaspora Resource Program (ADRP), the African Accelerator Program (AAP), the Continuing Training Program (CTP), TMC Africa Film, Entertainment and Innovation Support Fund (AFEIS) and the TMC Technologies. Further information on TMC is available at www. trendmediacity.com. AUGUST 2013
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OCTOBER 8-11, 2013 CHICAGO, IL
The Corporate Council on Africa’s 9th Biennial U.S.-Africa Business Summit will take place October 8-11, 2013 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. Since 1997, CCA’s U.S.-Africa Business Summit has been regarded as an essential conference for anyone looking to do business in Africa.
REGISTER NOW TO ATTEND THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENT WHERE YOU CAN: ▲
Obtain information on the latest trade and investment opportunities in Africa’s most promising sectors including agribusiness, energy, health, infrastructure, capacity building, security, ICT and finance
▲
Network with as many as 1,500 key African and U.S. private sector and government representatives
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Learn from a wide-array of industry-specific and country-focused informational sessions
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Explore new business opportunities by identifying specific growth areas and projects
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Discover the latest financing options
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Meet potential business partners
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Interact with exhibitors representing companies on the cutting-edge of investment in Africa
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Close new business deals
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and much more!
VISIT WWW.AFRICACNCL.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER.
Electricity Restructuring in Canada and the Role of its Bulk Trader: Potential Lessons for Nigeria?
Ron Clark
Ajeet Grover
Article by: Ron Clark and Ajeet Grover, Aird & Berlis LLP, Toronto, Canada
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n June 3rd of this year, Reuters news agency reported new developments in the restructuring and privatization of Nigeria’s electricity industry. The federal government of Nigeria had announced plans to sell 10 gasfired power plants, totaling 5,000 MW in capacity, to private investors. This news came on the heels of the much larger development in late 2012 with respect to the sale in the stakes of several generation and distribution companies unbundled from the successor to the former 32 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA
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state monopoly, the National Electric Power Authority (“NEPA”). Combined, these developments highlight the commitment of the current administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to implement its power sector reform policies, as set out in the 2010 Roadmap for Power Sector Reform and the 2005 Electric Power Sector Reform Act. The unbundling of NEPA and commensurate privatization of state power assets are important steps in Nigeria’s road map for a competitive and predominantly privately-owned electricity
industry. However, lessons from Ontario, Canada’s experience with electricity restructuring suggest that the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (“NBET”) could play just as an important role in determining the eventual outcome of the government’s power sector reforms and, in particular, the success of a competitive wholesale power market. In several respects, Nigeria’s electricity sector reform program has followed that pursued by Canada’s most populous province, Ontario, in the late 1990s. Ontario
Hydro, the state controlled power generation and transmission monopoly, was unbundled into several entities, including an assignment of its liabilities (including stranded debt from nuclear projects) to the Ontario Electricity Financing Corporation, a state-controlled corporation similar to role to be played by the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company. In 2004, a newly elected Liberal Ontario government caused the creation of the Ontario Power Authority (“OPA”) as a special purpose non-share capital statutory corporation with functions in several respects similar to NBET. But while NBET was conceived as a precursor and stimulus to the establishment of competitive bilateral power markets and power exchange, the creation of the OPA was a creature of political necessity. The electricity market had opened in Ontario in May of 2002, but lack of generation resources and price spikes created public dismay. The Conservative government of the day responded by freezing the retail price of electricity, in effect killing the retail market and removing incentives for investment. That government lost the next election and the new Liberal government created the OPA as a creditworthy central buyer to procure new electricity generation resources. While the timing of the creation of NBET and the OPA differ, the policy intention with respect to both entities is the same: to provide independent power producers and other sellers of power with a creditworthy counter-party to power purchase agreements, and ensure that such agreements would be financeable by third-party lenders. For the OPA, creditworthiness is in large part a result of the Ontario Electricity Act, 1998 which enables the OPA to recover all of its costs and fees, including procurement costs, from Ontario rate-payers, rather than by direct government guarantees and
other credit enhancement facilities provided to NBET (including by the World Bank). With the OPA soon approaching its 10-year anniversary, several important lessons may be takenaway by Nigerian legislators and policy makers with respect to NBET: First, a bulk trader or “singlebuyer” procurement authority can be very successful in procuring large quantities of much needed electricity resources within relatively short time frames. As an example, during the 2005-2007 period, the OPA procured more than 8,000 MW of new (primarily gas-fired) generation; 1 and over 4,600 MW of renewable energy supply resources were contracted for between 2009 and 2011 during the first phase of the OPA’s Feed-in Tariff program. 2 Second, if the government or a government department has close legislative oversight or certain powers over the direction and strategy of NBET, it could be used as a tool of public policy. While the OPA has management and a board of directors that are required to function independently of the Ontario government, the OPA’s empowering legislation requires it to carry out energy conservation programs, undertake transmission and general power system resource planning, promote the take-up of renewable energy, and conduct procurements subject to the specific direction of the government’s energy department
(the Ontario Ministry of Energy). The OPA has successfully carried out these functions. However, such public policy objects can at times work at cross-purposes to the OPA’s role as a commercially oriented procurement entity. A third and final lesson relates to the notion of a bulk-trader functioning as a temporary or “transitional” mechanism to facilitate wholesale competition. The extent of the success of a singlebuyer in procuring megawatts on behalf of the government, and its utility as a public policy tool, may serve to entrench the entity as a longer-term player in the jurisdiction’s electricity restructuring program. As alluded to above, the OPA was initially conceived as a “transitional” agency whose purpose would finally be achieved by the loss of its relevance owing to the emergence of robust competitive power markets. In fact, to an extent, generators are very comfortable with their OPA contracts and there is no political will to phase-out the OPA. With Nigeria currently at an earlier stage than Ontario with respect to its development of a competitive and private sector driven electricity industry, it has the advantage of learning from solutions and mistakes from early movers such as Ontario, including understanding the role that a bulk trader or single-buyer can play in the country’s restructuring efforts.
1 Michael Wyman, “Power Failure: Addressing the Causes of Underinvestment, Inefficiency and Governance Problems in Ontario’s Electricity Sector”, C.D. Howe Institute Commentary: No. 261, May 2008, at p. 6. 2Ontario Ministry of Energy, Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff Program: Two Year Report, Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario, March 19, 2012, at p.4. AUGUST 2013
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The
Trade Finance Bank for Africa Interview by: Rishanthi Pattiarachchi
By financing and promoting trade, especially, intra-African trade, Afreximbank is contributing to accelerate economic growth and development of the continent. This view is premised on the evidence that, aside from efficiency gains that usually arise therefrom, trade within dynamic regional groupings is increasingly becoming a vehicle for harmonizing macroeconomic and structural policies, promoting large-scale investments, and ensuring economic efficiency. Mr. Jean-Louis Ekra, President of the Afreximbank, spoke to CCAfrica about AFREXIMBANK and its role as the key trade financing institution in Africa. Jean-Louis Ekra President, Afreximbank 3 4 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA
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hat are the motives to establish AFREXIMBANK? We would also like to know more about its mission? Afreximbank was established in October 1993 under the auspices of the African Development Bank to address international trade challenges faced by African countries following the retreat of international banks from African trade finance due to the global economic crisis of the 1980s. The Bank was founded on a unique partnership of African public sector investors, African private investors as well as non-African investors to promote African trade. The Bank operates as a trade development institution, but through using commercial approaches, to serve the needs of its diverse shareholder base. Afreximbank is an African-based supranational financial institution with preferred creditor status in its member countries with a mission to: Stimulate a consistent expansion, diversification and development of African trade; Operate as a first class, profitoriented, socially responsible financial institution; and Be a centre of excellence in African trade matters. The Bank is a unique institution with two constituent instruments, namely: i. The Establishment Agreement signed by Participating States and Multilaterals and which confers on the Bank the status of an international organization registered by the United Nations (according to article 102 of the U.N. Charter); ii. The Charter of the Bank (annexed to the Agreement) which governs its operations. In addition, there is the Headquarters Agreement between Afreximbank and the Arab Republic of Egypt which connects the multilateral agreement with the legal jurisdiction in which it operates. Could you briefly explain the Afreximbank’s ownership and
Afreximbank President Jean-Louis Ekra watches as Gilbert Ondongo, Senior Minister for Economy, Finance, Planning, Public Investment and Integration of the Republic of Congo, signs the instrument of accession to the Bank. Management structure? The Bank’s authorized share capital is US$5 billion, divided into 500,000 ordinary shares of a nominal value of US$10,000 each. Of this, 42,500 had, by the end of December 2012, been subscribed by 124 shareholders. Of the Bank’s subscribed capital of US$425 million, paid up capital amounted to US$194.350 million (including share premium) at the end of December 2012. The Bank’s membership and capital structure is made up of four categories of shareholders as follows: Class ‘A’: 40 Shareholders (accounting for 64.03% of subscribed share capital), comprising 17 African governments, 18 African Central banks and five regional and sub-regional institutions, including the African Development Bank. Class ‘B’: 71 Shareholders (25.85% of subscribed share capital), including 50 commercial banks in 18 countries, 3 insurance companies, and 18 public and private companies. Class ‘C’: 13 Shareholders (10.12% of current share capital), comprising international financial institutions,
economic organizations and nonAfrican financial institutions and public and private investors. These include reputed international financial institutions such as Citibank N.A., Standard Chartered Bank, U.K., HSBC Bank plc, LBBW, KBC and Sumitomo Bank Ltd as well as major ECAs and DFIs, such as EXIM China, EXIM India, and BADEA. Class ‘D’: New Category of Shareholder established further to the 3rd amendment to the Charter in December 2012. Any person or entity can be allotted Shares in this category. In terms of the Management structure, the President of the Bank is the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The President is supported by two Executive Vice Presidents – one in charge of Business Development and Corporate Banking and the other in charge of Finance, Administration and Banking Services. What kind of services do you offer to African investors? As per our mandate, the Bank finances and promotes intra- and extra-African trade using three AUGUST 2013
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broad services: credit (trade and project financing), risk bearing (guarantees and credit insurance), and trade information and advisory services. Some of our credit (trade and project financing) facilities include: Line of Credit Programme Syndications Programme Note Purchase Programme Financial Future Flow PreFinancing Programme Direct Financing Programme Project Related Financing Programme Asset-Backed Lending Programme Receivables Purchase/ Discounting Programme Business financing is a highly competitive business with number of service providers enter into market every day. However, small businesses in Africa still suffer from lack of financing. What are your special services for small businesses? Recognizing that small and medium sized business in Africa
have challenges accessing financing, the Bank at the start of operations introduced the Line of Credit Programme to African Financial Institutions. This programme was established to assist small and medium-sized African traders (exporters and importers with trade turnover of less than US$ 10 million and a balance sheet size of no more than US$ 2 million) whose trade turnover would not qualify them for Afreximbank’s Direct Financing Programme. The Line of Credit Programme enables the Bank to provide funded and unfunded credit lines to commercial banks in African countries designated as Afreximbank’s Trade Finance Intermediaries (TFIs) for on-lending to such small-and medium-sized African traders. Under the Programme, the Bank operates several facilities namely, (i) Funded trade (ExportImport) Facility; (ii) Pre-and PostExport Financing Facility; (iii) L/C
Supporting Large Scale Agribusiness on the Continent
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Confirmation and Refinancing Facility; and (iv) Re-imbursement Guarantee Facility. It is worth noting that during 2012, credit facility approvals in favor of the Bank’s TFIs stood at US$1.25 billion. Loans outstanding under the programme reached US$710 million accounting for 23% of the bank’s loan portfolio. The level of activity under this Programme is expected to remain high over the near-to medium-term. According to your records, what are the most-demanded sectors for business financing in Africa? The most-demand sectors for business financing in Africa are: agriculture, energy, hotel and tourism-related services, metals and minerals, transportation, manufacturing, and telecommunications. What are the services Afreximbank offers to international entrepreneurs who are eager to invest in Africa? Under our Investment Banking
programme we provide advisory, underwriting, consulting and similar support services to international entrepreneurs. Further, under the Bank’s Special Risk programme, the Bank provides guarantees to international (as well as African) banks with credit exposures to African borrowers against certain country risk events. Coverage can be up to 100% of a lender’s exposure and typically covers exchange control regulation, moratorium on debt payment, and changes in law affecting the timing, currency or manner of debt repayment. While cutting down global economic growth projections, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also trimmed growth projections for Sub-Saharan Africa to 5.1 per cent from 5.4 per cent in April. The reasons for this decision were new downside risks in key emerging-market economies, volatility in financial markets, and a deeper recession
in the Eurozone. Emerging economies such as China, India, Brazil, etc. play a leading role in African markets today. The IMF also trimmed their growth forecasts to 5%. In your opinion, would the predicted slowing down in emerging markets hurt African economies? Not really, as it is expected that these economies will take steps to stimulate local consumption and thus will still need to import African commodities/raw materials which constitute the major part of their trade with Africa in order to meet increased local demand. The IMF has increased Canada’s growth projections from its previous estimate. Do you think if trade between Africa and Canada increases in the future, Africa could be benefited? Yes, trade between Africa and Canada is likely to continue to grow in the extractive industries (particularly mining with more discoveries) and in the airline
and other infrastructure related industries where Africa’s needs are increasing. Why should Canadians invest in Africa? Simply because according to all projections the continent is expected to continue to be among the fastest growing regions of the globe and also because of its rising middle class that constitutes an attractive potential consumer market. You sponsored CCAfrica’s infrastructure conference in Montreal, in March 2013. Why do you think organizing these type of events is essential in developing businesses between Canada and Africa? Canada is not a ‘’traditional’’ trading partner of Africa. Therefore, we view these type of events as essential instruments to help Africa to diversify its trade and to increase competition in its sources of supply.
Promoting the Development of Service Exports
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NEW
Atlas Partenaires THE CHALLENGES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA
G
ood governance, mainly a concept from Western culture, remains closely associated with the establishment of democratic institutions. However, the African culture is historically a clan culture, and consequently, favoritism and cronyism are rooted in the practices of the state apparatus, which makes the implementation mechanisms of “good governance” difficult in several African states. Moreover, despite the marked efforts of the international institutions to promote democratic governance, some Asian countries also seek to establish their influence on the African continent by providing a development model that differs from the democratic model advocated by the European and American which denies any form of imperialism. China, in particular, wants to show that success could be achieved outside of the Western approach. Loans granted by Beijing are attractive for African countries when considering they seem, at first sight, free of any political demands. For example, in 2004, China granted a loan of 2 billion USD to Angola. This loan was an opportunity for Angola to provide a real snub to the intention of the international financial institutions, including the IMF, with whom Angola was in talks for several months and urged the country to see a more transparent management. But Canada is a signatory of the UN Convention against Corruption and the OECD Convention on the fight against the bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions. Canadian companies are thus subject to the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act 1 which
prohibits the granting of loans, awards or benefits to a foreign public official with the aim of securing a contract or to conduct business. The question that immediately arises is this: How can a Canadian company can pull it out of the game against African or Asian competitors without violating the obligations of non-corruption tainting the international laws and conventions? The challenge is daunting. However, several methods can help wishing to benefit from the tremendous growth in Africa without jeopardizing its own legitimacy. Firstly, it’s advisable to include the index of corruption2 in the diligent examination prior to investment. Several organizations specialize in this type of analysis and can be a valuable source of information on the socio-political climate in place.3 Second, it is prudent to focus on investments in projects with donors endorsing the criteria of transparency and good governance. This is particularly true for the World Bank and regional development banks as well as several American and European organizations such as the Millennium Challenge Corporation and European development agencies. Thirdly, we must pay particular attention to the choice of local partners to ensure that their contracts contain the obligations and prohibitions required and the fees remain consistent with normal commercial rate for the type of services rendered. It is also recommended to inform the authorities and local partners the penal consequences of an offense under the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act officials and remain vigilant in their interventions. Finally, it is also important to
establish a point of contact in each state to report corruption problems to without risk of inconvenience, to get help and advice. Embassies and consulates, as well as the Trade Commissioner of the Canadian government will be valuable allies. It is also advisable to use the existing mechanisms of dispute, if any, to object to the granting of a contract to a competitor in situations of favoritism or corruption. The Canadian companies win to build on the added value of its products and services, such as quality, accuracy, durability, local economic benefits, training of manpower, expertise transfer and equitable treatment of local workers. These attributes are generally valued by African governments and are valuable arguments in negotiations. However, the “good governance” in Africa is positive despite the institutional and cultural obstacles, and some states, such as Cape Verde and Rwanda have made quantum leaps in the recent years. Also civil society will play an increasing role in the struggle against the dictatorship, absolutism and corruption, as has been observed during “Arab Spring.” It is therefore reasonable to conclude that in the medium term, fostering relationships based on mutual trust and the principles of fairness and transparency, Canadian companies will carve out a lasting place in the growth of the African economy. Paule Juneau LL.M. Strategic Advisor/ International Development ATLAS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS www.atlasinternationalpartners.com
1 Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, S.C. 1998, c. 34 2 http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/2012_TI_CPI/$FILE/2012%20TI%20CPI.pdf 3This is particularly true of Transparency International (www.transparency.org), International Business (www.eiu.com), the International Country Risk Guide (www.prsgroup.com) and the Global Competitiveness Report (www. weforum.org) AUGUST 2013
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Rewards could
Out Weigh Risks in the Nigerian Market: CNIC 2013
Article by: Abi Tairu,
Right Hon. Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada
Photos by: Samy Abraham
C
anadian investors and investors need patience to gain speeches was from the Right entrepreneurs might the ability to comprehend the Honourable Joe Clark, former Prime speculate about exploring workforce, the government Minister of Canada. He stated: “As or entering into the regulation, and market behavior. we go around the globe, power is Nigerian market. Although Nigeria Once investors are willing to invest changing in the world, it not only a is a massive consumer market with their time by analyzing the market, change from nation to nation, it’s a a population of 167 million, many forming trustworthy partnerships, change from region to region. For a challenges exist. and developing the labor force, long time - Africa was the neglected During the 2013 Canadian Nigeria then their time will result in major continent, but now it’s clearly on Investment Conference (CNIC), returns. The message gained the rising”. many successful business leaders from the CNIC discussions is The Nigerian Minister of acknowledged the challenges that patience and determination National Planning Commission of operating in Nigeria. The key could result in higher rewards and - Dr. Shamsdeen Usman - urged challenges are poor infrastructure, minimize the current risks over the Canadian investors to ignore the weakening human development time in the Nigerian market. stories they hear about Nigeria, as capacity, corruption, housing The following participants from they are not true of what is on the deficit, and the lack of business CNIC discussed Canadian and ground. ease. However, these successful Nigerian opportunities of increasing Nigerian Minister of Foreign Trade business leaders also countered trade and investment relations: - Olugbenga Ashiru - discussed those challenges with their business One of the most memorable how two years ago Nigeria made success testimonies and a promise to deliver high rewards. Their and implement the achievement came from transformation agenda having endurance to created by the country’s privatize their services president. The focus or goods to address is to increase FDI that those challenges and will provide economic risks factors. development in Nigeria. John D. Bulicek, He stated, “Those of president of Bulicek & you here are all a part Company, LLC, stressed of history, because the word “patience”. this is the first time When entering into Dr. Shamsdeen Usman Nigerian Minister of National Planning Commission in diplomacic history the Nigerian market, between Canada and 40 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA
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Nigeria that this type of event is taking place”. He stressed that “partnership with Canada today was carefully nurtured, because it was a strategic partnership through political, economic, and industry inclusion”. He continued, “Nigeria is known to be one of the top emerging markets in the world because the country offers the population, size, and market. Once foreign investors are in the Nigerian market, it will be easier to move into other African markets”. Nigerian Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Olutoyin Aganga presented an informative speech titled “The New Frontier”. His presentation was a breakdown of Nigerian’s investment opportunity and incorporates the countries transformational agenda - Vision 20:2020. Every nation in the world has transformed their business environment by addressing key areas and reducing corruption in a sustainable manner, such as accountability, transparent to the public, strong institution and inclusive economic growth. The hope is that Canada and Nigeria will continue to form an even stronger alliance with key companies such as CPCS, ManitobaHydro, Nexen, Black Berry, and Bombardier. The Minister listed Nigerian strong demographics: Nigeria has a population of about 167 million people (3X the population of South Africa)-7th largest country in the world with an average age of 18.6 years. By 2050 Nigeria will be the 6th
Olugbenga Ashiru Nigerian Minister of Foreign Trade largest country in the world. By 2070 Nigeria will have the world’s 3rd largest population (with a population of 33 million) after India and China and above the US. It has a growing middle income which currently stands at 23%. The population provides a ready market for telecommunications, IT, consumer goods, agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, entertainment, automobile, construction, and housing. Although ministers provided policies and awareness to break into the Nigerian markets, private sectors also had supportive suggestions. Mr. Wale Tinubu, CEO of Oando PLC, was asked what tips he would offer Canadian entrepreneurs to ease their mind to break into the Nigerian market. He answered, “No doubt the returns are there and the legal structure is good… trade offices will allow you to register your company easier. In addition,
Olusegun Aganga Nigerian Minister of Trade and Investment
you will find few economies that have a population of 160+”. Kainji International Inc. has entered into the Nigerian market by offering services to the oil and gas industry. The majority of the management team is led by Canadian experts. CFO & Executive Vice-President, Mr. Ako Ufodike discussed their patience and determination to enter into the Nigerian market. He mentioned that their company has made a commitment to provide development program for the communities. Corporate social responsibility is beneficial to the community and the company, because it is an effective tool for social development and risk management. The 2013 Canadian Nigeria Investment Conference concluded with high hopes that the two countries will be partners in the pursuit of their mutual interest.
Wale Tinubu, CEO of Oando PLC AUGUST 2013
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Kathleen Holland Founding Partner, KMH Associates and Global Program Director, ABW Connected
African Women Trade and Investment Conference Successful Step on Journey to the
First Ever Pan African Summit and Trade Expo for Women Exporters
T
here is no better time to invest in the women of Africa. Making up more than 50 per cent of the population, these women contribute an average of 50 per cent to Africa’s GDP and lead the majority of small and medium enterprises. Fortunately, the fact that women are the engines of the African economy has not gone unnoticed. 42 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA
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The vital role of African women entrepreneurs and exporters in particular was recognized recently in Toronto, Canada, at the African Women Trade and Investment Opportunities Conference that was held in May organized by CCAfrica and African Women Diplomatic Forum. Among speakers at the forum were representatives from the
Canadian and African Business Women’s Alliance (CAABWA), an organization based in Toronto that recognizes the potential of Africa’s women-led companies. This year, CAABWA has partnered with the Ethiopian-based Center for African Women Economic Empowerment (CAWEE) and Trade Facilitation Canada (TFO Canada) to create a first-of-its-kind trade,
technology and leadership program called African Business Women (ABW) Connected, which includes a summit and trade expo to be held in Ethiopia in September 2014. CAABWA’s Kathleen Holland enlightened the audience about the ABW Connected Summit and Trade Expo, and provided trade facilitation support at the conference. She also spoke about how ABW Connected will bring together and enhance the economic performance of women-led businesses in every country of Africa in three of the largest export sectors for women throughout the continent: craft and textiles, agribusiness for cosmetics and tourism. Throughout Africa, women contribute an average of 60 per cent of the labour force and significantly higher in the craft and textiles, agribusiness and services sectors. “[This expo] is going to open many opportunities and many doors, both in the tourism industry and in the export market,” said Susan Muhwezi, Vice Chairman of Uganda Hotel Owner’s Association. “I look forward to being there.” In addition to the upcoming Summit & Trade Expo, ABW Connected is developing a research study on sustainable trade best practices as well as building leadership, trade and technology skills training for African women entrepreneurs, business association representatives and university student attendees. “ABW Connected is being developed as a long-term sustainable program,” says Ms. Holland, noting that countless studies point to sustainable economic growth opportunities that bridge gender inequality as the key to success in reducing poverty and improving health and education systems in Africa. “Our goal is to have a summit & trade expo in Africa every two years in a different region of the continent so that these female entrepreneurs can share global trade best practices and empower each other to keep growing.” The evidence shows that through their enterprises, women
entrepreneurs in Africa are already providing sources of income, healthcare and educational support to their local economies. One case in point is Gone Rural, which was established in 1992 and partners with 750 self-employed women who hand-craft the company’s line of home accessories. Its non-profit social enterprise Gone Rural boMake works with local groups to develop solutions to everyday needs, such as healthcare and clean water access. “The organization makes significant changes to the daily lives of our communities,” says Gone Rural Board Member Philippa ReissThorne. “Sometimes we prioritize the social aspect over business as family comes first, even if this has
at times compromised our business competitiveness.” Nonetheless, the company continues to provide significant revenue for its partners. In fact, between 2007-2010, the income of its rural craftspeople has quadrupled. Baobab Batik is another example of an African company having a huge impact. The goal of founder Els Hooft was to share her passion for batik craft while building sustainable economic and social solutions for women in Swaziland. Twenty-two years later, Baobab Batik has grown into a thriving small enterprise supporting 25 women in the region and bringing significant improvements to their communities. The company has AUGUST 2013
TH E RISING A FR I CA | 4 3
two retail stores and exports to various countries worldwide. “A wholesale customer from Australia has been our loyal customer since the beginning, which means that the product is timeless and will always be good for business,” says Ms. Hooft. “We have also received, for the second time, a very big order from a client in the U.S., which will give our artisans work during the ‘quiet’ period of year.” The upcoming ABW Connected Summit & Trade Expo will feature the top women-led exporters in the Tourism, Craft/Textiles and Agribusiness for cosmetics sector in Africa, focusing on the themes of leadership, technology and trade. For more information on the program or how to attend, go to http://www.abwconnected.com.
RWANDAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS RWANDAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
GENDERED NATION-BUILDING:
RWANDA
RWANDAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
GENDEREDNATION-BUILDING: NATION-BUILDING: GENDERED RWANDAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS RWANDA RWANDA
NANCYCOLDHAM COLDHAM| |AUGUST AUGUST 2013 2013 NANCY
NANCY COLDHAM | AUGUST 201
NANCY COLDHAM | AUGUST 201
GENDERED NATION-BUILDING: RWANDAN WOMEN ENTREPRENURS SET TRAIN, MENTOR ANDFINANCE FINANCE RWANDAN WOMEN ENTREPRENURS SET TOTO TRAIN, MENTOR AND OTHER WOMEN’S BUSINESSES. OTHER WOMEN’S BUSINESSES. RWANDA GENDERED NATION-BUILDING: Rwandan Women Entreprenurs Set to Train, BY NANCY COLDHAM, M.A. BY NANCY COLDHAM, M.A. Mentor andENTREPRENURS Finance other Businesses RWANDAN WOMEN SET TOWomen TRAIN, MENTOR AND FINANCE RWANDA
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Rwanda is rising. long-time entrepreneur and ain champion of Master’s women The Rwandan is worth Thirty 2012beexperience graduates of asharing. women made-in-Rwanda model. They want to put that might empowered to share thesis was on Rwandan women entrepreneurs. ways might empowered Rwanda’s nation-building. Rwanda These Rwandan women the toolis torising. be a entrepreneurship and women in politics. Her Master’s to these share graduates that training andbe knowledge while Nancy Coldham is awant communications that training andprogram knowledge entrepreneurship training called tool in the hands of any interested Rwandan thesis was on Rwandan women entrepreneurs. consultant, long-time entrepreneur and to share that training and knowledge whilethe building capacity locally spread Thirty graduates of a towomen model. They want to put that while2012 building capacity locally made-in-Rwanda a champion of women entrepreneurship BACK TO SCHOOL Peace Through Business locally (PTB), run by an the woman. Rwandan women entrepreneurs, building capacity to entrepreneurship training tospread rural to spread the entrepreneurship entrepreneurship training program calledwomen tool the hands any interested Rwandan and inwomen in of politics. Her Master’s This rural initiative is lead by PTB Grad who runs adult Oklahoma-based organization called increasing entrepreneurial capacity training to rural women outside of focused thesis on was on Rwandan women entrepreneurship training to rural the women education helping women to learn textile trades. BACK TO SCHOOL Peace Through Business (PTB), run by an woman. Rwandan women entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs. Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. The are This ruralis lead initiative is lead This rural initiative by PTB Grad who runs adult Institute for the Economic Empowerment of crafting a way forward by ensuring their Nancy Coldham is a communications consultant, Oklahoma-based organization called the Rwandan women entrepreneurs are focused on increasing entrepreneurial capacity by PTB Grad who runs adult education helping women to learn textile trades. Women, were studied to identify the best contribution to economic renewal and to long-time entrepreneur a champion of women education helpingand women to learn Institute for the Economic Empowerment of are crafting a way forward by ensuring their Nancy Coldham is a communications consultant, 46 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA W W W. C C A F R I C A . C A textile trades. entrepreneurship and women in politics. Her Master’s ways these graduates might be empowered Rwanda’s nation-building. Rwanda is rising.
T
STORE FRONT BUSINESSES
OFF THE STREET
BACK TO SCHOOL
Women, were studied to identify the best
contribution to economic renewal and to
long-time entrepreneur and a champion of women
African Women: Essential Partners in Economic Development Article by: Rishanthi Pattiarachchi
T
he social definition of a woman as a subordinate of the male-driven society is rapidly changing in Africa; women in all walks of life are assuring their potentials in accomplishing high level achievements that were once achieved only by men. In essence, woman’s active participation on social, economic and political fronts is acknowledged as a valueaddition to accelerated growth in Africa. Africa is in the process of rewriting its regressive rules against women. Although traditional setbacks against women are still pervasive in Africa, almost all countries have ratified the Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Also, more than half of African Countries have
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ratified the African Union’s Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa. In its march towards full women empowerment, the African Union (AU) declared the decade from 2010-2020 as the African Women’s decade. Consequently, many institutional initiatives are in place in Africa not only to eradicate long-lasting barriers for women, but also to extend assistance to achieve their goals in life. The Southern African Development Community Protocol on Gender and Development aims to eliminate discrimination against women and achieve gender equality. Furthermore, the African Women in Business initiative of the African Development Bank calls for empowering women entrepreneurs in Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) through better access to finance. Moreover,
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individual countries are also repealing their domestic laws and opening up their social and political arenas for women. For instance, Zimbabwe’s new constitution that was enacted this year aims at increasing 50% of decision making positions to women in public and private sectors by 2015. South Africa’s Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill also wishes to establish a legislative framework for women empowerment and gender mainstreaming. Simultaneously, rigorous commitments towards achieving the third Millennium Development Goal- gender equality- have begun to bear fruits. According to the African Development Indicators 2012/2013 by the World Bank, Africa is progressing towards achieving gender equity and women empowerment. Over the past two
decades, a steady growth had been recorded in four key ratios that illustrate gender equality. First, the ratio of girls to boys in primary and secondary schools showed promising results. The ratio for all reported countries was over 65% while the ratio of girls in primary and secondary schools was higher than boys in ten countries by the end of 2010. Second, the ratio of young literate women to men was also over 65% in all reported countries. In 2009, the ratio of young literate women was higher than men in twelve countries: Botswana, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Sao Tomé and Principe, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Third, the ratio of women in national parliaments is on the rise. In particular, the percentages of women in national parliaments in Rwanda and South Africa were as higher as 56.3 and 44.5, respectively by the end of 2010. Fourth, as per Table 1, the percentage of women employed in non-agricultural sector was more than 20% in most of African countries while only five countries reported less than 20% in 2010. As many argue, women are becoming the drivers of emerging Africa. According to Figure 1, female entrepreneurship and economic participation in the labor force in Sub-Saharan Africa is almost in par with global percentages. For instance, the percentage of femaleowned firms is 33.1 in Sub-Saharan Africa while the world percentage is 37.1. As well, 15.3 percent of top managers in Sub-Saharan Africa are female while the percentage of female top managers in the world is 18.4. Sub-Saharan Africa is also home for highest share of women entrepreneurs in the world. The dawn of the twenty first century gave birth to a number of global women entrepreneurs from Africa. The success story of soleRebel owner, Bethlehem Tilahun sets an example for many budding women entrepreneurs. With a vision to make world class products by using local raw materials and
talents, the Ethiopian footwear mogul has attracted global demand for her signature African brand. Moroccan argan oil trader-Carmen Tal-, Zimbabwean Security industry leader- Divine Ndhlukula-, Nigerian kids clothing producer-Adenike Ogunlesi-, and South African media innovator- Khanyi Dhlomoare few other successful women entrepreneurs in the African achievers list. The groundwork for women
empowerment in Africa has been underway for some time; however, the question is whether these developments are equally taking place across the continent. The simple answer is “No”. African women are yet to become completely free from perpetual social barriers; not all women are served equally in many African countries; they are deprived of opportunities and are trapped in poverty and ignorance. Consequently, most African women
Source: Enterprise Surveys, World Bank, various years (2005-2011)
Source: Enterprise Surveys, World Bank, various years (2006-10) AUGUST 2013
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entrepreneurs are self-employed, and low income earners who are deprived of opportunities to rise in the income ladder. As Figure 2 illustrates, female-owned formal firms are more concentrated in low value-added industries. Moreover, according to Figure 1, women entrepreneurship and economic participation in the labor force in North Africa is significantly low. According to the Enterprises surveys of the World Bank, North
Africa reports the lowest rates for all four indicators that measure economic participation of women. In general, full inclusion of women in the development process is restricted mainly by factors such as religious and cultural restrictions, lack of property rights, obstacles in accessing financial services, and inadequate business and technological skills. The fact is that social exclusion of any group of citizens has the potential to
divert development goals. Thus, addressing these central barriers for women not only accelerates development process, but also leads to equal distribution of development benefits. If restrictions for voluntary participation of women in the labor force could be eliminated, world has an essential reason to believe that African women would spearhead the African economic renaissance.
Table 1: Share of Women Employed in Non-agricultural Sector in 2010 Below 20% Liberia Senegal Algeria Egypt Libya
Between 20-40% Benin Burkina Faso Cameroon Cape Verde Ghana Guinea Madagascar Mali Mauritania Mauritius Niger
Nigeria Rwanda Sierra Leone Tanzania Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe Djibouti Morocco Tunisia
More than 40% Botswana Central African Republic Ethiopia Namibia South Africa
Source: Africa Development Indicators, 2012/2013 Banque mondiale
Proven international experience in providing legal, strategic and policy advice on electricity and infrastructure projects. Ron Clark
rclark@airdberlis.com • 1.416.865.7701 Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Suite 1800, Box 754, Toronto, ON M5J 2T9 T 1.416.863.1500 F 1.416.863.1515
www.airdberlis.com
Bringing Hope and Healing to Africa
M
ercy Ships provides a unique service from many other charity organizations that deliver access to good medical care and education for developing nations. Having a mobile vessel allows Mercy Ships to move from country to country addressing the needs of thousands of individuals while providing a permanent space for the skills of the volunteers to have an impact. Mercy Ships also provides surgeries with proper sterilization and gives professionals instant access to advanced medical equipment. It aspires to leave behind people and communities that have learned skills, competencies and abilities so they can overcome the causes of their exclusion and suffering. Mercy Ships Canada, along with 15 other national offices, represents Mercy Ships Global, the charity behind the largest nongovernmental hospital ship in the world, MV Africa Mercy. Mercy Ships has been using hospital ships since 1978 to provide surgeries, relief aid and community support, completely free of charge. Over the last 35 years, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at over $1 billion, impacting 2.35 million people. In 2012, 120 volunteers from across Canada served aboard 52 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA
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Africa Mercy to help fulfill the Mercy Ships’ mission of bringing hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor. Thanks to donations from partnering organizations and individuals, onboard surgeries and off-ship programs are provided at no cost to the patients and community workers. These surgical procedures include tumor removals and other maxillofacial reconstructions and plastic surgeries, cleft lip and palate corrections, cataract removals, obstetric fistula repairs, oral and dental procedures, and orthopedic corrections for club foot and bowed legs. Mercy Ships has been delivering services in West Africa since 1990, having served the nations of Cote D’Ivoire, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Benin, The Gambia and Guinea. In June of this year, Mercy Ships completed its most recent field service in Conakry, Guinea. Canadian National Director Tim Maloney, along with Mercy Ships partner and founder of The Tooth Fairy Children’s Foundation, CoraMarie Clark, participated in a vision trip to Conakry, Guinea in March 2013. Clark’s foundation has been in partnership with the Mercy Ships Dental Program, donating thousands of children’s toothbrushes to aid in dental care and education.
At the end of August, 2013, Africa Mercy will set sail to Central Africa for her first field service in the Republic of the Congo. Mercy Ships has been invited by the nation’s government and will dock in the port of Pointe Noire for 10 months. According to the Mercy Ships founder Don Stephens, Central Africa has always been a part of Mercy Ships’ long-term aspiration and the Republic of Congo will be its first Central African destination. This field service will see the focus shifted more towards capacity building and training as it will address continuing education opportunities for practicing local medical professionals. In addition, Mercy Ships Food for Life Agriculture Mentoring project will aim to improve internationally recognized health statistics in the region by improving farming outputs and nutrition in the Republic of Congo. Mercy Ships will partner with the Congo Ministry of Agriculture to train 30 Congolese agriculturists, assist partners in setting up agriculture training programs and follow up and assist those trained as trainers to start up their respective programs. For additional information please visit www.mercyships.ca
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Un partenaire de confiance de CCAfrique depuis 2004. La Corporation commerciale canadienne appuie les exportateurs canadiens en aidant les gouvernements d’Afrique et du reste du monde à se procurer de l’expertise et des produits canadiens au moyen de la négociation et de l’exécution d’ententes d’approvisionnement de gouvernement à gouvernement. Pour obtenir
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Provides Access to Canadian Markets Belen Mulugeta, Project Manager,TFO
TFO
Canada facilitates a c c e s s to the Canadian marketplace and shares Canadian trade expertise through export information, advice and contact for the benefit of smaller exporters in developing countries and emerging markets. Looking to gain insight on TFO’s involvement in Africa, CCAfrica interviewed Belen Mulugeta, TFO Project Manager in charge of the Developing Countries programs for Africa & Haiti. Could you briefly explain your current projects with respect to Africa? We are currently running a trade capacity building project in Burkina Faso with 6 shea butter producers and 4 artisan companies; all of whom participated in TFO trade missions to Canada and the U.S. in 2010 and 2011. The objective of the current project is to strengthen their marketing capacities and improve business; for example, the 6 shea butter producers have joined forces and will present, as one entity, their products at a Canadian buyer’s mission in Burkina Faso in early 2014. A fund is available to the artisans which they can apply towards such things as finishing tools, participation in international trade fairs, website development and marketing materials. Partnerships are at the
Interview by: Rishanthi Pattiarachchi
core of mobilizing any project. TFO partners with trade support organizations in the countries we work in; la Maison de l’Entreprise du Burkina Faso (MEBF) is our partner in Burkina Faso. A unique aspect of our trade capacities building project is our extended partnership with CESO, a Canadian organization that provides technical assistance in the field by Canadian volunteer advisors who possess a high level of expertise in their fields. In general, what African businesses are seeking more assistance from you? Processed foods, cosmetics, home décor, artisan and agribusiness sectors. What is your Canadian customer base? Based on data from the TFO’s website subscriptions, approximately 60% of Canadian businesses represent food sector and 20-30% in other consumer goods like clothing fashion and home décor. Do you provide special services to women entrepreneurs in Africa? For the last decade especially, we have had a specific focus on women in trade in Africa. The ACCESS! for African Business Women in International Trade program, for example, focused on export training for women in 10 countries. We often focus on women lead firms.
As a supporting sponsor for African Women Trade and Investment Opportunities conference, we would like to know your experience in organizing the Business to Business (B2B) meetings? Based on our expertise and sectors most represented by the African businesses, B2B meetings were organized for the artisan and agri-food sectors. It was very refreshing to meet businesswomen who had flown in for the conference from Burundi, Cameroun, Mali, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Rwanda and Uganda. They benefited from expert advice from TFO consultants, meetings with Canadian business owners at the conference as well as on-site visits to Toronto based high end home décor and artisan crafts boutiques. Besides the Canadian and African business networking activities, I observed a healthy exchange flourish amongst the African businesswomen. Questionnaires submitted back from participants and thank you emails expressed a very positive experience. In addition to linkages created between Canadian and African businesses, new leads and sales in the artisan sector were the immediate result of our partnership with CCAfrica at this conference.
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CCA
frica frique
Canadian Council on Africa Conseil Canadien pour l’Afrique
Events Missions
and Seminars
I
n order to bring awareness to Canada - Africa business relations, the Canadian Council on Africa hosts two to three major events, four to five missions and several live/web-cam seminars each year. We bring together high ranking government officials, prominent business leaders and those who simply desire to learn more from the experiences of others operating on both sides of the world. Through these activities both Africans and Canadians can develop new contacts and business relations, learn the steps needed to take on business in new markets and to share insights on the many paths to success that are available in Africa’s ever growing economy.
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Canada-Africa Business Summit 2014 The Canadian Council on Africa’s 1st Biennial Canada-Africa Business Summit will be held March 31st to April 2nd, 2014 in Montreal. As the leading Canada-Africa non-profit, membership organization, CCAfrica is an essential resource for Canadian companies doing business on the continent. By attending the Summit, attendees will have the opportunity to obtain information on the latest trade and investment opportunities in Africa’s most promising sectors including agribusiness, energy, health, infrastructure, capacity building, ICT and finance; network with as many as 1,500 key African and Canadian private sector and government representatives; choose from a wide-array of industry-specific and country focused informational sessions; explore new business opportunities by identifying specific growth areas and projects; discover the latest finance options; meet potential business partners; speak with exhibitors representing companies on the cutting-edge of investment in Africa; and forge new business deals. As we kickoff our first Summit, we will include many exciting features such as including integrated, country-lead business forums; an interactive B2B Networking Center; and an opening Welcome Reception.
Mining Indaba 2014
Canada Pavilion Canada at Mining - A leader Indaba in corporate - A leadersocial in corporate responsibility social responsibility
Mining Indaba 2014, Cape Town, South Africa
Join the Canada Pavilion at Africa’s largest mining event February 3rd - 6th
About Investing in African Mining Indaba Natural Resources Canada, Foreign Affairs Trade and Development Canada, and the Canadian Council on Africa invite you to join Mining Indaba, Africa’s largest mining event. For 20 years, investing in African mining Indaba along with its partners in Africa have channeled billions of dollars of foreign investment into the mining value chain. Mining Indaba is the world’s largest gathering of mining’s most influential stakeholders and decisionmakers in African mining. Network with key decision-makers from the Canadian Government representation including; Canada’s Head of Mission in South Africa, and Canada’s Senior Trade Commissioners to SubSaharan Africa, Export Development Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Foreign Affairs Trade and Development Canada.
About the Canada Pavilion In 2013, over 7,800 of the most (internationally-diversified) and influential professionals in African mining attended Mining Indaba. Since 2000, the Canada Pavilion has been a key anchor booth at this most prestigious event. Last year over 60 Canadian mining companies handled the Canada Pavilion facilities. The Canada Pavilion is an open networking and meeting space that offers a range of services including private meeting facilities, matchmaking and refreshments, while serving as a point of contact and a place to receive information on Canadian mining policies on Canadian capabilities. Key Partners of the Canada Pavilion Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Canadian International Development Agency
Natural Resources Canada
Affaires étrangères et Commerce international Canada
Agence canadienne de développement international
Ressources naturelles Canada
FACTS AND FIGURES OF MINING INDABA 20 YEARS OF ESTABLISHMENT 7,800 + of the most internationally-diverse and influential professionals in African mining (10% growth vs 2012 [record breaking year]) 107 countries & territories across six continents represented in 2013 45 African and Non-African Government delegations in attendance in 2013 1,800 international companies represented at the 2013 event 400 sponsoring companies including some of the world’s largest mining companies BILLIONS OF US DOLLARS of foreign investment have been channeled into the African mining value chain throughout the last 19 years of the annual Mining Indaba.
Mining Indaba is the world’s largest gatering of the most influential professionals in African mining
WWW.CCAFRICA.CA
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Natural Resource Canada, the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development Canada, the Canadian Institute of Mining, Export Development Canada and the Canadian Council on Africa invite you to join Mining Indaba, Africa’s largest mining event on February 3rd to 6th, 2014. For 20 years, Investing in African mining Indaba along with its partners in Africa have channeled billions of dollars of foreign investment into the mining value chain. Mining Indaba is the world’s largest gathering of mining’s most influential stakeholders and decision-makers in African mining. Network with key decision makers from the Canadian Government representation including; Canada’s Head of Mission in South Africa, and Canada’s Senior Trade Commissioners to SubSaharan Africa, Export Development Canada, Natural Resource Canada, and Foreign Affairs Trade and Development Canada. The Canada Pavilion is an open networking and meeting space that offers a range of services including private meeting facilities, matchmaking, refreshments, while serving as a point of contact and a place to receive information on Canadian mining policies on Canadian capabilities. The world’s largest gathering of the most influential stakeholders – financier, investors, mining professionals, government officials, etc. - in African mining. By attending Investing in African Mining Indaba, you will join an international, powerful group of industry professionals that make Cape Town, South Africa their preferred destination to conduct important business and make the vital relationships to sustain their investment interests. More than 7,000 of the most internationally-diversified and influential audience can be found at Investing in African Mining Indaba.
Luncheon Mali: Discover the Business Opportunities in Mali
On September 30th, the Canadian Council on Africa will host a luncheon in Montreal on business opportunities in Mali. The event, organized in collaboration with McCarthy TĂŠtrault and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mali, will be a great opportunity to get together with
business people from Mali visiting Montreal for the Africa Forum 2013. Since the passage of CCAfrica in Mali in May 2010, we have established a great relationship with the CCIM by organizing various seminars including one during the mission and another organized upstream of Forum Africa
2011. For this activity, the delegation will be pleased to present the business climate of Mali and reforms taken to facilitate trade at national and international level. The members of the delegation will present their respective industries, such as food, water supply, mining industry, construction and information technology and communication. Throughout the event, participants will have the opportunity to network with each other and thus create business relationships, both in Canada and Mali. The main objective of this activity is to provide leaders and managers of Canadian companies with the necessary tools and knowledge required to develop business with Mali, while creating new contacts with people of Malian businesses.
Economic Mission to Nigeria The Canadian Council on Africa and the Canada Nigeria Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce a prestigious Canadian trade mission to Nigeria this coming fall. In partnership with the High Commission of Nigeria in Ottawa and the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria, CCAfrica will help organize senior level visits with both the private sector and public sector in three major cities in Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja, PortHarcourt). A tentative date for the mission is November 12th, to November 17th, 2013. A few months ago CCAfrica hosted the largest Nigerian delegation in Toronto for the highly successful Canada-Nigeria Investment Conference. With over 600 senior level participants in attendance, the event created an excellent networking platform which
has opened up the door to new partnership opportunities between Canada and Nigeria. (Click here to view full video presentations of the CNIC2013 event) Some of you have already expressed much interest in having a continuation from the event in Toronto, and in some cases have already started doing new business as a result. This mission will provide you with the opportunity to join other senior level Canadians who are currently doing business in Nigeria, as well as guidance from experts on the Nigerian market from both the private and public sectors. With a turnkey package to develop and build on the connections you have started in Toronto, the Canada Trade Mission to Nigeria is an event you can’t afford to miss.
Visit www.ccafrica.ca to view speaker presentations from the Canada-Nigeria Investment Conference and the African Women Trade and Investment Opportunities Conference. AUGUST 2013
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Article by: Leonie Perron Translated by: Sophie St-Laurent
T
he conference “Africa Rising: Infrastructure for the Development of Africa” brought together a large number of Canadians, Americans and African leaders from the private and public sector, including government officials, C.E.Os of important Canadian and American companies from the infrastructure and finance sectors and also from international organizations. The conference began on March 19, 2013 with a networking-breakfast on the Mezzanine Terrace of the Delta Centreville Hotel, where participants gathered for the first time. The Mezzanine was used 6 0 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA
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both as a networking place for participants and experts and as an exhibition hall for our partners and sponsors: the MRI-FCE (partner), DFATD (previously known as DFAIT) (partner), AFREXIMBANK (sponsor), SNC-Lavalin (nonexhibiting sponsor), CPCS (sponsor), Procewaterhouse Coopers (nonexhibiting sponsor), DESSAU (sponsor), Afrique Expansion (sponsor) and Export Development Canada (non-exhibiting sponsor). The opening session provided a space for the Canadian Council on Africa (CCAfrica) and its principal partners and sponsors to welcome the participants. Lucien Bradet,
President and C.E.O. of CCAfrica, Jean-François Lisée, Québec’s Minister of International Relations, Francophonie and Trade (via videoconferencing) and Patricia Malikail all addressed the participants and welcomed them. The day continued with presentations on various topics with respect to infrastructure, ranging from urbanisation to rural development, including transportation and electricity. During this day, participants have had the chance to hear from experts of various sector such as Mr. Timothy Turner, Director of private sector at the African Development Bank, Mr. Harry Broadman, Emerging Markets Strategy Leader and Chief Economist, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, and Mr. Paul Hinks, C.E.O. of Symbion Power and Chair of Corporate Council on Africa’s Board of Directors. The day ended with a networking-cocktail. The morning of the second day focused on infrastructure project funding through public and private sources, and were followed in the afternoon by B2B meetings. Once again, many experts presented in front of an attentive audience. Among these speakers we could count on Mr. Ned Goodman, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dundee Capital Markets, Mr. Amr Kamel, Director of Operation, AFREXIMBANK, and Mr. David Fulton, Head of USA and Canada
Relationship Management Unit, IFC, World Bank for making the audience discover the ins and outs of financing infrastructure projects. When registering, more than 200 B2B meetings requests had been made. Although the afternoon of March 20, 2013 was dedicated to these meetings, the high level of demands forced the organizers to spread the meetings over the two days of the conference. Thus, more than a hundred meetings were organised over two days, and a waiting list system had to
be used. This impressive number demonstrates how important B2B meetings are and shows the importance of allowing time for this activity. For many, this was a unique occasion to meet with officers from these institutions. This conference has confirmed the pronounced involvement of Canadian companies, as well as that of the Quebec and Canadian government on the African continent. Indeed, creating partnerships between the Canadian Council on Africa, the MRI-FCE and
DFATD has allowed them to position themselves at the forefront of this conference and expose participants to their position on Africa through the exhibition space allocated on the terrace of the room. In conclusion, this conference confirmed that the collaboration between the Canadian Council on Africa, the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada not only proactively addresses the needs of members and friends of CCAfrica, but also reflects the interests of QuĂŠbec companies and Canadian.
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CCAfrica Welcomes
the
Largest Nigerian Delegation to
North America
for the
Canada Nigeria Investment Conference Article by: Abi Tairu, Edited by: Samuel Getachew
N
igeria is an emerging market with ever expanding sectors in almost all fields. According to the World Bank, Nigerian economy is the second largest in Africa next only to South Africa and it is predicted to be one of the world’s top 20 big economies in less than a decade. The country has also been a base for a vast production of goods for most part of Western Africa. By 2020, Nigeria’s GDP is forecast to be $900 billion while the national 62 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA
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per capita income is estimated to be $4000. It’s population is 162,470,737. The American and Chinese business interests are beginning to take global notice. It is time Canada too should explore possible business opportunities in the African markets. The Canada Nigeria Investment Conference (CNIC) 2013 that was held in Toronto, Canada created awareness among Canadian investors about the business opportunities in
Photos by: Samy Abraham
Nigeria. The bilateral trade between Canada and Nigeria stands at $2.3 billion according to the Canadian government. Canadian investors can further take advantage of vast and diversified investments, higher potential returns and the transfer of technology & innovation in the Nigerian market. The fears about the Nigerian market have been alleged corruption, bad governance, lack of adequate infrastructure and potential risks. This misconception is largely due to the lack of knowledge of the Nigerian market. This is precisely why the CNIC 2013 became a forum to address the facts and shortcomings of the Nigerian market with the Vice President of Nigeria and high ranking delegates in attendance. The event brought together over 600 participants from Canada and Nigeria. The Canadian Council on Africa put together an engaging atmosphere of expertise forums, business testimonies,
and a breakdown of government policies. These forums gave an opportunity for a direct (Canadian and Nigerian) Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings. The B2B gave Canadians and Nigerians the chance to explore business prospects, form partnerships, and make contracts during the two days of the conference. Government representatives, ministerial officers, and business leaders presented real as well as ideal opportunities for Canadians to gain high potential returns in the Nigerian market. The opening statement of the Vice President of Nigeria, -Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo – reflected the theme of the gatherings. He mentioned that, “… the purpose of the CanadaNigeria Investment Conference is to strengthen the existing friendly relationships between our two countries especially in our commercial parts…The importance of this investment conference is to stimulate the realization of beneficial economic dividends”. The Vice President assured the Canadian audience that the issue of insecurity would be a thing of the past for Nigeria. In addition, terrorism and other violent crimes will also be defeated. He also mentioned how Canada is an attractive country among the G20 countries to engage in business in his country. He further emphasized that Canada and Nigeria should increase their trade and investment relationship in key sectors such as mining, energy, power, oil, infrastructure, communication, agriculture, health, aviation, housing, and education. The Vice-president and Nigerian ministers welcomed Canadian investors and ensured them that
“…the purpose of the Canadian Nigerian Investment Conference is to strengthen the existing friendly relationships between our two countries especially in our commercial parts…”
Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Vice President of Nigeria Nigeria has built a friendly business environment. For instance, the government of President Goodluck created the National Competitiveness Council that is determined to improve country’s global competitiveness ranking and revitalize the country’s economy. In addition, the Bi-National Commission agreement was signed on April, 23, 2013 with the aim of focusing on good governance, security cooperation, economic relations, trade and investment and development cooperation in key sectors, such as health, education, and infrastructure. This new agreement will further
expand excellent bi-lateral relations between Canada and Nigeria that started in 1960. Today, Nigeria is enticing foreign investment with various incentives, such as establishing a free trade zone that offers foreign investors a host of investment information, and providing assistance in resolving visa issues promptly. The CNIC 2013 provided an informative platform of knowledge, sharing why Canadian investors and entrepreneurs should take an active role in exploring the opportunities in the Nigerian Market.
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Article by: Rishanthi Pattiarachchi
F
rom 27 to 29 May 2013, Canadian Council on Africa together with African Women Diplomatic Forum and African Diplomatic Corps hosted African Women Trade and Investment Opportunities conference in Toronto, Canada. This conference was organized as a part of the celebration of African Day and the 50th anniversary of African Union. Conference participants included women entrepreneurs and delegates from over twenty African states, African diplomats, and representatives of the Canadian government, trade experts, consultants and brokers based in Canada. The core objective of this one-of-a- kind event was to create a forum for business and investment opportunities between African women-led businesses and Canadian enterprises and 6 4 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA
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Photos by: Samy Abraham
institutions. The first day of the conference was devoted for registration and networking while the main conference was held on the second day, May 28th, 2013. Due to higher demand for Business to Business (B2B) meetings, the third day was entirely dedicated for B2B meetings. At the inauguration day on May 28, 2013, Mr. Lucien Bradet, President and C.E.O. of CCAfrica, welcomed the participants of the conference while emphasising the significance and timeliness of the conference. Her Excellency Florence Zano Chideya, the ambassador of Zimbabwe highlighted the key role that African women play in peace, security and economic development. The conference was officially opened by her Excellency Edda Mukabagwiza, the high Commissioner of Rwanda. She
highlighted the five objectives of the conference: sensitizing participants about the business opportunities in Canada and in Africa, encouraging Canadian investment in Africa, facilitating African women-led businesses’ access to Canadian markets, marketing products sold and services rendered by African women-led enterprises and promoting African women’s access to Canadian financing mechanisms and institutions. Speaking on behalf of the government, Ontario Senator, Salma Ataullahjan used the conference as a forum to announce the Canadian government’s new initiative, Women Entrepreneurship Development program in Ethiopia. She explained that the Government of Canada promotes equal rights for women and girls both at home and abroad and recognizes women as entrepreneurs and as wage earners. Mrs. Hajia Bola Shagaya, C.E.O. of Pract Oil, Nigeria graced the event as the key note speaker. While sharing her success story, Mrs. Shagaya applauded the role of this conference as addressing the urgent need to empower African women to function more effectively in the development process of Africa. The conference also consisted of information sessions and thematic panels that comprised of experts on the subject from Africa and Canada. The panelists shared their successes and achievements of modern-day African women entrepreneurship, the challenges they face, lessons learned, and
“Experience is the key for success in business. Have a goal, be determined, perseverance will bring you where you want to go�
Hajia Bola Shagaya, CEO of Pract Oil Ltd. advice for doing business in Africa and in Canada. Simultaneously, a trade exhibition from African women-led businesses, as well as B2B meetings took place on this day at separate rooms. The B2B meetings were exceptionally acclaimed by the participants and consumed two days of the conference. These meetings provided a forum to discuss possible business and collaboration opportunities
both amongst African women entrepreneurs and Canadian partners. Thanks to the assistance offered by the Trade Facilitation Office of Canada, the B2B meetings contributed immensely to the success of the conference. Her Excellency Dr. Mathabo Tsepa, High Commissioner of Lesotho, officially closed the conference. While the conference proceeding is the first step to a successful business relationship, Dr.
Tsepa underscored the importance of follow-ups with those whom business partnerships seemed possible from the conference. Depending on enthusiastic and continuous engagements among the participants, the African Women Trade and Investment Opportunities conference will be remembered as the birth place of many successful trade relationships between Canada and Africa in the years to come.
AUGUST 2013
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Seminar Open the Doors to African Opportunity
Background The Metropolitan Montreal Chamber of Commerce hosted a seminar devoted to the African continent to demonstrate, through a presentation by Mr. MIVILLE DE CHĂŠNE, Vice-President of the Canadian Council on Africa Quebec and Maritimes, the various opportunities available on the continent. We presented the best business development strategies to adopt in light of various existing risks. This Conference allowed to discover the various financial incentives to facilitate economic exchanges with Africa. Finally,
the speakers shared their knowledge of risk management by discussing various tools to evaluate it and know-how to respond appropriately. The Seminar’s unfolding Mr Ben Abdallah, advisor development of international markets, working for the Metropolitan Montreal Chamber of Commerce introduced the various stakeholders in this seminar. Mr MIVILLE DE CHÊNE was the main speaker, with the support of experts representing the following companies: Desjardins, EDC, Millennium. The seminar was attended by a
large number of investors potentially interested in Africa or want to explore other parts of the continent in order to consider a possible expansion in the territory. It was therefore a question of presenting general opportunities present in the sub-regions of Africa (Eastern Africa, Western, Northern and Southern) and the most successful sectors according to recent data reported by various government agencies. Conclusion The seminar enabled participants to discover opportunities present in countries where they did not know the potential and they have been reassured about the risks and existing methods of funding. In addition, they were able to easily expand their professional circle, such an event allowing for networking. The speakers tried to better respond to questions and made this seminar active, by inviting the participants to interact with each other.
Economic Trade Mission to Rwanda
Background The Canadian Council on Africa organized a mission to Kigali, Rwanda from February 10th to 13th 2013. Organized in collaboration with the Rwandan Development Board, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Canada and the Department of International Relations, Francophonie and Foreign Trade of Quebec (MRI-FCE), this mission was a unique opportunity to discover many business opportunities in multiple sectors: Infrastructure (buildings, public works, energy, environment, sanitation), education and technical and vocational training, agriculture, energy, eco-tourism, ICT, construction and real estate and financial services. The Mission During the orientation breakfast, the Head of Mission presented the general 6 6 | T H E R I SI N G A F R I CA
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program of the delegation. Individual programs were also presented on this occasion and safety instructions were provided to participants. This mission began with an orientation session with all participants in the offices of RDB. The Chief Operating Officer of RDB presented the current economic situation in Rwanda and sectors offering the best business opportunities. It was also an opportunity for participants to learn about local business culture and for the RDB to provide them with some tips and tricks to maximize the return on a mission. Moreover, we had a table reserved for our group each morning in the hotel restaurant for the duration of our mission. These breakfasts were an opportunity to do a recapitulation of the previous day, to provide an overview of the day meetings and discuss on follow-ups to be made, etc.
The other days were devoted to specific targeted meetings for each companies. A group visit to the new economic zone on the outskirts of Kigali confirmed the scope and speed of the economic development. In addition, targeted meetings all confirmed the interest in Quebec and Canadian expertise in infrastructure, energy, eco-tourism, technology and manufacturing. One high-level meeting was obtained with the Minister of Infrastructure. The candidates were accompanied by the Canadian Council for Africa and the Trade Commissioner in Nairobi that was in Kigali for the day. Conclusion We can say that the mission was a success. We believe that each participant obtained about 10 meetings, leading the number of meetings to almost 75 in 3 days. In conclusion, it is very important to emphasize the importance of a greater official Canadian representation in Africa. The assistance and support that a trade commissioners can provide is crucial for the proper monitoring of such a mission. After several years of absence, a sales representative will soon be posted in Kigali, which will facilitate monitoring and trade between Rwanda and Canada.
African Opportunity Day
Background During the African Fair Montreal, the Canadian Council on Africa has decided to organize an African Opportunity Salon to present the business opportunities in some African countries to potential investors, in the form of a one-day conference. Each conference lasted 30 minutes, followed by fifteen minutes of questions. The Salon We have welcomed in the morning Mr Abdoulaye Wane - Executive Director at HBDO - who introduced us, very accurately, to Senegal and responded very concisely the various questions. We then had a video conference
via Skype with the director of a textile center in Tunisia who gave us the opportunities present in his country by specifically focusing on the textile sector, Ms. Hanene Henchiri coordinator to Observatory on food sovereignty - then completed his analysis. This was followed by a conference on Mauritania and business opportunities particularly in the energy sector, brilliantly presented by Mr Bernard COLAS - lawyer and Honorary Consul for Mauritania - supported by the testimony of Mr Edouard PREFONTAINE (Development Director for Semafo Energy) and Ould Atigh President of
The Foundation Khaimah. In the afternoon we received Mr Kpelly Didi who presented the opportunities in Central Africa, with a particular focus on Cameroon, Congo and Burkina Faso. Then there was a presentation on Benin given by Mr Bienvenu Lani, who also gave a projection regarding East Africa. Our afternoon concluded with the presentation of Mali, particularly focused on Shea butter markets, given by Mrs Patricia Vargas - marketing officer at Crossroads International. Finally, Mr Talla Jonathan currently delegate GICAM Canada, told us about the various opportunities that exist in Cameroon. Conclusion There was a real exchange between the participants which made the debate lively and allowed many of them to network, share their knowledge and personal experiences with the African continent. We hope to repeat this experience next year, and try to gather a large number of ambassadors to present range of African countries.
Mining Indaba 2013 Year after year, Investing in African Mining Indaba features industry leaders offering essential knowledge and authoritative commentary on the rewards and risks of investing in more than 130 mineral-rich countries around the world. For the first time, the Canadian Council on Africa, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (now known as the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development) of Canada, was responsible of the Canadian mission at this important mining event in Cape Town, South Africa. This year again, Indaba had a great deal of success. Effectively, over 7,800 of the most internationally-diversified and influential professionals in African mining, a record breaking year in terms of attendance as this represents a10% growth from 2012. There was 107 countries and territories represented, along with 45 official African and Non-African government delegations. Among those, the Canadian pavilion is a key anchor pavilion at Indaba. Besides having benefits from networking and meeting space, the Canadian delegation was offered a
range of services including private meeting facilities, matchmaking, refreshments, while serving as a point of contact and a place for African delegations to receive information on Canadian mining policies and Canadian capabilities. Offering all this was possible thanks to our sponsors: Tier 6 (Platinum Sponsor) SNC-Lavalin (Gold Sponsor), Ethiopian Airlines, Barrick Gold, McCarthy Tetrault, SPP, Sherritt and Sama Resources. At the reception organized by the High Commission of Canada in South Africa and CCAfrica, while being sponsored by McCarthy Tetrault, the High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Gaston Barban, acknowledged the importance of Canada in the global mining industry: “Over 1,600 Canadian and international mining related companies are listed on the Toronto exchange. They handled 83% of world mining equity transactions in the past five years. These Canadian companies represent between 1/3 and ½ of all global equity raised from global mineral development. Almost 60% of world publicly listed mining companies are listed in Canada.” The reception was attended by over 100 Canadians. AUGUST 2013
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Resource Guide for African Expertise in Canada The Canadian Council on Africa has composed a Resource Guide for your convenience. Feel free to contact those companies, enterprises and organisations for your Africa-related business needs. If you would like to profile your company in our bilingual Resource Guide for African Expertise in Canada, feel free to send your 80-word-profile to CCAfrica. This is free for CCAfrica members! For non-member-fees please contact Chris Kianza. chris.kianza@ccafrica.ca. The Collège Communautaire of Nouveau-Brunswick is a Canadian Francophone postsecondary education institution (Bac+2). It offers over 90 programs in professional and technical training divided into sixteen groups (www.ccnb.nb.ca). The CCNB is active in the international scene and includes providing support services to analysis sector according to the skills approach (CPA), institutional strengthening, development of training programs, technical assessment organizational needs and developing partnerships in applied research.
Éducation internationale is a not-for-profit cooperative which belongs to the majority of Quebec’s Francophone and Anglophone school boards. It also includes several organizations, institutions and public and private colleges. The activities of Éducation internationale are organized into three departments; international mobility, international development and international recruitment. Éducation internationale makes available on the international stage more than 150 years of experience, excellence and ongoing innovations of education systems.
www.ccnb.nb.ca
www.education-internationale.com
Jolicoeur Lacasse Avocats knows that to be established and to do business in Africa represents an extraordinary challenge and, in order to achieve such an endeavour, our legal services will be precious to you that they be provided in Québec, in Canada or in Africa. When surrounded by partners that know the legal and juridical culture, you significantly augment your chances of success. Our team will ensure that it puts itself forward as the link, as well as play the role of interface, between you and your partners.
The Panafrican Group is a leading full-service provider of construction and mining equipment solutions in 5 countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Employing 300 people, it is the exclusive distributor of Komatsu equipment, the world’s second largest manufacturers of Construction, Mining, and Utility Equipment globally, with a reputation for quality and reliability. Panafrican also distributes Sakai compaction equipment, Pirtek fluid transfer solutions and Hensley GET.
www.jolicoeurlacasse.com
www.panafricangroup.com
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Resource Guide for African Expertise in Canada Kestrel Capital is the leading stockbroker on the Nairobi Stock Exchange, and one of the largest traders of fixed-income in Kenya. Its focus on providing excellent research and infrastructure to its clients has resulted in a greater than 50% market share of foreign and local institutional investors. Kestrel has also received several awards as the “Best Stockbroker in Kenya”. Kestrel also is recognized as a leading corporate finance advisory, having advised on some of Kenya’s most prominent M&A advisory mandates and capital raisings.
MEDA – Mennonite Economic Development Associates – is an international NGO founded in 1953 that provides technical expertise in subsector and value chain analysis, market linkages, financial services, health systems, and financial institution capacity development. MEDA’s expertise cuts across sectors, working with vulnerable and underserved populations like youth, low-income women, and rural populations. Through innovative international development, MEDA provides a future for families and whole communities, working to enrich, encourage and assist individuals and their families in improving their standard of living.
www.kestrelcapital.com
www.meda.org
Sarona Asset Management Inc. “Sarona is a private equity firm, investing growth capital in companies and private equity funds in frontier and emerging markets around the world. Our particular focus is the small to mid-market companies that meet the growing needs of the rising middle class in those markets. Our goal is to achieve superior returns by creating world class companies employing highly progressive business strategies, and operating to the highest standards of business, ethical, social and environmental excellence.
Contacts Monde exists since 1998 and is a result of the collaboration of two international experts, Isabelle Limoges and Karl Miville-de Chêne, who are working in the international field since for more than 25 years. Our team includes three full-time people as well as various associates, according to the present records. Our services: Consultation in marketing and market development, training in trade and international processes, support to export promotion organisations and recruitment of specialized personnel in international trade. Our customers : companies and export promotion organizations.
Sarona has developed a wealth of experience and knowledge through 60 years of private investments in frontier markets.”
www.saronafund.com
www.contactsmonde.com
Kenya Fluorspar Company is one of the largest global producers of acidgrade fluorspar, which is utilised in the production of Hydrofluoric Acid and Aluminum Fluoride. Located in Kenya’s Kerio Valley, the company has over 350 employees and 270 contractors. KFC is one of Kenya’s largest mines and one of its largest earners of foreign exchange. KFC maintains a strong relationship with its local community and provides numerous services including housing, medical facilities, free water supply, schools, sports and leisure facilities.
AnyWay Solid Environmental Solutions Ltd. is a global leader in providing soil stabilization products to the infrastructure and development sectors. Our products are based on a unique technology patented worldwide.AnyWay is a subsidiary of The Metrontario Group of companies, an established real estate developer and entrepreneurial investor active since 1946. AnyWay’s commitment is to provide comprehensive, innovative, cost-effective solutions through soil stabilization. Our products have been successfully implemented in road, infrastructure and low cost housing projects using both mechanized and labourintensive means.
www.kenyafluorspar.com
www.anywaysolutions.com AUGUST 2013
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Resource Guide for African Expertise in Canada ACCC, the national membership organization serving Canada’s 130 public colleges, cégeps and institutes, works with education and industry stakeholders in Tanzania, Mozambique, Sénégal, Nigeria, among others, to develop training programs that prepare learners for employment and self-employment. Building on the strengths of its members, Canada’s providers of advanced skills, and supported by CIDA, ACCC programs help build African capacity in labour market analysis, industry liaison, demand-driven curriculum development, teacher training, and responsive institutional leadership.
PGF is a Management Consulting Firm working in Canada and internationally. Our approach is entirely client centered. We help guide our client toward success and in meeting its through potential. For this, we strive to use international best practices in terms of:
www.accc.ca
www.pgf.ca
CANAC Railway Services Inc. is a leading edge single source multi-disciplinary provider of end-toend integrated railroad solutions worldwide. We provide customized, distinctive and sustainable solutions for freight and passenger railroads including commuter and industrial railway operators, investors and governments throughout North America and Internationally.
CPCS is a global advisory firm headquartered in Canada providing advisory services to public and private sector clients in emerging economies around the world. With offices and representation in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Abuja, Lagos and Addis Ababa, CPCS continues to build a strong track record of turning ideas into plans and plans into successful projects. We work to unlock Africa’s productive capacity through the development of strategic infrastructure in the transport, power and urban development sectors.
www.canac.com
www.cpcstrans.com
Mercy Ships serving the needs of Africans since 1990, we could be a partner for your CSR projects. Mercy Ships uses hospital ships and ground-based teams to provide free health care to those who do not have access in developing countries. Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships has so far worked in more than 70 countries providing free services worth more than $1 billion to over 2.35 million people.
S T R AT E G E U M specializes in analysis and strategic consulting, campaign organizing, management and operational planning for private companies, governments, organizations with large membership and/or in favor of causes, elected officials and candidates. STRATEGEUM knows how to bring its strategic expertise, developed in the course of all types of campaigns involving cutting edge techniques and quick reflexes, to partners working in a range of fields as broad as construction, electoral campaigning, coffee, higher education, mining, energy, networking missions, transportation, agriculture, financing, etc.
www.mercyships.ca
www.strategeum.com
For more information, please contact Marie-Josée Fortin, Director of Partnership Programs at the ACCC (mjfortin@accc.ca) and Vice-chair of the Board of Directors of the CCA.
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• Strategic and Operational planning • Organisational transformation and Capacity Building • Leadership Development • Executive Coaching • 360-degree Assessments
• Organizational Diagnostics • Change Management • Program evaluations using Results-based management • Process Design and Facilitation • Feasibility Studies
Resource Guide for African Expertise in Canada With a focus on commercial regulation, extractive industries and international trade, a presence in Canada and Nigeria, and know-how regarding Africa, AFOLABI LAW is your legal services provider of choice in undertaking business in Africa. Dealing with concerns of varying size and complexity, and engaging matters as diverse as oil and gas licensing, contractual arrangements, corporate social responsibility, customs classification, and fairness in government procurement, AFOLABI provides top quality legal solutions steeped in an understanding of the legal imperatives and bureaucratic environments of commercial regulation.
SNC-Lavalin is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world and a major player in the ownership of infrastructure, and in the provision of operations and maintenance services. Founded in 1911, SNC-Lavalin has offices across Canada and in over 40 other countries around the world, and is currently working in some 100 countries.
www.afolabilaw.com
www.snclavalin.com
With approximately 600 highly qualified lawyers located in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and London (UK), McCarthy Tetrault has received international recognition and established its position as a leading law firm in Canada by understanding clients’ business and legal needs and developing the right solutions. Nationally and globally, we represent clients in many industries and have international experience in a wide variety of transactions and other diversified assignments. Our practice frequently takes us across borders, notably in Africa. Our firm has endorsed an Africa Initiative.
CESO (Canadian Executive Service Organization) is a leading Canadian volunteerbased development organization. Founded in 1967, we harness the expertise of leading Canadian executives and professionals to work in partnership with small and mediumsized enterprises, trade associations, government institutions, microfinance institutions, and civil society. Our volunteer advisors have completed thousands of assignments in almost 30 different countries throughout Africa, providing advisory services, training and mentoring ranging from single short-term projects to longer-term multi-faceted economic, governance and/or community development programs.
www.mccarthy.ca
www.ceso-saco.com
Aviation Zenith Inc. exists since the year 2000 for any kind of project in Africa. Our mission has the full support of aeronautical products. Sales of Engines and accessories, spare parts, propeller and general revision, Pratt & Whitney turbine, rotables and consumables, Aircraft sales. Technical support and on-site technical support. Our mission is to meet all the needs of our customers with the least delay without compromising quality. We have a commercial department mastering the rules of international aeronautics trade.
AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 130 countries.
www.aviationzenith.com
www.aecom.com AUGUST 2013
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Resource Guide for African Expertise in Canada Export Development Canada is Canada’s export credit agency, offering financial and risk management solutions to help Canadian businesses expand into the international market. Our job is to support and develop Canada’s export trade by helping Canadian companies respond to international business opportunities. We provide insurance and financial services, bonding products and small business solutions to Canadian exporters and investors and their international buyers. We support Canadian direct investment abroad. We work in cooperation with other financial institutions and through collaboration with the government of Canada.
For over 42 years Aquaculture Consulting Service Inc. has been involved in aquaculture in the Americas, Asia, Europe and Africa. by developing master plans, designing and operating varied aquaculture site: salmon, tilapia, shrimp, etc..
www.edc.ca
aquaculture.asc@sympatico.ca
Lucid Africa Consulting Inc. is an Africa-focused advisory firm that provides customized, in-depth research and analysis on country economics, political risk, industries, and value chains. The CEO, David Shiferaw, has consulted for a wide array of institutions including UNECA’s Africa Trade Policy Centre, the World Bank, and Eurasia Group. His recent consultancies include analytical work on Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Mali, Congo-Brazzaville, Madagascar and Angola.
Visas. Legalization. Translation. Global Visa Services assists business travellers, travel agencies, public employees, diplomats, international aid organisations, tourists and students with current visa information as well as instructions and application documents prior to their travels. We offer comprehensive service covering everything from information and representation for visas to legalization and certification of documents. Our services will be offered to CCAfrica members at special reduced rates.
www.lafrica.ca
www.globalvisaservices.ca
Canadian Commercial Corporation is the international contracting and procurement agency of the Government of Canada. CCC leverages its international contracting expertise to open complex government procurement markets for Canadian exporters. CCC increases trade by helping governments in Africa and around the world access Canadian products and expertise through the negotiation and execution of bilateral procurement arrangements. In 201112, CCC signed $1.8 billion in export contracts with governments around the world.
As a global, employeeowned organisation with over 50 years of experience, Golder Associates is driven by its purpose to “engineer earth’s development” while “preserving earth’s integrity.” From more than 180 offices worldwide, including Africa, our over 8000 employees deliver solutions that help clients achieve their sustainable development goals by providing a wide range of independent consulting, design and construction services in our specialist areas of earth, environment and energy.
www.ccc.ca
www.golder.com
Lucid Africa Consulting Inc
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ASC Inc. has operated in Canada since 30 years two major Fish Farms: a Fish processing plant (HACCP) and a Fishfeed distribution Company, combining proven expertise in consultation with the realism of commercial aquaculture production.
Canadian Council on Africa
Board of Directors Chairman of the Board of Directors
Benoit La Salle - President, CEO, Windiga Energy Inc. Canada
Executive Committee
David Baron - President, CEO, Cowater
Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors
Marie-Josee Fortin - Director, Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC)
Executive Committee
John Treleaven - Vice-Chairmen, Mercy Ships
Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors Member of the Action Plan Committee
Executive Committee Member of the Action Plan Committee
David Ireland - Canadian Bank Note
Executive Committee
President of Governmental Relations Committee Executive Committee
President of the Action Plan Committee Executive Committee
Peter Kieran - President, CPCS
Sam Boutziouvis - VP, Government Relations and Multilateral Institutions, SNC-Lavalin
Executive Committee
Michael Wyse - President, Black Business Initiative
Pierre Boivin - Partner, McCarthy Tetrault
Simon Lafrance - Managing Partner, Strategeum
Member of the Action Plan Committee Executive Committee
Lucien Bradet - President & CEO, Canadian Council on Africa
Michel Cote - President, CRC Sogema
Yvon Bernier - Vice-President, Developpement International Desjardins
Amina Gerba - President, Afrique Expansion
Denis Belisle - Chairman, Dessau
Matt Fisher - Vice-President, Anyway Environmental Solutions
Alanna Heath - Director of Government Affairs, Barrick Gold
Charles Field-Marsham - Chief Executive Officer, Kestrel Capital
Denis Painchaud - Director International Governmental Relations, Nexen
Mark Sitter - Director, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Sharritt International
McAlister Consulting Corp. Wayne Dunn - Professor in CSR at McGill, Managing Director, Wayne Dunn & Associates
David Gamble - Vice-President, Business Development, IMW Industries
Canadian Council on Africa AFFUTJOB African Gold Group Afrique Expansion Agriteam Canada Alberta International Intergovernmental Anyway Environmental Solutions Association of Canadian Community Colleges Atlas Partenaires Aviation Zenith Inc Barrick Gold Corporation Black Business Initiative Blackberry Bombardier Broccolini Construction Inc Canac Inc. Canadian and African Business Women’s Alliance (CAABWA) Canadian Bank Note Carleton University Cegep de Trois-Rivieres Centre de formation Professionelle val-dor CIMA International Consortium International de Developpment Consultation Contacts Monde Cordiant
Andrew McAlister - McAlister Consulting Corp.
Member List
Cowater International Inc. CPCS Transcom Ltd. CRC Sogema Dam Developpement International Inc. Desjardins Developpement International (DID) Dessau Dundee Corporation E.T. Jackson & Associates Ltd. Edition l’Artichaut Education Internationale Emerging Markets Financial Group EM-One Energy Solutions Excel Employment International Fasken Martineau Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP Freebalance Genivar Groupe Belfontaine IAMGOLD Corporation IMW Industries Limited Innovision Jainji International Inc JR Intertrade Inc. Kestrel Menagement La Cite Collegiale
Lussier Centre du Camion McAlister Consulting Corp. McCarthy Tetrault Mercy Ships MGS Energy Group Ministre du Development Economique Nexen Oasis Voyages Price Waterhouse Cooper RA International Remedex Mediation Services Sama Resources SDV Canada SEMAFO Sherritt SNC-Lavalin Strategeum The Udemba Group Trade Facilitation Office Canada (TFO) Tronnes Surveys Truquest Global Inc. University of Ottawa Wayne Dunn & Associates Windiga Energy Inc. AUGUST 2013
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The CCAfrica Team Lucien Bradet President, CEO CCAfrica Ottawa
PLACE YOUR AD IN THE NEW RISING AFRICA COMING THIS FALL
Chris Kianza Vice-President CCAfrica Ottawa
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To reserve your advertising space, contact:
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Nous renforçons notre position de chef de file en Afrique Depuis le 1er février 2013, la fusion entre Fasken Martineau et Bell Dewar de Johannesburg crée l’un des plus importants cabinets d’avocats exerçant en Afrique. Fasken Martineau devient ainsi le cabinet d’avocats canadien dont la présence internationale est la plus importante.
Expanding our Leadership in Africa Since February 1, 2013, Fasken Martineau’s merger with Bell Dewar in Johannesburg, creates one of the largest law firms operating in Africa, giving Fasken Martineau the largest international footprint of any Canadian-based law firm.
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