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I

don’t know about you, but by God I didn’t half need the feel-good shot in the arm that August seems to have given us all. In football terms, after a difficult and, at times, quite heartbreaking first-half of the year, let’s raise a toast to an altogether happier 2016 second-half that’s kicked-off in spectacular fashion, thanks to this month’s thrilling Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Granted, the Rio Olympics may have had its flaws and hiccups, but guess what; who cares? In typically samba style, the Olympic Games was a flamboyant, vibrant affair which filled our lives with some much needed colour and sunshine.

In years to come, will you remember the mutters about green-tinged swimming pools, or the protests that took place before the opening ceremony? No, of course not. Instead, what we’ll remember are the seemingly superhuman feats of athleticism which propelled this year’s Olympians; the serial gold medallists who stole the show, the runners-up who came in just behind to claim silver and bronze, and the unsung heroes who might not have claimed a spot on the podium, or even made it beyond the first heats, but without whom there would be no Games, to glory.

We’ll choose to remember the spectacle of the athletes and fans from nearly 200 countries putting aside their differences, and coming together to enjoy the greatest show on earth. We’ll choose to remember the uniquely Brazilian carnival of colour and flair and noise and laughter; Usain Bolt’s historic ‘triple triple’ gold medal haul, and, if you’re British like us, the utterly bonkers clutch of medals that our men and women have lugged back to Blighty with them on the plane.

I’ve gone off on something of a tangent, as I’m so prone to doing, but the point is this: we must always strive to remember what it is that makes our species brilliant, even during the times when a minority are letting the side down. The year 2016 has been marred by a succession of terrible incidents, but let us not forget that a silent majority commit innumerable good deeds each and every day; our capacity for good, I’d like to think, far exceeds our capacity to do ill, by and large.

As it so happens, this is a theme that appears to feature prominently in this month’s issue of Endeavour Magazine. For starters, we’ve had the pleasure to work with global beverages giant Coca Cola, who we spoke with about the frontseat role private enterprise will play in overcoming the world’s greatest, most enduring problems, like extreme poverty, via social enterprise initiatives.

Also, in our brand-new Amazing World section, you can read about how a pair of scientists and designers have developed a wonderfully simple, affordable and yet effective method of clearing the millions of landmines that maim and kill thousands each year.

In addition to this, we’ve got the usual fantastic collection of news stories, business profiles, and fast cars, along with our new Amazing World supplements; hopefully you’ll enjoy this month’s issue as much as we enjoyed making it.

DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

39

Mazda Southern Africa

FEATURES

23

Anaklia Development Consortium

4 | Endeavour Magazine

13 COVER STORY Coca-Cola® EKOCENTER

Empowering Communities 23 Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC)

Following The New Silk Road 31 AGE Technologies

Coming Of Age 39 Mazda Southern Africa

Behind The Wheel 53 Air India

Up, Up And Away 59 GIFT

The Greatest Gift Of All 69 Anglo Arabian Healthcare (AAH)

Demonstrating Healthcare Excellence 75 Kuwait National Petroleum Company

Powering Kuwait 83 Swakop Uranium

Husab Mine – The Next Big Thing 87 British Petroleum Trinidad & Tobago

Leading From The Front

57 GIFT

ARTICLES 3 Editor’s Note

Business Headlines 6 Africa 7 Middle East 8 America 10 Asia 11 Europe

Amazing World 28 Icelandic Volcanoes & Lava Fields 46 Perseid Meteor Shower 64 Y-40 The Deep Joy 80 The Drone That Clears Landmines

Automotives 48 Citroen DS5 Prestige Automatic 50 2016 E 220d AMG Mercedes Benz E-Class

81

Swakop Uranium Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES AFRICA SOUTH AFRICA REGAINS TOP SPOT TO BECOME AFRICA’S BIGGEST ECONOMY Just two years after Nigeria rebased its GDP to claim continental bragging rights, South Africa once again holds the title for being Africa’s largest economy. Following a recalculation using current exchange rates, South Africa has retaken the top spot thanks to the

However, the ‘bullet payments’ model of borrowing – which requires borrowers to make lump sum repayments of the loan’s principal, due once the bond matures – are of particular concern.

In many instances, these bullet payments amount to US$1 billion or more, but even smaller payments have the potential to place a huge strain on government finances and foreign currency reserves.

strengthening of the rand against the dollar. Conversely, Nigeria’s currency has fallen sharply since a peg to the dollar was dropped.

Nigeria rebased its economy in 2014 to include previously uncounted industries like telecoms, information technology, music, online sales, airlines, and film production. This is not uncommon most countries update the measure of the size of their economy at least every three years or so, but Nigeria had not updated the components in its GDP base year since the early 90’s.

Not that there’s a lot in it - the South African economy is worth in the region of US$301bn, compared to the Nigerian economy which is valued at US$296bn.

MOST SIGNIFICANT COPPER DISCOVERY THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN MADE IN CONGO Results from drilling at a copper deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo show what may prove to be the most significant discovery of the metal in Africa, said Vancouver-based Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. The find at Kakula, in the southern portion of Ivanhoe’s Kamoa project, is “enormous,” Ivanhoe Mines DRC Managing Director Louis Watum said at a conference in the capital, Kinshasa. Discussions are under way on how to adjust the development strategy to allocate sufficient funds to bring the new discovery into production as soon as possible. “Earlier discoveries already have established Kamoa as the world’s largest, undeveloped, high-grade copper discovery,” chief executive officer Robert Friedland said in a separate statement.

Kakula “could prove to be Africa’s most significant copper discovery,” he said. Under the current plans, the original Kamoa discovery would move to production in the final quarter of 2018. Ivanhoe still has to finalize the terms under which it will increase the government’s stake in the project from 5 to 20 per cent.

MAURITIUS, ‘THE BEST PLACE TO DO BUSINESS IN AFRICA,’ EXPECTS 46% INCREASE IN FDI IN 2016 Mauritius’ government expects foreign direct investment to increase as much as 46% this year, even as the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union may curb inflows to the Indian Ocean island nation.

CONCERN MOUNTING ABOUT AFRICA’S RISING DEBT Just a decade since receiving multilateral debt relief, concern is rising that some African governments have fallen back into bad habits and resumed the habit of borrowing heavily.

A number of governments have issued Eurobonds, raising over US$20 billion in the last decade – almost equivalent to the GDP of Uganda. Mozambique aside, these countries have so far managed to keep up their interest payments, which in many cases now amounts to over 10% of government revenues. In some instances, governments are spending more on interest payments than their national health budget.

6 | Endeavour Magazine

Foreign investors are expected to commit 14 billion rupees US$395 million - by the end of 2016, compared with 9.6 billion rupees last year, according to Board of Investment Chief Executive Officer Ken Poonoosamy. The country received 3 billion rupees in the first quarter, Bank of Mauritius data shows. FDI slumped last year from 18.5 billion rupees in 2014, when the US$12 billion economy saw several hotel acquisition deals. “With uncertainties like Brexit, we need to be very cautious in terms of figures,” Poonoosamy said.

The board has some visibility “on projects that have been already been secured,” he said, without elaborating.

MIDDLE EAST DUBAI DEVELOPER NAKHEEL NOW DEBT-FREE Dubai developer Nakheel – Dubai’s flagship construction and engineering company which was especially hard-hit by the 2007 Credit Crunch - is now completely “debt-free”, having made arrangements to repay its Dhs4.4bn trade creditors this month.

Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah said that the company had transferred the amount to Deutsche Bank on Sunday, in order to repay sukuk-holders. The Islamic bond matures on Thursday, August 25 and was repaid from Nakheel’s own internal resources.

“We are now a debt-free company,” Lootah told reporters. “It was a challenging period we went through, but we managed to meet our commitments.” The developer was hit hard by the 2009

steady for the first half of the year, to meet rising seasonal domestic demand as well as higher exports requirements. Higher production could give it more leverage during talks in September when both OPEC and non-OPEC producers are expected to revive a freeze deal to support oil prices, the sources say.

In June, Saudi Arabia pumped 10.55 million barrels of oil per day, and lifted production to 10.67 million bpd in July, the highest in its history. Now the sources expect the OPEC heavyweight to raise its crude supplies to a further record this month as demand inside and outside the kingdom looks healthy. One source from outside OPEC said the Saudis were quietly telling the market output could rise further in August to as high as 10.8-10.9 million bpd.

property market crash and was forced to undertake a US$16bn debt restructuring in 2011. Nakheel prepaid Dhs7.89 of its bank debt in 2014 – four years before the scheduled repayment date.

“As we close the curtain on our restructuring programme, we look forward to starting a fresh chapter in which we are stronger and more resilient than ever,” said Lootah.

UAE’S FIRST NUCLEAR PLANT NOW 68% COMPLETE It has been confirmed that work on the four-unit nuclear energy plant at Barakah is “progressing steadily,” according to The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). Overall, construction of Units 1 to 4 is now almost 68 per cent complete, it said in a statement. ENEC

DP WORLD TO DELAY JEBEL ALI PORT EXPANSION

also confirmed that it has installed the Unit 3 steam generators –

DP World, one of the world’s largest port operators, is delaying

which play a key role in the conversion of the energy generated by

the expansion of Dubai’s Jebel Ali port, its main facility, because of

nuclear fission into electricity.

softer market conditions, the company said. A plan to add 1.5 million

The two stainless steel generator units – similar in length to a

20-foot equivalent units (TEU) of annual capacity to Terminal 3 at

tennis court – were manufactured in South Korea over four years

Jebel Ali will be delayed into 2017, while expansion of Terminal 4

by Doosan Heavy Industries, a member of ENEC’s consortium. The

will also be slowed, DP World said without giving details.

generators were then transported to Barakah where they were

The company had announced in July 2015 that it would invest

installed inside the Unit 3 Reactor Containment Building (RCB).

US$1.6bn in Terminal 4, which was to be completed by 2018. Jebel

“Each of Barakah’s steam generators contain numerous tubes that

Ali handles shipments not only for the United Arab Emirates but for

safely carry heated water at high pressure. These tubes are made of

much of the region. Since last year, however, growth in the oil-rich

an alloy composed of nickel, chromium and iron, making them strong

economies of the Gulf has slowed because of low oil prices. Saudi

and corrosion resistant, even at high temperatures.”

Arabia’s imports, for example, shrank 20% from a year earlier in May, according to official data released. “After the 2009 financial crisis,

SAUDI MAY SOON OVERTAKE RUSSIA AS IT HITS NEW OIL OUTPUT RECORD

trade helped support Dubai in part thanks to government stimulus in the region,” said Dima Jardaneh, head of regional economic research at Standard Chartered. “Now Dubai’s trade is feeling the impact of a

Saudi Arabia has signalled that it could boost its crude oil supplies

contractionary economic environment and the absence of stimulus.”

to a new record level, overtaking Russia, the world’s top oil producer,

DP World’s decision also reflected a subdued outlook for global

as it gets ready for tough talks next month for a global output freeze

trade flows. Expansion in the volume of world trade is expected to

pact. Industry sources say the kingdom, already the world’s largest

remain sluggish at 2.8% in 2016, unchanged from 2015, the World

oil exporter, started to raise production from June, after holding it

Trade Organisation forecast in April.

Endeavour Magazine | 7

AMERICA HSBC EXECUTIVE PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO US CHARGES IN FOREX-RELATED SCHEME A senior HSBC executive pleaded not guilty to charges that he participated in a fraudulent scheme to front-run a US$3.5 billion currency transaction by one of the bank’s clients, CNBC reported.

The plea on wire fraud and conspiracy charges by Mark Johnson, a British citizen who at the time of his arrest last month was HSBC’s global head of foreign exchange cash trading, was entered by his lawyer in the federal court in Brooklyn.

Johnson and Stuart Scott, HSBC’s former head of cash trading

seasonally adjusted 0.3% in July from a month earlier, the Commerce Department said Monday. Incomes rose 0.4%, a pickup from growth in the prior two months. Both measures matched consensus expectations from economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal.

“Personal spending will remain a key source of support for economic activity this quarter,” said Millan Mulraine, deputy chief U.S. macro strategist at TD Securities USA (LLC).

July’s rise was led by an uptick in real spending on motor vehicles and services, which offset lower spending on nondurable goods, or items not intended to last more than three years, the report said.

for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, are believed to be the first people to face U.S. criminal charges arising from a probe of foreignexchange rigging at banks.

U.S. REGULATORS WARN DRILLERS TO FIND SOLUTION TO SUBSEA BOLT FAILURES Federal regulators have warned subsea oil drillers and equipment makers that bolt failures in the Gulf of Mexico could result in an oil spill on the scale of the Deepwater Horizon disaster, reported the WSJ. “Fortunately, as of today we’ve had no major catastrophes from bolt failures,” said Brian Salerno, director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement at the Department of the Interior, which oversees the offshore oil industry. “We believe it may only be a matter of time before our luck runs out.”

The warning came at a public forum at the Interior Department in Washington convened by the BSEE. The agency’s working group and a parallel task force set up by an oil industry trade group are trying to determine why critical metal fasteners have corroded and failed in recent years.

U.S. CONSUMER SPENDING ROSE IN JULY Consumer spending rose for the fourth straight month in July, according to a report by the WSJ; a sign that domestic consumption could continue to drive U.S. economic growth over the second half of the year.

Four consecutive months of solid spending pointed to continued confidence on the part of the consumer, supported by steady job gains and low interest rates and gasoline prices.

Personal consumption, which measures how much Americans spent on everything from hotel stays to hamburgers, rose a 8 | Endeavour Magazine

Regulators and makers of oil production equipment, including General Electric Co., Schlumberger Ltd. and National Oilwell Varco Inc., are trying to determine what is causing the failures, which have included premature corroding, stripping of threads or snapping outright. The problems have been found over the past four years on safety equipment in underwater oil production, including on blowout preventers, which are designed as a last defence against a major oil spill like the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico.

OIL PRICES ARE POISED FOR A 2010-STYLE RALLY, SAYS BOFA MERRILL LYNCH ANALYST Crude prices could rise to as much at $70 a barrel during the peak summer driving season next year as the oil market swings from a surplus to a significant deficit, said Francisco Blanch, head of global commodities and derivatives research at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.In recent weeks, traders have been hanging on every word from ministers of petro-states after officials confirmed earlier this month they would speak on the sidelines of the International Energy Forum next month about taking measures to prop up oil prices.

Blanch reiterated his view that OPEC is essentially finished as a cartel, as competing agendas among member states leave little room for compromise.

But even absent an OPEC deal, Merrill believes demand will outstrip supply by 800,000 barrels per day next year as deep cuts to capital spending bite into production, Blanch said. He noted the last time markets saw such a large deficit was 2010, when oil prices rose from about $78 a barrel to $95.

WALL STREET ANTICIPATES HILLARY CLINTON WIN BY A LANDSLIDE Wall Street is pricing in a landslide victory for Hillary Clinton,

CONFECTIONARY GIANT MONDELEZ SCRAPS HERSHEY TAKEOVER BID Snacks giant Mondelez International is abandoning its takeover bid for American confectioner Hershey after its $23bn offer was rejected, according to a report by the BBC.

although there could be a big unwinding of stock and bond market

The deal would have created the world’s biggest maker of

positions should her campaign start to lag, according to Bank of

confectionery, but Hershey turned down the cash and stock offer in

America Merrill Lynch’s David Woo.

June. Hershey shares tumbled by as much as 12% in late US trading

Speaking to CNBC, Woo said the market is also pricing in a split Congress, with Republicans controlling the House and Democrats the Senate. That would maintain the deadlock in Washington.

on the news. Mondelez shares rose by almost 4%.

Mondelez brands include Cadbury chocolate and Trident chewing gum.

“You have a Democrat president, and a Republican controlled

Its chief executive Irene Rosenfeld said the board was

Congress which means you have gridlock in Washington. The market

“disappointed with the outcome” but had decided there was “no

is pricing in this gridlock, meaning it’s going to be that much of the

actionable path forward toward an agreement”.

burden of supporting the economy falls on the Fed,” said Woo, head

“Our proposal to acquire Hershey reflected our conviction that

of global interest rates and foreign exchange strategy. That makes

combining our two iconic American companies would create an

it harder to get agreement on changes in tax policy or for fiscal

industry leader with global scale in snacking and confectionery and a

spending that could help the economy.

strong portfolio of complementary brands,” she said in a statement.

Endeavour Magazine | 9

ASIA HANJIN SHIPPING ON THE VERGE OF BANKRUPTCY Hanjin Shipping Co.’s creditors have rejected the struggling company’s latest funding plans, pushing South Korea’s largest container operator one step closer to bankruptcy.

State-run Korea Development Bank, its main creditor, and other local lenders on Tuesday said Hanjin’s self-rescue packages fell short of their demands, sending the company’s shares down as much

of matching foreign rivals, despite significant state funding and decades of effort. Many Chinese military jets use Russian-made engines, while the country’s two homegrown passenger-jet designs rely on Western-made engines.

By setting up AECC, Beijing hopes to create a self-sufficient aerospace sector that can serve commercial and military aviation needs with homegrown technology, industry analysts say.

as 29%. “A creditor-led restructuring will end now. The company will have to find its own way to survive,” said an official at Korea Development Bank. A Hanjin spokeswoman said the company hasn’t been officially notified of the decision and has no comment for now. The government has said Hanjin would be placed under court receivership if the company fails to extend maturing debt and lower charter rates with foreign shipowners.

SKILLS SHORTFALL THREATENS MODI’S ‘MADE IN INDIA’ MANUFACTURING GOAL After having signed a string of multibillion-dollar orders from foreign firms to make parts for helicopters, aircraft and trains, India is struggling to find people with the skills to build them. In a US$3.3 billion push, India is racing to equip 15 million people by 2020 with the skills necessary to realise Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aim to bring more high-grade manufacturing to the country.

The challenges are significant as foreign suppliers including Boeing Co., Airbus Group SE and Alstom SA often can’t find the employees with the training and experience to help fulfil Mr. Modi’s “Make in India” program. More than 80% of engineers in India are “unemployable,” Aspiring Minds, an Indian employability assessment firm, said in a January report after a study of about 150,000 engineering students in around 650 engineering colleges in the country.

NEW STATE-OWNED AIRCRAFT-ENGINE MAKER ESTABLISHED IN CHINA In a bid to fulfil ambitions to develop homegrown aerospace giants and become a major player in global aviation, China has setup a new state-owned aircraft engine maker. In remarks published by state media, President Xi Jinping described the creation of Aero Engine Corp. of China, or AECC, as a “strategic move” that would accelerate the development of indigenously made jet engines and thereby boost national prestige and military power.

CHEVRON SELLS ASIA ASSETS TO RAISE CAPITAL Struggling Chevron Corp. is paring its Asia operations, selling

The new company, which has 50 billion yuan - US$7.5 billion - in

assets valued at up to US$5 billion in a bit to raise cash, reported

registered capital and 96,000 employees, will focus on the design,

The Wall Street Journal.The company is looking to raise up to US$10

manufacture and testing of aircraft engines, the official Xinhua News

billion globally from asset sales, a big chunk of which will come from

Agency said. Its investors include the Chinese government and two

its Asian upstream operations, as part of a broader effort to cut costs

state-owned firms: Aviation Industry Corp. of China, an aerospace

and adapt to an environment of lower oil prices.

and defence conglomerate, and Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China, which produces passenger jets.

China has struggled to produce advanced jet engines capable 10 | Endeavour Magazine

Chevron reported a US$1.5 billion loss in the latest quarter—its third-straight period in the red—as depressed oil prices continued to drag on its results.

EUROPE TTIP TRADE TALKS BETWEEN EU AND U.S. HAVE COLLAPSED, GERMANY SAYS The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, designed to forge a trade deal between the European Union and the USA, have collapsed, according to Germany’s economy minister. The cause of the collapse has been cited as failure to move forward on any of the major planks of the deal, which has been dogged by controversy and widespread opposition from all sides of the political spectrum.

“In my opinion, the negotiations with the United States have

debt to private investors. Portugal also will transfer its shares in a subsidiary of Caixa Geral called ParCaixa to the bank and convert about €900 million of contingent convertible bonds, known as CoCos, into equity.

“The €2.7 billion capital hike will force a change in the public debt profile, but the shoring up of the country’s banking system is worth more for the country,” Portugal’s Finance Minister Mario Centeno told journalists on Wednesday in Lisbon.

Portugal has a debt load of about 130% of economic output and is trying to whittle down its budget deficit to meet EU targets.

de facto failed, even though nobody is really admitting it,” Sigmar Gabriel admitted during a question-and-answer session with citizens

MINING GIANT ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI RETURNS TO PROFIT

in Berlin, noting that in 14 rounds of talks, the two sides haven’t

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., the world’s third-largest gold producer,

agreed on a single common item out of 27 chapters being discussed.

could pay a dividend in 2017 for the first time in four years, following

Neither Washington nor the European Commission, which

a sustained recovery in gold prices and falling costs.

is leading the TTIP negotiations on behalf of EU member states,

The South African mining company will reassess whether to

were willing to comment on Gabriel’s interjection. Last month the

reinstate the dividend at the end of this year, with shareholders

German chancellor Angela Merkel insisted that TTIP was “absolutely

potentially getting a cash payout in 2017, Chief Executive Srinivasan

in Europe’s interest,” but yesterday Gabriel blasted: “We mustn’t

Venkatakrishnan said Monday. The company last paid a dividend in

submit to the American proposals.”

2013. “The key here is not to be carried away by the volatility in the gold price,” Mr. Venkatakrishnan said. The possibility of dividend payments resuming is the latest sign of a turnaround for the gold company and the gold-mining industry at large, which has been beaten down by years of weak gold prices.

The company received an average gold price of $1,222 an ounce in the first half, up 1.5% from $1,204 in the same period a year earlier. Gold prices are still down about 30% from 2011 highs of above $1,900 an ounce.

BARCLAYS ON TRACK FOR DEALS BONANZA TO LIGHTEN ITS BALANCE SHEET U.K. banking giant Barclays is on track to close several deals in coming weeks designed to lighten its balance sheet, the Wall Street Journal reported. Barclays is set to sell its Italian retail business and

PORTUGAL REACH AGREEMENT ON PLAN TO RECAPITALISE AILING LENDER

its Iberian credit cards unit, the newspaper said, citing an unnamed person. It is also in “advanced discussion with two bidders for its Egyptian franchise.” This comes as the bank pares back its global

The European Union and Portugal have reached an initial

footprint amid regulatory pressure and ultra-low interest rates. In

agreement to inject billions of euros into Portugal’s largest lender

May, it began selling down its stake in Barclays Africa, and completed

by assets.

the sale of Barclays Risk Analytics and Index Solutions to Bloomberg

Portugal will inject up to €2.7 billion - US$3.05 billion - into

for around £615 million - US$812 million – in mid-August.

state-owned Caixa Geral de Depositos SA, according to the state’s

Barclays CEO Jes Staley has pledged to sell the bank’s non-core

Finance Ministry and a spokeswoman for the European Commission.

business as quickly as possible and is set to sell its Asian wealth

Caixa Geral also has committed to sell €1 billion in subordinated

business this year.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

12 | Endeavour Magazine

COCA-COLA® EKOCENTER WWW.COCA-COLACOMPANY.COM/EKOCENTER 001 404 676 5256

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

For those of us fortunate enough to enjoy comfortable lives of plenty in the front seat, it can be easy to forget, when we’re taking a few minutes out between morning meetings, that billions of people are not so fortunate.

Global poverty is an ongoing crisis which blights us all. That isn’t to say that great progress hasn’t been made over the past 20 years, during which 2 billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty. However, finding a way to reach out to the near 800 million – around 12% of the world’s population – who remain destitute has seemed almost too big a task to be possible.

That is, until now.

Endeavour Magazine | 13

COCA COLA EKOCENTER COCA-COLA® EKOCENTER

Endeavour Magazine was delighted to get the opportunity to speak

to global beverages giant Coca-Cola® about the innovative EKOCENTER social enterprise project they are spearheading; an ingenious scheme which has the potential to change the world and better the lives of millions of people.

C

M

Y

O

CM

ur accomplishments as a species are, for want of a better

charitable NGO’s alone. The missing link in finding a way of reaching

word, nothing short of spectacular.

out to isolated, impoverished communities, it would seem, was

CY

CMY

Through incredible feats of engineering and scientific

the business community; an institution which, since its inclusion,

advances, man can now fly further and faster than ever before;

has increasingly used its renowned powers of innovation to offer

we’ve set foot on the moon and travelled to the deepest depths

solutions to the crisis, in the form of social enterprise partnerships

of the oceans by means that our parents and grandparents once

like the Coca-Cola® led EKOCENTER initiative.

deemed impossible. We’ve built thriving, prosperous cities in a world which seems to become ever smaller by the day, but arguably our greatest achievement of all is how, in recent decades, mankind has, through its tireless humanitarian efforts, managed to markedly improve the quality of life of billions of our planet’s fellow inhabitants.

Since the world came together 16 years ago to pledge its commitment to reducing global poverty at the historic UN Millennium Summit, close to 2 billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty. However, let us be under no illusions; in spite of the significant progress that’s been made in improving the lot of those at the bottom of the world’s financial pyramid, the number

EKOCENTER: A FLAGSHIP SOCIAL ENTERPRISE FOR DELIVERING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH, COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT Make no mistake about it; in a modern age where the public purse alone is no longer a sufficient source of funds for community investment, social enterprise offers a third-way option that will in years to come not merely reduce poverty, but act as the catalyst needed to foster thriving communities and create new markets.

In the case of EKOCENTER, the premise behind it is simple: rather than simply give isolated, off-grid communities services like water, energy, and mobile connectivity through acts of pure philanthropy – a means of provision which is rarely sustainable in

of people who remain stubbornly left behind; who continue to live

the medium to long-term – instead, The Coca-Cola® Company

on less than $3 a day, and who live in communities that lack access

has worked in collaboration with its ‘golden triangle’ partners

to safe water, electricity, education, basic healthcare, and other

in the private sector, civil society, and government to create a

critical services, remains unacceptably high.

self-funding decentralized community hub that can deliver key

Moreover, reaching out to these communities, which are typically

services, which pay for its own operating and maintenance costs

located ‘off-grid’ in remote areas, or in regions suffering from acute

independently. Through doing this, EKOCENTER not only saves

water-stress, and any number of other fragile contexts, has long

lives and improves livelihoods, but acts as a trigger for sustainable

proved to be beyond the capabilities of national governments and

growth and empowerment.

14 | Endeavour Magazine

MY

K

“IF YOU WANT TO GO FAST, GO ALONE. IF YOU WANT TO GO FAR, GO TOGETHER.” — AFRICAN PROVERB

THANK YOU. With your partnership and support, we’ve helped thousands of people lead better lives. We look forward to the next phase of our journey as we continue to build momentum, together.

PRESENTED BY

EKOCENTER is a trademark owned by the Coca-Cola Company.

Coca-Cola is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company. www.coca-colacompany.com/ekocenter/ | @EKOCENTER

COCA COLA EKOCENTER COCA-COLA® EKOCENTER

On this, Derk Hendriksen, Vice President of Business Integration

modular kiosk, an EKOCENTER unit looks somewhat similar to the

at The Coca-Cola® Company, told Endeavour: “we’re focusing on

many small Coca-Cola® branded shops that can be found dotted

developing countries, and the delivery of our sustainability strategy

on every other street corner in Africa and Latin America. However,

centred around the ‘3W’s’ – well-being, women empowerment, and

in terms of its offerings, that’s where the similarity ends.

water. We don’t do this on our own, of course. The key to our initial

An EKOCENTER unit, whilst a general store of sorts, is also a

success has been partnerships, not just with other private sector

facility that, depending on the needs of the community, can provide

partners but working jointly with civil society and Governments as

clean drinking water, electricity, medicine, first aid equipment, food,

well.”

wireless internet and mobile phone charging ports; the foundations

“Helping struggling communities fits in with the higher purpose

upon which a thriving, modern community is built. Also, in-line with

of all parties, and to achieve this all parties have to come together

the Coca-Cola®’s 5by20 women’s empowerment initiative, the

and collaborate. With our experience doing business in 200

EKOCENTER project generates business opportunities and streams

countries, and network of relationships and operations around

of income for local female entrepreneurs who are responsible for

the world, we have been in a good place to take a convening role.

the day-to-day operation of each EKOCENTER site.

When we work together, everybody wins, particularly the residents of communities.”

The solar panels which sit atop an EKOCENTER are the giveaway that there is much more to these unassuming steel boxes than meets the eye. Designed and built by one of CocaCola®’S key project partners, Germany-based Solarkiosk, the

A ’DOWNTOWN IN A BOX’

equipped solar panels and battery storage system utilise abundant

In layman’s terms, one might consider EKOCENTER a wireless

sunshine to provide sufficient electrical output to power the unit’s

internet-connected, self-sustaining marketplace-cum-community-

technological marvels, and meet the basic energy requirements

hub-cum-utilities provider: a ‘downtown in a box.’ Built as a

needed to provide lighting to the surrounding area.

16 | Endeavour Magazine

The cherry on the EKOCENTER cake, however, is the potential to also equip the EKOCENTER with water-purification technology.

The system currently in use in Vietnam and in places in Africa, was designed by another EKOCENTER partner, Pentair. Most importantly, the technologies that it utilises, which includes a submicron pre-filter, iron/manganese filtration, chlorine feed, carbon filtration, and reverse osmosis technology, means that it can purify up to 10,000 litres a day.

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS The modular approach to setting up an EKOCENTER unit means that the wider range of utilities and services offered by each one will vary, depending on an assessment of each prospective EKOCENTER location, and the needs of the host community.

If an EKOCENTER is to be set-up in an area that lacks mobile phone and 3G WiFi coverage, this is where another of the project’s partners, Ericsson, can step in; the telecoms giant has the capacity to work alongside mobile phone service providers, such as TIGO, in countries around the world to construct the mobile phone towers needed to deliver connectivity to isolated communities.

Endeavour Magazine | 17

COCA COLA EKOCENTER COCA-COLA® EKOCENTER

Conversely, an EKOCENTER that is set to be installed in a community which already has adequate mobile phone and WiFi connectivity won’t offer this service. Similarly, this approach also applies to other additional EKOCENTER bolt-ons, such as a community centre, which are built in partnership with Government in places like Vietnam, or lighting for the surrounding area, which can be supplied and installed by electronics giant, Philips, most recently in Rwanda.

These examples of the specialist role that each of EKOCENTER’s partners play is indicative of what can be achieved when private sector partners come together and combine their strength, in order to multiply their social and business impact.

EKOCENTER’S FLAGSHIP SITE IN RUHUNDA, RWANDA – A MODEL FOR WHAT THE INITIATIVE CAN ACHIEVE The recent June 2016 launch of the initiative’s flagship EKOCENTER site, in Rwanda’s eastern province of Ruhunda, perhaps best represents the culmination of what this project can achieve. Unlike other EKOCENTERs, the Ruhunda facility is unique, in that it offers every available utility, service, and amenity, ranging from advanced water purification systems to energy, mobile internet connectivity, a state-run cutting-edge health clinic, and Rwanda’s only floodlit football pitch outside of the capital, Kigali.

All-in-all, this EKOCENTER unit empowers 25,000 community

EKOCENTER relies on such partnerships across the private

residents in the area, with the key word being ‘empower.’ The

and public sector to ensure the continued success of the initiative.

EKOCENTER scheme, whilst it might be an act of corporate-social

Granted, its brand is arguably the world’s most powerful, and its

responsibility on the part of Coca-Cola® and its partners, is no

far-reaching presence, global distribution networks, and financial

act of charity or hand-out. Rather, EKOCENTER, which operates

resources, virtually unrivalled, but alone, this ambitious scheme

in a shade of grey somewhere in between its for-profit business

simply wouldn’t have been possible; it is only through its golden

operations and its philanthropic endeavours, is a hand-up for its

triangle partnerships that Coca-Cola® has been able to oversee

beneficiaries.

the installation of an EKOCENTER network, stretching from Africa to South East Asia.

18 | Endeavour Magazine

Far from being a finished product upon which communities can rest on their laurels, the range of utilities and services offered by

EKOCENTER is intended help jump-start community growth and

change lives by offering access to safe drinking water and other

development. In Ruhunda, a region where youth unemployment is

needed resources, all while empowering local entrepreneurs. What

as high as 70%, it is anticipated that the provision of clean water,

started as an aspiration is now becoming a reality as we welcome

electricity and mobile internet coverage will provide the basic

our partners across the golden triangle of business, government

infrastructure needed to spur on the development of local businesses

and civil society to scale and improve this innovation.”

and help to inspire a generation of aspiring entrepreneurs to take a

With multi-nationals of the stature of Coca-Cola® and its

hands-on role in creating wealth for themselves, their communities,

private sector peers now committed to the global push for a better

and their country.

world, as they help to develop the societies in which they do business and create future markets for their goods and services, it is clear that far from being part of the problem, big business can

EKOCENTER: PROOF THAT BUSINESS IS PART OF THE SOLUTION

actually be part of the solution.

With the opening of the Ruhunda EKOCENTER site, CocaCola® and its partners have now successfully launched more than 100 units in seven countries, but this is only the beginning of their social enterprise campaign. By the end of 2016 alone, plans are in place to have at least 177 EKOCENTERs in operation in 10 countries, serving a population of approximately 1 million people.

“EKOCENTER represents an investment in the future prosperity and progress of some of the most fragile and at-risk communities we serve,” said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The CocaCola® Company. “Through EKOCENTER we have the ability to

Endeavour Magazine | 19

22 | Endeavour Magazine

ANAKLIA DEVELOPMENT CONSORTIUM (ADC) WWW.ANAKLIADEVELOPMENT.COM 00995 32 2 95 99 10

FOLLOWING THE NEW SILK ROAD WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

Dubbed the ‘Project of the Century’ in Georgia, ADC’s Anaklia Port is set to put the country on the trade map by opening them up to China’s Maritime Silk Road; one of the spokes of the ‘One Belt, One Road’ trade initiative. This build has been 42-years on the drawing board, and now that ADC are finally making it possible, they plan to be in this project for the long-haul.

Endeavour Magazine | 23

ANAKLIA DEVELOPMENT CONSORTIUM (ADC)

Every ten to fifteen years, Georgia has a development project

that will change the country. In the late 1990s, the government funded the BTC Pipeline – the country’s biggest infrastructure development in recent decades. However, in 2014 it opened a tender for a much larger development; Georgia’s first deep sea port. This project would not only generate jobs and business, but would boost Georgia’s world trading abilities and enable the country to fully participate on the Silk Road.

T

he tender was won by the Anaklia Development Consortium

creation of a cargo port with an 8-million-ton capacity, capable of

(ADC), a company formed by two equal partners: 110-year-

accommodating Post-Panamax sized ships. From there, the next

old Conti Group, an American construction and engineering

four phases are expected to be completed within 30-years, and the

veteran, and Georgia-based business leaders, TBC Holding. ADC

last four after that. Paul Force, Vice President of Conti International,

was formed in 2013 specifically to apply for the port tender and,

explained the timeframe; “With a project of this scale, you need to

following a lengthy and competitive application process, their

build it in pieces, attract a volume of cargo, and build off of the

success was finally announced in February 2016.

success of these milestones.”

However, in relation to the project’s history, this process took

The partnership between Conti and TBC Holding itself is

no time at all. Plans for the Anaklia Port have existed since 1974,

one based on long-term relationships. Whilst ADC is a young

but were shelved due to political volatility. Since then, several

partnership, it was born out of a 20-year friendship between the

successive governments have attempted to resurrect the project

companies’ presidents, Kurt Conti and Mamuka Khazaradze. The

without success - that is, until now. ADC have received a 52-year

idea to form ADC occurred in 2013 at a Harvard reunion dinner

BOT concession from the Georgian government; that’s 52 years

hosted in Georgia; Mr Conti became taken with the country and

during which the company may design, develop, finance and

enthused with his friend about finding a project that would not

operate the port. Levan Akhvlediani, ADC and TBC Holding CEO, is

only test their companies, but would benefit the country in a

keen to ensure that they use this time to its fullest potential: “This

lasting way. Mr Khazaradze suggested the port, and the Anaklia

will not be a quick construction followed by a sale. This project is

Development Consortium was born.

important to the lives of the Georgian people and the future growth of this country, and that demands that we dedicate our time.”

Whilst equal partners, TBC Holdings and Conti bring very different expertise to the table. TBC Holding have many have many

The plans for the ambitious build, which will cost ADC an

Georgian companies affiliated within the group, including JSC TBC

estimated total of US$2.5bn, have clearly been designed with this

Bank, which was voted the best bank in Georgia for twelve of the

long-term view in mind; there are nine phases planned in total,

last fourteen years, the world-famous Borjormi mineral water

each one expanding the port’s scale and capabilities. The first

brand, leading tea producers GeoPlant, winery Chaeteau Mukhrani

stage will cost an estimated US$550 - US$600mn, and covers the

and even a successful high school the American Academy. The

24 | Endeavour Magazine

group also possesses a residential and a commercial real-estate company.

Conti, with their vast experience in construction and engineering, have a practised hand at every aspect of the port build. Between 2011-2014, they even performed an ambitious redesign and re-build of the ferry terminal between Staten Island and downtown Manhattan in New York, which had to be conducted without closing or disrupting the crossing. Force is confident of their abilities to take on the Anaklia port: “Mathematically, this is the largest project we have ever worked on. However, it is spread over such a long period of time that in practise, it is a familiar build.”

The port is part of the government’s push to boost Georgia’s economy; it will create countless jobs in Anaklia, both from the ongoing construction and the running of a busy industrial hub.

As for trade, existing Georgian ports currently only accept up to 1500 TEU vessels, which are the smallest feeder vessels operating in the black sea. The new port will allow Georgia to accept larger vessels of up to 10,000 TEU, and it is estimated that this ability alone will yield savings of US$160 / TEU. Additional savings are also expected due to Anaklia’s efficient design, which will enable it to have 95% operational efficiency throughout the year -currently, Georgian ports’ down-time can reach up to 30% of the year).

In the initial phases, the port will exclusively receive straight

Endeavour Magazine | 25

ANAKLIA DEVELOPMENT CONSORTIUM (ADC) cargo containers, but as it develops the range of cargo will expand;

This social impact is ADC’s main motivation. Currently, Anaklia

dry bulk, wet bulk, even LNG (liquefied natural gas). Each type of

is a popular sea-side destination, with an attractive coastline and

cargo requires different storage methods, and also different births

an annual music festival. ADC are firm that they do not want the

to accommodate a range of transport vessels. On top of these

port to disrupt this side of Anaklia life, but instead will support and

developments, the government plans to support the build by

add to it.

investing US$100mn in improving access to the port by road and rail.

As a part of this aim, ADC are determined to strictly manage the port’s environmental impact. In particular, they are conscious

There is another exciting, unexpected aspect to the plans. As

to avoid affecting the port’s neighbour, the Kolkheti National Park.

well as the business generated by the port itself, ADC have increased

“Georgia is already a very green country,” explains Akhvlediani,

the benefit to local industry by adding a Free Industrial Zone to the

“But even so, TBC Holding always go above and beyond existing

plans. The initial plans for the port allowed 1000 hectors for the

regulations when we make our impact assessments. ADC is

build, but ADC altered the plans to meet the same specifications

doing the same.” The company is currently working with marine

on just 400 hectors, leaving 600 free for the Free Industrial Zone.

surveyors and consultants to carry out studies on the local wildlife

The build will provide space for port logistics companies, financial

and the marine floor. From these results, they will deduce what

and training services and light manufacturing companies. It also has

adjustments need to be made in order to limit their disruption to

large areas set aside for real-estate, food outlets and tourism. This

the local ecosystem.

innovation, designed with the help of a maritime consultancy, was part the reason that ADC beat their competition to the tender.

With the lives of Anaklia’s residents and Georgia’s wider population so close to their hearts, ADC are eager to keep up

“Without the Free Industrial Zone, the port would just be a

communication and transparency between themselves and

place to exchange cargo”, Force observed. “The Zone should be

the general public. To help achieve this, the company launched

a catalyst for economic growth in the surrounding area, creating

Anaklia magazine, which published its first edition in July 2016.

regional development and increasing employment.”

This magazine aims to keep the people of Georgia informed and

unlocking & protec/ng value in the mari*me industry Other recent Port projects: Vancouver Takoradi Tema Dar es Salaam Saldanha Croa*a

Cork Gdansk Venice Koper Karachi Duqm

Piraeus Kumport Burgas Varna Bar Limassol

strategy -­‐ valua*on -­‐ transac*ons masterplanning -­‐ financing

MTBS is the proud Transac/on Advisor for Anaklia Port Wijnhaven 3E, 3011 WG Ro:erdam, the Netherlands, +31 (0) 10 286 5940, www.mtbs.nl 26 | Endeavour Magazine

involved in the project, and in no doubt that the build is moving forwards as planned.

After failed attempts in the past from various governments, it is not surprising that people’s initial enthusiasm was tempered with, as Force described it, “a bit of ‘let’s-wait-and-see’”. However, now that production is underway, Akhvledian feels that the response to the port has been warm and welcoming, with people excited for the possibilities it will create. Force agrees; “Conti have been overwhelmed by the kindness and acceptance of the Georgian people. It is a pleasure to be here – we couldn’t be more honoured or more excited.”

The future seems to hold further collaborations between Conti and TBC Holding. The companies have found a “synergy and synchronicity”, as Akhvledian described it, that reflects the friendship of their presidents. The horizon holds work on a hospital in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, and future projects that the companies are yet to announce. However, through all of this, they will continue to develop their presence in Anaklia, expanding on a port that will in turn expand Georgia’s economy and global reach, benefiting the country in a lasting and significant way and thus achieving the dream that first inspired two friends as they shared a nostalgic meal.

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www.gergili.ge Endeavour Magazine | 27

AMAZING WORLD ICELANDIC VOLCANOES & LAVA FIELDS

Y

ou’ll be hard-pressed to find, or even think of a sight more

there is much more to these spectacular natural marvels than meets

spectacular than that of an erupting volcano. As history has

the eye. Nature is often as brilliant and beautiful as it is dangerous,

shown us time and again, these red-hot gateways to the

and every natural event serves some kind of greater purpose -

broiling molten core at the centre of our planet can be as terrible as

volcanoes are no exception. To witness a volcanic eruption is a real-

they are awe-inspiring.

life geography lesson in how the world as we know it came to be.

If the mighty eruptions of legend, such as Vesuvius, which

And here’s the best bit of all; if you’ve ever wanted to see a

destroyed the great Roman port city of Pompeii in 79 A.D, and

volcano first hand, and feel the heat of the earth beneath your feet

Krakatoa; an eruption which not only wiped an entire Indonesian

as you walk across one, you need look no further than the frozen

island off the map, but created a tsunami that claimed the lives of

island of Iceland.

over 30,000 people, have taught us anything, it’s that few natural events demonstrate better the incredible power of mother nature.

However, whilst volcanoes have a justifiably fearsome reputation, 28 | Endeavour Magazine

Thanks to its location, where it sits astride the Mid Atlantic Ridge - a 10,000-mile long divergent tectonic tear stretching from the Arctic Ocean to the southern tip of Africa - Iceland is a literal

bubbling volcanic hotspot. The Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which caused

you can even take a tour inside an Icelandic volcano – a unique

so much disruption in 2010 when it belched an ash cloud into the

opportunity that no other country in the world can offer.

sky that grounded European air traffic for months, is but one of the

So, if you’re looking for the next activity to satisfy your inner-

130 or volcanoes that can be found across its landscape of rugged

adrenalin junkie, perhaps it’s time to consider booking that flight to

mountains, huge glaciers, waterfalls, fjords, and alpine forests.

Reykjavik. To find out more about Iceland’s volcanic tours, or any of

Whilst you’d likely neither be allowed, nor want, for that matter,

the other wonderful sights and experiences that await you in this

to get too close to any of Iceland’s more volatile volcanoes or lava

outstandingly beautiful country, simply visit www.guidetoiceland.is

fields, there are number of tours visitors can join that will allow them

– a partnership of companies and individuals who know the island

to see and experience this incredible natural phenomena, up close

better than anyone – to find out more. Just don’t forget to pack your

and personal. And for those who are particularly stout-hearted,

coat!

WWW.EXPLORATORIUM.EDU/THEWORLD/ICELAND/VOLCANOES.HTML Endeavour Magazine | 29

30 | Endeavour Magazine

AGE TECHNOLOGIES WWW.AGE.CO.ZA 27 11 869 3925

COMING OF AGE WRITTEN BY STEVEN WELLER

AGE Technologies lies at the fore-front of cost effective software solutions, servicing clients across the African continent and beyond.

The company’s very foundation is built upon integration and innovation. Such endearing qualities allow AGE Technologies to meet the demands of an ever- changing African economy whilst, at the same time, meeting the needs of a diverse portfolio of clients.

Endeavour Magazine | 31

AGE TECHNOLOGIES

Endeavour Magazine caught up with operations manager Mr. Jacques Lizemore to establish how a business with such modest beginnings has flourished into one of Africa’s success stories. The company was founded back in 1985 under the name Cooper, Jackson and Son Demolition Contractors, after the names of the founding directors. 10 years later, the company changed its name to New AGE Engineering (AGE standing for automation and general electric). Jacques tells us that, ‘this is where it all really started’.

T

he services which AGE Technologies provide are vast, ranging

services there possibly can be, assessment, design, writing of

from system engineering to project management. In simple

specifications, EPC etc. Thus we can assist the client from the

terms, the primary focus at AGE is to fix problems and reduce

start of a project right through too commissioning and then SLA’s

costs for clients based within the electronics and automation

(service level agreements) for onsite support. We supply to all types

sectors. The team are present in a project’s entire life cycle,

of industries- manufacturing, mining, food and beverages. From

from design to implementation; even offering support once the

small projects, less than R160K up too multi-million dollar projects.”

project is complete. Further operations include: onsite training,

The business’ overall vision is to operate a safe and

SLA agreements, software engineering, installations and turnkey

environmentally friendly company, providing excellence in terms of

projects.

expertise, service and solutions. The company’s current operations

With customers from South Africa, where its Johannesburg Head Office is based, all the way to Mali, AGE Technologies has proved to be a leader in its field.

are a statement of both sustainability and customer commitment.

As system integrators for big name partners, particularly Siemens, Schneider, ABB, Rockwell Automation and Allen Bradley, AGE recognises the importance of building strong relationships

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER AGE Technologies emphasises value, quality and functionality, delivering an implemented solutions service. Its mission - to provide power, energy and control system solutions/products in order to meet customer demand. What’s more, the company strives to uncover the customers “pain,” as it does so, in order to help clients streamline their internal process and operations. With their wealth of resources, suppliers and industry know how, AGE are able to serve across a diverse range of industries.

Jacques tells us more: “We have the resources to offer all 32 | Endeavour Magazine

with suppliers, and has created a broad network through which continuous company expansion can be achieved.

By incorporating cutting-edge products within the realms of automation and electronics, customers are provided with effective cost related solutions.

“WITH AN ORDER NUMBER ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE” As with any successful business, its employees are the real driving force at AGE, and the company’s adept, talented team are ready and equipped for whatever the customer or economy might

AGE TECHNOLOGIES

throw at them. AGE Technologies supports its clients by providing

physical expansion is now underway, with all operational space set

them with extensive training and support, thus ensuring access to

to be utilised. Jacques explains AGE’s rapid growth:

engineering expertise throughout the African continent. It really is

“We have a very high level of expertise inside the company, this

an example of the old fashioned cliché, give a man a fish and you

in turn creates a stage where we can invent solutions. We think

feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a

outside the box. Where other companies fail to be able to do this.

lifetime.

Our directors drive us to bring a solution that is simple, effective

There is a saying at AGE Technologies which really epitomises

and robust to the table. Thus we have freedom to think, design and

their work ethic; “with an order number anything is possible”.

implement our own creations and this I feel makes us so successful.”

Employees do not run from a challenge; instead, they embrace

AGE are able to integrate the most efficient solutions to meet

them for the good of the customer. This hard work does not go

client needs and specifications (under the authorization of its

unnoticed by AGE, who reward their employees with profit division

dynamic range of product manufacturers). Flexibility throughout the

incentives and an internal promotion structure.

company allows AGE to take advantage of innovative technologies

Jacques gave us an insight into the family culture amongst the

and incorporate these within their engineered solutions.

team, when he told us: “We all have a very good relationship. We’d also rather discuss matters and projects face-to-face as opposed to sending just an email. We have created a culture of family rather than an employer-employee relationship. This opens much better communication channels. We all understand and know where each person in the company comes from, their background and even if there are personal issues.”

But for all its great service and industry leadership, despite the

BEGINNING OF A NEW AGE AGE Technologies have certainly grown with the times.

Diversification in company operations as well as identification of developing markets has been vital for progression.

The decline of the mining and oil and gas sectors was problematic, but has since led to a higher focus/ investment in the

company moving in the right direction, it has been far from plain

Zappa Associati Concept

sailing at times.

AN EVER CHANGING ECONOMY It would be fair to say that Africa has seen its fair share of major political upheaval, and cultural and economic change over the past 30-years. The transition of decolonisation to globalisation has brought both success and challenges to AGE Technologies, and other African businesses alike.

There is no clearer example of the rollercoaster ride that is the

INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

African economy than the mining industry. This industry previously accounted for 60% of AGE’s business, in terms of both parts and services to the sector, but has endured a difficult period of decline for more than 2-years now, as big name companies like Aveng Mining cut jobs in a desperate bid to slash outgoings. Although the

HARSH ENVIRONMENTS

industry is almost certain to pick up again in the not-too-distant future, AGE cannot simply wait around for this to happen.

In-line with its philosophy, AGE Technologies has a proactive and positive outlook with regard to such challenges; as one door closes another opens.

LV ENERGY DISTRIBUTION

INNOVATION KEY TO SUCCESS The real secret to the success of AGE lies in its commitment to innovation. The ingenuity of its staff in finding solutions to

IT BUSINESS

problems, a diversified business model, and a carefully selected supply and demand ideology has ensured continual growth, which in 2015 reached an astonishing 50% increase. Unsurprisingly,

36 | Endeavour Magazine

E.T.A. S.P.A. Via Monte Barzaghino, 6 I-22035 Canzo, Como (Italy) www.eta.it

renewable energy sector. AGE identified renewable energy as an

Technologies are currently working with big household names,

expanding industry some 5-years ago, and in the time since the

Lonza, Petra Diamonds, and Zimplats.

business has taken the necessary steps to penetrate the market.

So what does the long-term future have in store for AGE? Well

This proved to be a smart decision, and now AGE Technologies

for starters, the company is set to complete an EPC contract for

are able to offer a suite of services to the renewables industry,

Clariter, expand on an existing contract they have with tyres giant,

illustrated by their membership to The South African Photovoltaic

Dunlop, and put the finishing touches to an SLA contract for a

Industry Association (SAPVIA).

mining company in Madagascar. We believe the innovative team

Another industry AGE have identified is water treatment,

lies at the heart of the businesses longevity.

highlighted by their work with RandWater. Mr. Lizemore expands

With its great team, broad portfolio of services, and knack for

further: “New products added to our profile include a revolutionary

innovation, what is certain is that AGE Technologies will continue

Pico Hydro Turbine. This unit can generate up to 1KW of renewable

to do business from a position of strength for many years yet.

energy. We have also added a water quality analyser from the USA. This came about from a very large tender we did a few months ago. We have seen the trend pushing towards water quality and thus responded accordingly.� It is all about being versatile, and then adapting to meet the needs of the market.

A BRIGHT FUTURE With a large number of new projects underway, Jacques and his team will certainly be kept busy for the remainder of 2016. AGE

Endeavour Magazine | 37

38 | Endeavour Magazine

MAZDA SOUTHERN AFRICA WWW.MAZDA.CO.ZA 0027 12 760 7700

BEHIND THE WHEEL WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

After taking home an impressive sweep of trophies from the 2016 Car of the Year Awards, Mazda is an automotive company that keeps the wheels on the ground, but its aspirations way up in the clouds. Endeavour took a closer look at this driving force to find out how it plans to achieve them.

Endeavour Magazine | 39

MAZDA SOUTHERN AFRICA

A global operation, Mazda isn’t a stranger to success, accolades

and a certain level of anticipated genius, when it comes to the products being offered for mass consumption. 2016 has proved, once again, that the passion and design genius that the company prides itself on pays off, as Mazda was awarded not one, nor two, but three gongs at the 2016 Car of the Year Awards.

M

ost impressive is the fact that the newest model added to the already burgeoning fleet, the all-new Mazda MX-5, not only took the best Open Top Car category, but came

out as the overall show winner. No small feat, awards are given after careful deliberation by 27 of Britain’s fiercest, most astute automotive journalists.

So what makes Mazda so special? With a fleet of six stunning models to choose from and a new MX-5 variation in the pipeline, there really is something for everyone. While we may have grown up believing the old adage that you can’t please all of the people all of the time, Mazda was clearly never informed of this and have managed it with ease. From small hatchbacks to SUVs, roadsters and even heavy-duty pick-up trucks, Mazda has maintained its grip on the automotive world by adhering to a simple principle; what the customer needs, must be made. It doesn’t sound like rocket science, does it? So how is it that only Mazda appear to have genuinely taken the wants and needs of customers to heart, as well as the design room?

40 | Endeavour Magazine

Product Training | Product Launches | Driver Training | Opera7ng Systems Training

jon@tegint.com | riaan@ptsza.com

Endeavour Magazine | 41

MAZDA SOUTHERN AFRICA

With a legacy stretching back to 1931, Mazda is no flash in

them more powerful and responsive while reducing their fuel

the pan automotive set-up and with a name that makes reference

consumption. Making them more comfortable and agile while

to the West Asian God of wisdom, intelligence and harmony, you

lowering their weight and making them compact.

soon start to understand exactly what Mazda was initially designed

Sounds like quite a challenge. We happily accept.”

to do and what it still offers customers the world over. Despite

You’d be forgiven for thinking that SKYACTIV sounds like some

having been popular for decades and becoming synonymous with

kind of robot uprising that seeks to wipe out humanity, but step

personal luxury, thanks to the success of the groundbreaking MX-

away from the Schwarzenegger box-set for a moment and you’ll

5, first released in 1989, Mazda is not about to start sitting back

see that it’s actually designed to make a fundamental part of daily

and relaxing. In fact, the future of the company is one of the most

life more enjoyable.

fascinating and captivating things about it. There’s a lot going on and even more to come!

“SKYACTIV means redefining everything, every major part of a car, from the engine to chassis and from the body to transmissions.

“From motion with soul to radically new engines, the future is

The world’s highest compression ratios, new transmissions and

exciting for Mazda. Building on nearly a century of innovation, we

lightweight design were the results. Ensuring that our new range of

will continue to find unique solutions to the challenges we face

cars are as efficient as they possibly can be, while being as exciting

by doing things others wouldn’t dream of. Our new SKYACTIV

and involving to drive as you expect them to be.”

TECHNOLOGY reduces fuel consumption, while increasing driving

Having given the engineering team a “blank piece of white paper”,

pleasure and our new ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design gets the

before telling them to totally redesign automotive development,

pulse racing like never before.

Mazda aren’t messing around when it comes to staying at the very

“The future is about changing the way cars are made. Making

42 | Endeavour Magazine

forefront of the industry and in potential customers’ minds.

MAZDA SOUTHERN AFRICA

With significant market domination throughout the world,

A fun-loving company that sells amazing products, is single-

Mazda has been shown to be exceptionally popular in Australia and

handedly changing the face of automotive design and keeps

South Africa. In fact, operating under the watchful eye of David

customers on the edge of their seats with increasingly eco-friendly

Hughes, the Mazda SA Managing Director, Mazda Southern Africa

innovations and new models. That’s Mazda in a nutshell. It’s

(Pty) Ltd now enjoys an established dealer network of 50 business

about the car and the driver becoming one, while moving forward

partners, with no current openings for any franchises. You might

into a technologically advanced era that demands a little more

wonder what the secret is to raising the profile of an already global

stewardship for the planet. By all means, if you love your current

operation and it’s as simple as being willing to stand out and hiring

petrol-guzzler, stick with it, but we’ll be heeding Mazda’s words of

only the best people, that align with the ethos of the company.

wisdom by looking to stay safe, connected and up to date. And not

“Mazda Southern Africa enjoys punching above its weight.

just that, we’ll be waiting with baited breath for the all-new MX-5

We’re proud that our products defy convention and we strive to

RF (retractable fastback) release that is guaranteed to turns heads

ensure we create a fun and open place to work where everyone

and hook a new clientele.

understands how they can contribute to our on-going success.

“Being a small company means we need to defy convention and do things differently and these are values we look for in potential candidates. Being nimble and entrepreneurial whilst being creative and thinking outside the box means we are able to challenge traditional conventions to be successful. But having fun is just as important for us to be a successful company.”

44 | Endeavour Magazine

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P.O Box 23938 Gezina 0031 South Africa Endeavour Magazine | 45

AMAZING WORLD PERSEID METEOR SHOWER

W

hen the Swift-Tuttle Comet last passed earth in 1992, it left

the budding astronomers lucky enough to watch the event from

us a parting gift in the form of the annual Perseid meteor

a region unspoiled by light pollution, you’ll have seen an unusually

shower; a stunning celestial event which is undoubtedly

active Perseid event with double the normal of shooting stars; up to

one of the world’s most wonderful natural fireworks shows.

200 an hour, even, during its mid-August peak.

This month saw the much-welcomed return of the Perseid

These fragments entered the Earth’s atmosphere at incredible

meteors, and, thanks to a phenomenon known as an ‘outburst,’

speeds, often as high as 134,000 mph, but not to worry, the

this year’s shower was especially captivating. If you were one of

Perseid shower is perfectly safe; the meteors are no larger than

46 | Endeavour Magazine

the size of a pea, and burn up

longer before we see the Swift-Tuttle comet again, however. The

long before they reach the

6-mile wide giant, which was first discovered in 1862, and whose

surface.

tail of rock, ice, dust, and organic matter creates the Perseid meteor

Named after the Perseus constellation, where the meteors

shower each year as the Earth’s orbit passes through it, won’t pass our planet again for another 136-years.

first appear to come from to

To keep abreast of what’s happening in the night sky above us,

the stargazer’s naked eye, the

visit NASA’s SKYCAL; Events Calendar at www.nasa.gov to find out

Perseid meteors are a welcome

more about 2016’s other forthcoming astrological events.

yearly fixture. It’ll be a while Endeavour Magazine | 47

AUTOMOTIVES CITROEN DS5 PRESTIGE AUTOMATIC

RRP £32,280 (with the pearl paint ours came in at £33,010) Warranty 3 years, 60,000 miles Service intervals 20,000 miles 1997cc diesel turbo 180bhp Max speed 137 mph 0-62mph 9.9secs

C

all me an optimist, but I truly believe it is now impossible, or at the least very difficult, to find a new car that isn’t good.

The auto industry is fiercely competitive; arguably more than

it’s ever been, and consequently manufacturers are spending vast sums of money developing the highest standard cars that their budget allows, just so that they can keep their nose ahead of the pack. With such a talented field for consumers to choose from, especially in the mid-price tier, it is often the small things that can make all the difference.

Citroen have a fantastic reputation and pride themselves on their innovative development; I’ve had the good fortune to test most of their range, and I’ll certainly second what I feel is a reputation wellearned. What I really love about Citroens is that they load their cars with goodies and gadgets; you don’t need to figure out exactly what you might need on a car because it’s virtually a given that it already has it somewhere. You might remember a recent rant I had

48 | Endeavour Magazine

The DS5 interior is well put together and wraps around you, making you feel like a pilot in a jet fighter, and all of its controls are easy to use and within easy reach. This is a driver’s car, and will appeal to those who want to take to the wheel of something that feels like an extension of themselves.

All-in-all, the DS5 is a good looking car that performs very well.

However, as I said at the beginning of this piece, it is the little things that can make or break a car, and there were a couple of little things that did annoy me. Firstly, the cup holders are in the door skins and I couldn’t securely fit a coffee cup or a water bottle in them. It has a fantastic 3-piece panoramic sunroof which lightens the car, two glass panels over the front seats, and one big one over the rear seats. All come with electronic blinds, however, none of the glass opens.

The DS5 also has a fantastic reversing camera in the dash board, which is so important as it has a high rear screen, and the tiny rear wiper makes visibility out of the back a challenge. The back end’s visibility, or lack of, and high tail gate are a compromise for the car’s about a manufacturer who provided us with a test car which was priced in the region of £24,000, that is until you included the added extras needed to make it more user friendly, and enjoy a good driving experience. The final price after this was nearer to £33,000.

We are not taking ejector seats or hidden machine guns here; this was the stuff you would expect a modern car to have anyway. This kind of thing really grinds my gears (forgive the pun...) and I really don’t like this type of marketing plan. That’s why I am really like Citroen and their approach, I find it real breath of fresh air.

stunning aesthetics. Little things, perhaps, and I guess most people who use this as a day-to-day car won’t even notice them, but on this trip they ground on me.

As I said it’s the small things that can make or break a car.

Whilst the Citroen DS5 is great value for money and will give you a car that looks great and performs very well indeed, will these little foibles prove to be its Achilles heel, or is it just me? Perhaps these little irritations won’t even register on the annoyance scale for most drivers. Hopefully it’s the latter.

The Citroen DS5 appears aggressive, sporty, and yet quality. It just doesn’t look like other cars on the road. I really like the DS5’s shape, and how it comes in a wide choice of colours. There’s also a great selection of alloy wheels that makes the car proudly stand out further. The 2lt diesel power plant is smooth and strong, producing 180bhp, which is more than enough for this little pocket rocket. It’s not bad in the fuel economy department, either; our DS5 averaged an impressive 51 mpg.

As you know I don’t really go into statistics so that’s your lot.

Instead, I much prefer to try and give readers a review based on how the car made me feel. So that I can give you a taste of what the DS5 is like for everyday use, my test involved a few days with my wife, our 12-year-old son, and two dogs travelling a 1,000 miles on a trip to the Lake District. And you know what, never once did the car feel cramped or underpowered, even when fully loaded. This is no mean feat because, as anybody who’s driven around the Lake District will agree, the hills and roads around the lakes will show up any weaknesses. Motorway driving was equally lapped up and no less easy.

Endeavour Magazine | 49

2016 E 220D AMG MERCEDES BENZ E-CLASS RRP £38,430

M

ercedes Benz do urban chic better than most, and are a dab hand at combining luxury with innovation to create something a bit special. This is just as well, when you look

at the serious competition their new model E 220d AMG is facing from the likes of the formidable BMW 5 series, the Audi A6, and the Jaguar XF. These are serious cars; the new Merc really needs to be at the top of its game on this one.

As I wandered around the car for the first time, I was instantly struck by its good looks. The new E 220 design really looks the business. It has the feel of a coupe, rather than a 4-door saloon, with its long bonnet and curvy back Seriously, this E-class is simply beautiful.

The new sleeker shape has a practical element, as it provides low drag sufficient to give the new E 220 amongst the best MPG figures in its class. Our E-class managed over 60 MPG when covering our 1000-mile road trip. This is not the suggested MPG manufacturers give, I’d like to add, but our real life, warts and all return on a trip that went from sunny Norfolk to the wilds of Scotland, from single lane tracks to major motorways.

All too often the coupe-type look places the driver in a cabin which feels small but not in the case of the E220d AMG; it’s clever use of interior space keeps the cabin spacious, and doesn’t cramp

50 | Endeavour Magazine

or compromise in any way. It’s a truly relaxing, lovely environment in which to drive, and the wood and leather is such that it has the feel of a gentleman’s club. The 12.3-inch information centre is one of the very best sat-nav systems I have used yet, and I was also especially taken with the touch sensitive mouse pad on the steering wheel which compliments the hand controls in the centre consul. All very easy to access and operate, of course.

Full length panoramic sunroofs are all the rage and they lighten the cabin no end; the E 220 doesn’t disappoint in this respect.

And unlike many a panoramic roof, the sunroof on this Mercedes also opens. There are lots of goodies in the car that you’d come to expect from a vehicle of this stature nowadays, such as keyless start, voice activation, memory seat, and interior LED lights. The interior lights are particularly cool, and you can change them at the press of a button to almost a limitless colour combination. As I always say, it’s the little things.

The E 220’s digital display is different from the traditional display, which usually shows two speed and rev counter dials.

Instead, it uses a centre speed number, which I prefer. And as you would expect from this standard of car, there are different car combinations to suit your driving, from eco to sports, each of which has a different set up, from engine to the suspension settings.

Mercedes have developed

without your input before it needs confirmation that the driver is

an all new engine for this

still in control. If you don’t interact with the steering wheel, there

E-Class which is noticeably

are both audible and visual warnings until you do so. And if you still

smoother and quieter than that

don’t react because you have fallen asleep or worse, then the car

of older models, as is its 9-speed

will safely slow down to a “controlled shut down.” This is not a fully

automatic gearbox which is

automated steering option but an aid, and it is brilliant.

silky smooth.

The engine is

These driver enhancements are the start of a new age that

so capable, giving seemingly

will change driving and reduce the number of road accidents

endless torque and power, and

greatly. You would like to think that the on-board computers will

a really nice exhaust note, too.

react faster than the human mind can, and this is no doubt doubly

This trip to Scotland is one I

true if you’ve endured a 9-hour journey such as mine. Fatigue will

have made dozens of times and

inevitably set in, and your reaction time after a long time behind the

it is a journey that can be terribly

wheel will slow up. Whereas the on-board computer never tires,

tedious and exhausting, but not

never rests, and will have your back at all times. Which safe to say

in the E 220; the car ate the

is pretty reassuring.

miles up and left us unruffled

I always judge how comfortable a long journey is by how tired

and content when we’d reached

I am the next morning, and I can happily report that having come

the other end. And that is

into work this morning after getting in late last night from the

exactly what this car is designed

return leg, I haven’t shouted at a single person. Yet. I would sum up

to do; take every type of road

the new Mercedes Benz E-Class as a wondrous machine which gets

and journey and eat it up as

a double thumbs up from Endeavour magazine.

painlessly as possible.

The

ingenious

Mercedes

Benz Drive Pilot helped no end. Quite simple, this is an adaptive cruise control and driver assist function which basically lets you set the control to the maximum speed you want to get achieve and the system will take care of the rest. It’ll keep you a safe distance from the car in front, of course, but never exceed your programmed settings. If the traffic slows, then you slow down with it, and still you are always kept within a safe distance of the vehicles around you. If needs be, it will even bring the car to a complete stop. This is amazing when you are stuck in a traffic jam as it relieves your stress build up.

You might be thinking ‘well this type of adaptive cruise control now comes as standard in a lot of cars. Although it’s very clever, it could be considered as old news.’ Which is a fair point, but it’s the little details of the E 220’s Drive Pilot that sets it apart. For starters, it also monitors speed limits so that if you are driving on a 50 mph stretch of road and then you suddenly enter a 30 mph zone, the car will recognise this and slow down automatically.

Now this is technology I have been waiting for and it is brilliantly executed. When you then add in the adaptive steering on top of that, the car then becomes amazing. The Merc will help steer you round bends and keep you in a safe and correct road position of its own accord. This steering assist function stays active for 1-minute Endeavour Magazine | 51

52 | Endeavour Magazine

AIR INDIA WWW.AIRINDIA.IN 91 11-24624074

UP, UP AND AWAY WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

An airline rich in history and lineage, Air India has been helping people ‘get away from it all’ for over 80 years. Endeavour Magazine took a closer look at this passenger-driven operation to see just how they keep flying so high, despite industry turbulence.

Endeavour Magazine | 53

AIR INDIA

Not only is Air India the flag carrier airline of India, it is also one

of the biggest set-ups as well and is responsible for transporting colossal numbers of passengers to over 80 domestic and international destinations every week, but it doesn’t simply go through the motions, it seeks to make every flight an experience that customers will never forget.

O

wned wholly by the Government of India, the airline has been given strict covenants as to the levels of success that are expected, as well as standards of care that must be adhered

to at all times and it doesn’t disappoint. This must be, in part, due to the impressive heritage of the brand, which dates all the way back to 1946 Operating as Tata Airlines for a short while, post WWII saw a dramatic change, when the organisation became a public limited company and with that came a total rebranding, leading to the creation of Air India. It was a savvy business move, given that regular commercial flights were, once again, free to be scheduled and with a keen eye for a fantastic business opportunity, the Government of India claimed a majority stake in the company in 1953. The rest, as they say, is history.

Today, an 11-strong board of directors, which is delighted to be celebrating 70 years at the forefront of the competitive passenger transportation industry, manages Air India and does so with a firm, yet approachable hand. Let’s not forget that remaining family-friendly and ‘fun’, is key to any airline that wants to continue welcoming passengers of all ages and with that in mind, the corporate branding starts to make a lot of sense.

The impressive fleet that Air India boasts has been expertly

54 | Endeavour Magazine

IN 192 COUNRTIES AND NEVER LOST IN TRANSLATION

THERE’S MORE BEHIND THE STAR

AIR INDIA

decked out in the signature red and orange livery that has come

These are the words of Bobby Kooka, the man who conceived the

to stand for quality and enjoyable travel and is a real feather in the

Maharajah. He is now a familiar, lovable figure that first made his

cap of the airline,

appearance in Air India way back in 1946, when Bobby Kooka, as

“The logo of the new airline is a red coloured flying swan with the ‘Konark Chakra’ in orange, placed inside it. The flying swan has been morphed from Air India’s characteristic logo, ‘The Centaur’, whereas the ‘Konark Chakra’ is reminiscent of Indian’s logo. The

Air India’s Commercial Director, and Umesh Rao, an artist with J.Walter Thompson Ltd., Mumbai, together created him.”

The impact that this internationally recognisable figurehead has had, is unquestionable and impressive,

new logo features prominently on the tail of the aircraft. While the

“What began as an attempt at a design for an inflight memo pad

aircraft is ivory in colour, the base retains the red streak of Air India.

grew to take Air India’s sales and promotional messages to millions

Running parallel to each other are the orange and red speed lines

of travellers across the world. Today, this naughty diminutive

from front door to the rear door, subtly signifying the individual

Maharajah of Air India has become a world figure. He can be a lover

identities merged into one.”

boy in Paris, a sumo wrestler in Tokyo, a pavement artist, a Red

There is no doubting that the vibrant livery itself has contributed

Indian, a monk and he can effortlessly flirt with the beauties of the

to a stunning, professional fleet of high quality aircraft that people

world. And most importantly, he can get away with it all, simply

want to travel on, but there is an extra string to the branding bow

because he is the Maharajah! He has completed 56 years and

that also helps to set the airline apart from its competitors, even

become the most recognisable mascot the world over. His antics,

more than the standards of passenger care that run through every

his expressions and his puns have allowed Air India to promote its

line of operation and that’s The Maharajah, a quirky little cartoon

services with a unique panache and an unmatched sense of subtle

character.

humour. In fact he has won numerous national and international

“We call him a Maharajah, for want of a better description, but his blood isn’t blue. He may look like royalty, but he isn’t royal.

nus Halal me upon available request

awards for Air India for humour and originality in publicity.”

Naturally, a national airline the size of Air India cannot simply

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rely on cute cartoon characters alone to continue its success and development and that is where the staffing body of over 20,000 professionals come in. From ground staff through to cabin crew and an experienced team of managers, Air India has consistently strived to hire only the best and most dedicated individuals that seek to promote and support the organisation. Any hugely successful company is only ever as strong as the vision that underpins it and the people that can make that vision a reality and while some people might see airlines as simply a functional cog in the holiday machine, Air India seeks to be a memorable and enjoyable part of the whole process, not to mention a luxurious one, leading to their slogan, ‘Your palace in the sky’.

Looking to offer all passengers the ‘royal’ treatment, Air India has constantly sought to improve and develop its operation by focussing on in-flight entertainment, frequent flyer programmes and premium lounges, not to mention only acquiring the best and safest aircraft, for total peace of mind. Boasting a fleet of over 100 premium jets and with more in the pipeline, one thing is for sure; the solid future of Air India is not simply ‘pie in the sky’ thinking, it’s a certainty.

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58 | Endeavour Magazine

GIFT WWW.GIFTGUJARAT.IN 91 79-30018300

THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) has set out to become the standard by which all infrastructure centres are judged. Thanks to insightful design and a commitment to progress, there looks to be little doubt that this goal will be both achieved and superseded. Endeavour Magazine took a closer look at the project to find out more.

Endeavour Magazine | 59

GIFT

It’s a brave move, to declare an intention to offer burgeoning

and established businesses a new hub that can serve all needs and requirements, in an infrastructure sense, but that’s exactly what Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) has done.

IFT is conceptualised as a global financial and IT services

“G

We suspect that this deep seated commitment to not only

hub, a first of its kind in India, designed to be at or above

progressing modern business, but doing so in an ecologically sound

par with globally benchmarked financial centres such

and protective manner will come as a shock. However, when you

as Shinjuku, Tokyo, Lujiazui, Shanghai, La Defense, Paris, London

consider how vital ‘green issues’ are becoming, it makes perfect

Dockyards etc.

sense that a forward thinking development would be taking such

Bringing Indian business into the modern era, GIFT has been

considerations to heart, right at the start of the planning process.

heralded as promising to not only improve vital commercial

Discussing the basic principles that underpin GIFT, the team

support systems, but also heighten the quality of life and ambience

revealed that,

that those fortunate enough to operate within its confines will experience.

“The development of GIFT offers a significant opportunity to be a test-bed to drive reforms and innovation in various fields

There can be no misunderstanding that an all-inclusive, one-

including in delivery systems, local government, physical planning,

stop business district will greatly enhance the productivity and

infrastructure development, environmental protection and so on.

effectiveness of existing operations, but with a plan to include only

Getting these foundation principles right is crucial to plan and

the finest communication services, state of the art connectivity and

execute the development strategies.”

exemplar transport connections as well, GIFT looks set to raise the bar when it comes to standards in the commercial park industry.

In a bid to ensure ‘intelligent urbanisation’, the team at GIFT are keen to explore any and all possibilities that will lead to the

“GIFT Master Plan reflects a sophisticated planning approach

building of “efficient, safe and smart” properties and this will have

that integrates the intended program into the existing context of

an impact on more than just the environment. While companies

both the site and the region. The GIFT development is expected

that look to align with and relocate to GIFT can feel happy that

to become a contemporary model development in India, advancing

they have chosen a business complex that has impressive green

the ideas of sustainability and ecology. The project regenerates the

credentials, the efficiency of the buildings themselves will ensure

area as high-quality, mixed-use district of residential, commercial

minimal running costs and maximum profit. That’s something that

and open space facilities that optimize land and real estate values.”

no business, big or small, will ever get bored of.

60 | Endeavour Magazine

GIFT

In order to ensure the perfect blend of technologically advanced

So why has GIFT become such a vital project?

locations and ecologically aware operations, GIFT has taken no

“The last decade has seen unprecedented growth in India’s

short cuts when it comes to the design and implementation of

financial services sector. It employs over 3 million people, constitutes

stunning spaces that work smart, not hard. Steps being taken

about 5% of the GDP and has an estimated market capitalisation

include,

of over US$ 200 billion. As India experiences continued economic

“High-energy evolving fusion of nature and technology,

growth, the financial sector could generate about 10-11 million

enhancing zest for work and life, reduced use/waste of energy

jobs and a GDP contribution of US$ 350 to 400 billion by 2020.

thus reduced energy bills, sky gardens/roof-top gardens, non-

With a sustained growth and rapid development in technology

conventional energy resources such as solar water heating, rain

and infrastructure, an increasing share of financial services would

water harvesting and planning and design consideration according

get centralized. McKinsey & Company’s market assessment report

to micro-climatology.”

estimates potential of about 6 million centralized jobs across

By understanding how dedicated GIFT is to providing a

multiple service roles.”

comprehensive, effective business platform, as well as a green-

Having taken the time to commission an in-depth report as to

minded ethos, you get a real feel for just how different this location is.

the growth of the commercial market in India, the team at GIFT

Whereas standard commercial parks may seek to simply guarantee

have ensured that not only is the new complex a good idea, it’s a

a roof over businesses’ heads and a decent internet connection,

vital addition. Where else would all these extra roles be housed and

GIFT is seeking to actually change the lives and working practices

how would they be maintained without state of the art facilities

of employees and companies as a whole, for the better. This isn’t

and easy to access locations? As we all know, centralising industries

simply a convenient location for housing successful businesses; it’s

and creating recognisable ‘hubs’ for certain market sectors

a community, and a giant stride forward for infrastructure design.

increases efficiency and when it comes to delivering enviable levels

State Bank of India (SBI) (“the Bank”)

is the largest commercial bank in India in terms of assets, deposits, profits, branches, customers and employees.

The Bank also commands an extensive international presence through 198 foreign offices in 37 countries. Opened on 19th September ‘16, IFSC Business Unit (IBU) is the 199th foreign branch of the Bank. The IBU will provid a full range of global corporate banking services and will meet foreign currency funding needs of the Bank’s vast Indian clientele.

It will also actively participate in global syndication deals and meet funding requirements of foreign corporations.

62 | Endeavour Magazine

of customer service, you have to be thinking about streamlining processes and ensuring that any steps that can improve a client’s experience are being taken.

“Several developed countries have successfully established high-tech financial hubs, which over time have catered as international financial services centres. These centres provide suitable regulatory regimes and create a business environment to promote talent and increase capital flow. As they develop they create significant economic value for their domestic economies, e.g. London and New York account for 10% of the GDP and about 5% of jobs. Emerging financial services centres like Singapore and Hong Kong have achieved similar levels of concentration of economic activity over short periods of time.”

Endeavour Magazine has no doubt that in the coming years, this new luxury commercial plaza will be directly responsible for adding India to this prestigious list and wouldn’t that truly be the greatest gift of all?

PEC Solutions Green Designs Pvt. Ltd. 204, Banarasi Heritage, Mindspace, Link Road, Malad (West), Mumbai - 400 064 +91 22 60220202 +91 98 70986209 greenbusiness@pecsolutions.org info@pecgreeningindia.com www.pecgreeningindia.com

Endeavour Magazine | 63

AMAZING WORLD Y-40 THE DEEP JOY There are swimming pools and then there are swimming pools.

allows divers to descend to depths of 40m, equivalent to a 14-story

And then, after that, there is Y-40 The Deep Joy – a stunningly chic

building, in water temperatures equivalent to that of the Caribbean

swimming pool that also happens to be recognised by the Guiness

coastline. Deep sea divers rejoice; you can leave those wetsuits at

Book of Records as the world’s deepest.

home for a change.

Designed by the renowned architect Emanuele Boaretto, Y-40

The Deep Joy has been built to ensure that it caters to the abilities

The Deep Joy is a miracle of engineering. Like the ancient Romans

of all. Divers and free divers; rookies and veterans alike can choose

before him, Boaretto knows a thing or two about the thermal waters

to explore the numerous cave features and rooms to be found in the

that lie beneath his feet in the historic Montegrotto Terme region,

multi-levelled pool platforms, which range in depth from 1.3m to

and he has harnessed these waters to good effect.

12m. And then, of course, there’s the cylindrical dive tunnel which

For those who are partial to diving, the Y-40’s crystal clear

plunges a staggering 131-ft into the deep – this is probably best

waters, which, thanks to the thermal water that is piped into the

left to the seasoned diving pro’s, however. Alternatively, those of us

pool, remain constant at a temperature of 32-34c, offer a truly

who aren’t so keen can simply admire the view from the suspended

unique diving experience. There is no other pool in the world that

glass underwater tunnel that runs through the middle of The Deep

©Marco Mancini

64 | Endeavour Magazine

©Stefano Borghi

©Fabio Ferioli ©Piero Mescalchin Joy, or the cafeteria area which

on the sunbathing deck, inbetween sampling the other amenities,

looks out onto it. And then of

treatments, and activities offered by the four-star spa resort that is

course there’s the cylindrical

home to The Deep Joy.

dive tunnel which plunges 131ft into the deep.

While you’re in the area, you could also take a little downtime to explore the area. With plenty to see and do, and with Venice a

That’s not to say only divers

short trip away, it will be time well spent. For the culture vultures

can enjoy the Y-40’s thermal

amongst you, Montegrotto Terme’s Via degli Scavi site, home to the

waters and calming ambience,

ruins of three Roman baths and a theatre in particular are certainly

of course. The shallow area is

worth a look.

perfect for a range of activities,

If The Deep Joy is something you’d like to experience for yourself,

be it swimming, watsu, and

both the Y-40 the pool and the beautiful 100-room Hotel Terme

aqua fitness. And if you don’t

Millepini are open all-year round – simply visit www.y-40.com or

fancy getting wet, you can

www.millepini.it to find out more.

relax on a poolside lounger Endeavour Magazine | 65

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ANGLO ARABIAN HEALTHCARE (AAH) WWW.ANGLOARABIAN-HEALTHCARE.COM 971 44528452

DEMONSTRATING UNRIVALLED HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

In just 4-years, Anglo Arabian Healthcare has emerged to become the fastest growing integrated healthcare provider in the UAE. With an ambitious and innovative growth strategy for quality assured clinics, hospitals and tertiary care centres, underpinned by world-class diagnostics, the intention is to become one of the largest, most clinically respected healthcare provider in the UAE. Endeavour Magazine | 69

ANGLO ARABIAN HEALTHCARE (AAH)

Endeavour Magazine caught up with Anglo Arabian Healthcare to find out more about the ingredients to their success. As one might expect of a country which in per capita terms is amongst the world’s richest, the United Arab Emirates has a highly developed healthcare sector that is befitting of its status and great economic strength.

I

n many respects, the UAE’s first-rate healthcare infrastructure,

comes of knowing that in times of sickness and ill-health, the

which includes a network of 70 well-funded, well-equipped

facilities, professional care, and support is on-hand. That’s where

public-private sector hospitals, 150 or so specialist clinics and

Anglo Arabian Healthcare, the UAE’s premiere private healthcare

health centres, and a small army of highly qualified, experienced

provider, comes in.

medical professionals, is not merely the envy of its regional neighbours; it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with those, even, of some of the world’s most advanced nations in the developed world.

Certainly it stands in stark contrast to the rudimentary, spit-andsawdust medical facilities that were on offer to its people when the UAE Federation was first established in 1971.

THE UAE MIRACLE - FROM SAND TO SKYSCRAPERS IN UNDER 50-YEARS

WORLD-CLASS MEDICAL CARE AND BUSINESS EXCELLENCE Quite simply, Anglo Arabian Healthcare (AAH) is the fastest growing integrated healthcare provider in the UAE. And for good reason, it should be added; few of its peers in the region, if any, have so successfully combined world-class medical care with astute business acumen. Having pursued an aggressive, innovative and targeted growth strategy, which has seen the company build a network of high-quality, accredited hospitals, clinics, and tertiary

Suffice to say a lot can change in just under half a century,

care centres across the Emirates region, all of which is underpinned

during which the UAE in all its majestic, 21st century splendour

by world-class diagnostics, AAH is on course to become one of

has seemingly emerged from the desert sands as if by magic. In

the largest, most respected private healthcare providers in the

the UAE’s more metropolitan, glittering 2016 iteration, it is not

GCC. Not bad going, when you bear in mind that Anglo Arabian

only home nationals who both need and demand the best available

Healthcare only opened its doors for business in early 2012.

healthcare services, but also the many millions of foreign nationals

Today, AAH’s portfolio operates nearly 40 separate clinical

who travel from every corner of the world to live and work in the

facilities, laboratories, and medical assets, all of which fall under

Emirati global business hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

its Amina Hospitals and Clinics, Concord Medical Centres, Oras

Like its neighbours in the GCC, the UAE relies heavily on

Medical Center, and MyFarm Pharmacy Group brands. 2015 was

immigration, in the form of both skilled and unskilled labour, to

a successful year in this regard, during which AAH’s expansion

keep its economy running. And whilst by law Emirati nationals, who

continued apace as it opened a number of new healthcare assets,

amount to just 11% of the total population, are covered by state-

and forged an exciting partnership with the renowned Health Bay

sponsored free insurance cover, the remaining 89% - equivalent

Polyclinic Group in Dubai. Unquestionably, the icing on the AAH

to 8.5 million – who are ineligible need the peace of mind that

2015 cake, however, came when the company officially opened

70 | Endeavour Magazine

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Hospital Consumables Orthopedic Products Laboratory Supplies Diagnostic Reagents Medical Equipment Dental Equipment and Supplies Emergency Equipment and Supplies

 04 - 2088400  info@arabianethicals.ae  www.arabianethicals.ae Endeavour Magazine | 71

ANGLO ARABIAN HEALTHCARE (AAH)

their first Amina Hospital in Ajman; an inner-city, multi-levelled

supported through the implementation of modern innovative

200-bed facility, equipped with the best medical facilities in the

technology and efficient IT solutions. This means that the company

business, and staffed by highly-qualified medical professionals.

is able to provide electronic coding for compliance with multiple insurers, and ensure that all of its facilities adhere to the exacting

A COMMITMENT TO BEING THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS The key to AAH’s rise to the top of the private healthcare sector is easily explained: a dedication to effective healthcare, empathy and support for patients, and adherence to the highest international standards are at the heart of the business. Every one of the 1,000 employees, particularly its 160 doctors, are committed, root and branch, in this respect.

A spokesman for AAH told Endeavour: “we are a values based company who encourage and support positive behaviour through effective leadership, sound business acumen and healthcare expertise, preferring to lead by example. At Anglo Arabian Healthcare, we continuously strive to command high quality standards throughout all of our healthcare operations and teams,

demands of JCI, ISO, CAP and other recognized International accreditation bodies.

“Anglo Arabian Healthcare is very proud of the high caliber senior management team, who are resolute in their commitment to providing quality management services to our healthcare partners throughout the region. With our expertise and understanding of the diverse, multi-cultural society throughout the GCC, we can guide and demonstrate how to work effectively and profitably in a culturally sensitive environment, securing patient loyalty and building mutual respect.”

PROVIDING WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE TO ALL, IRRESPECTIVE OF A PATIENT’S BANK BALANCE

supporting ethical behaviour and clinical excellence through

Importantly, Anglo Arabian healthcare, through its portfolio

strong leadership and the implementation of International quality

of brands and available services, is able to provide accessible and

accreditation.”

reliable healthcare for everyone. In the modern age, a country can

Anglo Arabian Healthcare’s operational healthcare teams are

be measured by its ability and willingness to provide medical and

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It has been involved in building an effective healthcare development system in the UAE by identifying healthcare needs, funding projects/intermediaries, partnering with governments, supplying and maintaining equipment’s including professionally training staff.

72 | Endeavour Magazine

support for all; not only the ‘haves’ but the ‘have nots,’ also. Take

past few years. Backed by its parent company, Waha Capital – a

Anglo Arabian Healthcare’s Concord Medical Centre brand, for

well-regarded Abu Dhabi-based investment house with interests

example; situated within the heart of busy, working communities,

in various sectors, including aircraft leasing, financial services,

Concord Medical Centres offer genuine quality care for all members

offshore oil and gas services, and, of course, healthcare, Anglo

of the family, and all areas of societ, irrespective of socio-economic

Arabian Healthcare has the perfect partner on-side to help facilitate

factors such as race, religion, or income status.

its continued ascent to the top. But while we can expect Anglo

In 2013, Anglo Arabian Healthcare partnered with the Ibin Sina Medical Group - part of the Aaliya Healthcare Foundation, a well-

Arabian Healthcare to grow and evolve over the years to come, one thing that won’t change is its commitment to its core values.

respected and trusted local clinic brand, situated in the heart of the

A simple quote from Mark Adams, CEO of Anglo Arabian

Sharjah and Ajman communities. This exciting partnership brought

Healthcare, says it all: “as one of the founders of AAH, I believe

together local, community knowledge and a relationship fostered

that we have built a great team and attracted impressive clinical

on a foundation of trust, and combined this with the world-class

partners who have spent their careers building and running clinics,

medical expertise that Anglo Arabian Healthcare brings to the

diagnostic centres and hospitals for the benefit of patients in the

table. Off the back of this initial fruitful partnership, the Concord

UAE. Together, we will build off these foundations to provide the

brand was galvanised, AAH forged ahead soon after with plans to

latest equipment, technology and healthcare facilities for detecting

expand into Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi the following

and curing illness, and also providing guidance and preventative

year. The rest, as they say, is history.

support to ensure that our patients can enjoy their lives to the full.”

A BRIGHT FUTURE In terms of what the future holds, we can expect to see further activity in-line with AAH’s policy of expansion over the

Endeavour Magazine | 73

74 | Endeavour Magazine

KUWAIT NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY WWW.KNPC.COM.KW 965 23989900

POWERING KUWAIT WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

As a major global oil producer sitting on the world’s sixth largest proven reserves, and a key member of the once-unassailable OPEC, it is news to nobody that Kuwait is heavily reliant on the black stuff.

This, as anybody who has had their ear to the ground will know, has left the country vulnerable as it finds itself facing a sizeable budget deficit, and austere cuts to its lavish public spending.

Endeavour Magazine | 75

KUWAIT NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY

It’s difficult to over-emphasise the importance of oil to the

Kuwaiti economy; the key statistics speak for themselves. Granted, daily production has begun to taper off of late, but even still the country presently produces more than 2.3million barrels per day (bpd), accounting for around 60% of GDP and 95% of total export revenue.

For all the industry challenges facing the Kuwaiti oil sector, it remains big business, and a key part of the engine which continues to drive the nation forward during this period of present difficulty is Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC).

Endeavour revisited KNPC to look at what’s changed at the company three years on from when we last spoke to them.

W

hilst Kuwait might be a country small in stature, the spectacular wealth of the Gulf nation makes it the envy of countries many times its size. That it is outstandingly rich,

and its infrastructure and urban centres first-rate, is well-known; as well-known, in fact, as it is that the key to Kuwait’s fabulous riches come from deep below its baking sands.

Oil has long fuelled the development and investment which, over the course of decades, has transformed Kuwait from an inhospitable desert landscape into one of the world’s richest countries per capita. It pays for a generous government policy of state largesse which sees each Kuwaiti citizen receive large state payouts, free food packages, and heavily subsidised fuel and petrol.

It pays for the country’s commitment to lavish infrastructure and construction projects, generous public sector salaries, and, of course, the Kuwait Investment Authority – a sovereign wealth fund with assets of US$592billion which is amongst the world’s largest.

And at the heart of the nation’s immense capacity for wealth creation can be found one of the crown jewels of Kuwait’s glittering oil industry crown, Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC).

Established a year prior to the country’s independence in 1960, KNPC – the downstream arm of state-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation – is primarily responsible for crude oil refining and gas liquefaction, as well as the distribution of fuels and diesels via its 40-strong network of petrol stations across the country. The company’s operations are to say the least substantial.

76 | Endeavour Magazine

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KUWAIT NATIONAL PETROLEUM COMPANY

To manufacture its range of fuel gas, ethane and DOW

A year, as they say, is a long time in business, and the three-

chemicals, LPG, petrochemical naptha, gasolines, diesels, fuel oils,

years since Endeavour Magazine last visited KNPC seems a relative

and bitumen in sufficient volume and at the high-quality required

lifetime, bearing in mind how much the oil industry has changed in

to meet consumer demand, KNPC’s has a vast array of assets

this time. As before, KNPC is still in the process of rolling-out its

and infrastructure that facilitate their manufacture. And make no

US$42 billion investment plan across a range of distinct projects,

mistake about it, the company’s operations in this regard are to say

with the flagship project being the company’s new Al-Zour refinery

the least substantial.

project – a construction project which, when completed in 2018,

Take its three refineries, Mina Abdullah, Mina Al-Ahmadi, and

will give KNPC access to a 615,000 bpd industry-leading facility. As

Shuaiba, for example – facilities which span over 20,000,000m²

an essential part of KPC’s and KNPC’s strategy to vastly increase

and boast a cumulative refining production capacity of 930,000

refining capacity to over 1.4million bpd, Al-Zour will allow for the

barrels per day (bbl/d). In terms of production output, few of

refining of a number of different Kuwaiti oils, including Kuwait

KNPC’s rivals in the Middle East, let alone the world, can match

Export Crude and Heavy Crude, and additionally facilitate the

such capability. That isn’t to say Mina Abdullah, Mina Al-Ahmadi,

production of 225,000 bpd of low-sulfur fuel oil to meet the

and Shuaiba – built in 1958, 1949, and 1966 respectively, haven’t

requirements of power generating stations in Kuwait.

clocked up significant mileage, in terms of their operating life, but

Similarly, work is ongoing on KNPC’s ambitious multi-billion

as a result of a number of multi-billion dollar refinery upgrade and

dollar Clean Fuels Project; a project which upon completion will

modernisation projects which were completed over the course of

expand the Mina Al-Ahmad Refinery refining capacity to 346,000

the 1980’s, these facilities are by all intents and purposes modern,

bpd, and Mina Abdullah ‘s to 454,000 bpd. This will result in a

cutting-edge refineries. Just look around; only Saudi Aramco’s most

combined refining capacity of 800,000 bpd, and the integration of

recently built refineries can be considered the better of KNPC’s

both facilities into a conjoined refining complex which is flexible

state-of-the-art sites.

enough to help the company meet the variables at international

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and local markets. It will also develop the performance of the two refineries, enhance safety & operational reliability, and also optimise energy usage.

However, a new development that has emerged in only the last month suggests that the Kuwaiti government is giving serious consideration to the prospect of privatising segments of KPC and KNPC. This move, which would finally allow outside investment into the country’s long-close oil industry, is contentious, but would most certainly would fit in with a wider trend which has seen governments around the world, most notably in Saudi Arabia and Russia, announce the sale of stakes in some of the biggest nationalised natural resource producers, such as Saudi Aramco and Alrosa, as low commodity prices begin to bite.

Whilst a final decision on the matter is yet to be made, what is certain is that should the Kuwaiti government opt to choose the nuclear capital-spinning option by opening up KNPC’s oil fields services to the market, the effect on KNPC, Kuwait, and the wider oil sector could be as vast as it is lucrative. Undoubtedly, interesting times lie ahead for KNPC and indeed the wider industry in which it operates.

Evolution of UNITED INTERNATIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT (UIPM) targets to upgrade Project Management services to the highest standards ever set, exploiting our team’s extensive experiences and professional skills, guaranteeing the clients’ requirements achieved beyond expectations. We, Team UIPM, are still committed to continue being toplisted amongst other service providers internationally.

“We’ve got strategies to build a better world”

Endeavour Magazine | 79

AMAZING WORLD THE MINE KAFON DRONE THAT CAN CLEAR THE WORLD’S LANDMINES IN JUST 10-YEARS

I

n spite of the committed efforts of the NGO’s who strive for a

accolade about such a device from such a man is telling. These highly

world free of landmines, it is estimated that at least 110,000,000

effective and lethal weapons of war are, thanks to their cheap cost

landmines lie active in 66 countries around the world.

and ease of manufacture, still widely used in conflict zones around

The interventions of the US & UK in the Middle East, the later

the world. However, the deadly legacy of these devices means

events of the Arab Spring, and the current war which continues to

that their victims are often not the soldiers of opposing armies,

rage in Syria, has led to a marked increase in the number of landmine-

but unwary civilians, particularly curious children, who are likely to

related casualties over the past decade.

stumble across them many years later.

As a Khymer Rouge general once said, a landmine is the perfect

Massoud Hassani, the pioneering engineer and designer behind

soldier: “Ever courageous, never sleeps, never misses.” Such an

the now famous Mine Kafon, knows about this all too well. As a child

80 | Endeavour Magazine

who grew up in the mine-pocked city of Kabul in his home country

mine in order to generate a map known mine locations. Once the

of Afghanistan, playing football with friends just metres away from

minefield has been identified, a robotic arm of sorts is used as an

active minefields, Hassani knows first-hand the dangers that they

appendage through which to place a small detonator on each mine,

pose.

which will be then detonated from safe distance.

Having drawn inspiration for the original Mine Kafon - a low-

This simple, cheap, and creative method of clearing landmines

cost, bouncing wind powered device, made up of an iron core and

will prove revolutionary. Current landmine clearance technologies

radiating bamboo legs that resembles a dandelion in appearance –

and techniques, which can cost as much as US$1,000 per mine to

from the wind powered toys he once played with as a child, Massoud

use, and which, at the current rate of clearance, will clear all of the

has yet again drawn upon this deep well of ingenuity to develop his

world’s 110 million landmines in 1,100 years, will made redundant;

latest wonderful creation.

the Mine Kafon Drone could quite feasibly clear all landmines in as

The Mine Kafon Drone, quite simply, is an airborne demining

little as 10-years.

system that relies upon a three-step process to map, spot, and

To show your financial support for this fantastic humanitarian

detonate land mines. The drone will be used to fly over dangerous

endeavour, simply search for the Mine Kafon Drone fundraiser

areas infested with landmines from the safety of the air and, with its

project on Kickstarter.com.

aerial 3D mapping system, scour the site and geotag each detected Endeavour Magazine | 81

82 | Endeavour Magazine

SWAKOP URANIUM WWW.SWAKOPURANIUM.COM 264 64 410 9000

HUSAB MINE – THE NEXT BIG THING WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

Namibia, with its rich uranium heritage stretching back to the 1920’s, and as the home to the Rossing, Langer Heinrich, and Trekkkopje uranium mines, is one of the world’s few uranium producing nations that can legitimately claim world-class status.

Only Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia boast a greater production capacity.

Endeavour Magazine | 83

SWAKOP URANIUM

Uranium is big business in these parts; the numbers speak for

themselves. In total, the sector accounts for close to 10% of GDP alone, and employs tens of thousands; at maximum capacity, its mines produce 12% of the world’s total uranium supply, 10% of which is mined from the below the earth at the Rossing and Langer Heinrich sites, alone.

In this context, it is understandable that all eyes have closely followed construction work at the site of what will be the world’s largest uranium mines in recent years.

C

onstruction of Swakop Uranium’s Husab project, a US$2.5 billion facility located near the Swakupmund region, has been ongoing since work began in the sweltering Namib Desert

4-years ago. Make no mistake about it, development of the Husab Mine has been a truly colossal undertaking, which is to be expected for a build of this scale.

Upon its completion later in 2016, the Husab facility will be the world’s second-largest uranium producing facility, behind only Saskatchewan’s McArthur River site in Canada. It is undoubtedly the most significant uranium discovery in recent years, if not decades, and in terms of the impact it will have when it enters production, Husab will be a game-changer. “It will elevate Namibia past Niger, Australia and Canada to the second rung on the world ladder of uranium producers,” said Swakop Uranium CEO, Zheng Keping.

“The 8-kilometre uranium mineralisation has been confirmed as the highest grade, granite-hosted uranium deposit in Namibia.” The remarkably high-quality of Husab’s yellowcake which, alongside its vast 280 million tonnes of resource, is unparalleled by existing mines in the region. Such will the impact of Husab on the Namibian economy over the course of its 20-year lifespan that, on its own, the mine will single-handedly account for 5% of Namibia’s US$13.1 billion GDP. The mine has been developed as a conventional, large-scale load-and-haul opencast mine, feeding directly into a conventional agitated acid lead process plant, incorporating ion exchange and solvent extraction circuits – processes which are necessary in order

84 | Endeavour Magazine

to obtain the optimum amount of uranium from the ore, and then

Association, it is expected that uranium demand will have increased

concentrate it.

by close to 50% by 2023, making investment in a facility of Husab’s

With final completion only a matter of months away, virtually

stature the only available logical business decision. “Each gigawatt

all facets of the facility are already operational. Construction of the

of increased new capacity will require about 150 tpa of extra

permanent road and bridge to the mine site has been completed,

uranium mine production routinely, and about 300 to 450 tonnes

which includes 50km of access and service road linking the mine to

of uranium for the first fuel load,” Marais said.

the main B2 transport route leading to Swakupmund, and a 160m

He continued: “About 435 reactors with a combined capacity

bridge over the Khan River; the longest bridge built in Namibia since

of over 370 GWe, require some 78,000 tonnes of uranium oxide

its independence in 1990. All required energy infrastructure is in

concentrate, containing 66,000 tonnes of uranium from mines, or

place for Namibia’s state energy supplier, Nampower, to provide

the equivalent from stockpiles or secondary sources, each year.

the 50 MW needed to operate the mine. Water for the Husab

This includes initial cores for new reactors coming on line.” Uranium

project will be delivered to the site, courtesy of a water supply

mines worldwide currently supply some 68,800 tonnes of uranium

system which transfers water via ductile iron pipe from a newly

oxide, containing 58,344 tonnes of uranium. That’s about 86

built desalination plant that has been built near Swakupmund.

percent of utilities’ annual requirements and it leaves a significant

The assembly of the giant Komatsu haul trucks that will be used

shortfall.”

as the primary means of moving ore and waste on is now on the

It’s boom-time for Namibia, in other words, and especially

verge of completion, after having initially been moved to Husab

Swakop Uranium. In a matter of months, Husab and its parent

in kit form. At least 39 of the trucks, each with a payload of 327

company will justifiably take a place at the mining sector’s top

tonnes, will be needed when the mine starts producing at its full

table. Exciting times lie ahead.

capacity of 15 million pounds of uranium oxide per annum. Actually getting them to Husab from Johannesburg in the first place, however, was no mean feat. The bodies are 14.6 metres long, 10.7 metres wide and 5.4 metres high, which meant every step of the journey had to be planned meticulously. “Every step of the journey had to be carefully measured and investigated before the 50-tonne load could be granted permission to travel.

Even then, strict conditions were applied and the vehicles needed to be accompanied by at least two escorts from the transportation company Transcor, as well as two South African road authorities,” said Komatsu’s Gerhard Klopper. The huge dump bodies are the last part of the truck to be fitted: it takes two cranes to lift them.

Taking into account the retreat of Germany from nuclear energy, the well-documented Fukushima crisis, the booming growth of the wider renewables sector, and the persistent commodities price slump that has devastated miners, there might perhaps be one big question in mind over this entire endeavour: why now, and why so big? A fair and legitimate question, and one that is easily explained.

Nuclear, for all its flaws, remains the leading, most developed source of green power, and continues to be enthusiastically pursued by rising powers, China and India, and even the UK. In the view of Swakop Uranium’s Director of Communications & Stakeholder Involvement, Grant Marais, whilst the price of uranium remains low, and will continue to remain low in the short-term, the current slump is transient. Prices will increase markedly over the medium to long-term; what goes down, must go up.

According to a report published by the World Nuclear Endeavour Magazine | 85

86 | Endeavour Magazine

BRITISH PETROLEUM TRINIDAD & TOBAGO WWW.BP.COM/EN_TT/TRINIDAD-AND-TOBAGO.HTML 001 868 623 2862

LEADING FROM THE FRONT WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

BP Trinidad and Tobago has long been one of the leading oil and gas production companies, not only in Trinidad & Tobago, but the world. From such a position of considerable strength, some companies might take the easy route and simply sit back, and enjoy the benefits that come with being at the top. However, as any champion will tell you, getting to the top is the easy bit; it’s staying there that’s the real challenge. As one of the world’s dominant energy sector brands, BP knows this all too well.

Endeavour Magazine | 87

BRITISH PETROLEUM TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Endeavour Magazine took the time out to find out more about

the Trinibagan operations of this oil & gas giant. As a company which holds exploration and production licenses that cover 904,000 acres of territory off the east coast of Trinidad, there are likely few question marks surrounding how BP Trinidad & Tobago (bpTT) occupies the dominant market position that it holds presently.

H

aving operated in the region since 1961, and thanks to its

employed in every corner of the world. Proportionately to the

illustrious regional heritage, cdourtesy of the legacy left

local area, bpTT is, as you might expect, a leading employer on the

behind by its predecessors, Amoco Trinidad Oil Company and

islands.

BP Amoco, bpTT produced its first barrels of crude in 1972 and hasn’t looked back since.

“BP TT believes that the key to long-range sustainability is building local expertise in all areas of the national petroleum industry

A spokesman for bpTT said: “We are now the country’s

– from exploration for oil and gas to the design and construction

largest hydrocarbon producer, accounting for more than half of

of platforms and the installation of pipelines. We continue to

Trinidad and Tobago’s national production of oil and gas. Overall,

develop local capability through our investments in education and

our operations are responsible for the employment of a growing

enterprise development. bpTT facilitated the birth of Trinidad and

workforce both directly and indirectly through contractors and

Tobago’s local offshore platform fabrication industry through the

independent operators. Natural gas accounts for much of bpTT’s

extensive use of in-country expertise to build the first offshore

total hydrocarbon production.”

platform ever designed and constructed with over 40% local input.

SUCCESS GENERATES SUCCESS Part of the BP Group, bpTT enjoys all of the advantages that come with being the subsidiary of one of the oil & gas sectors

Following the commissioning of the Cannonball platform in 2005, four platforms – Mango, Cashima, Savonette and Serrette – were also locally designed and constructed with more than 80% of the labour performed by Trinidad and Tobago nationals.”

genuine global heavyweights, but rather than breed complacency,

Interestingly for an outfit of its stature, rather than use its

instead, it has fostered an unbending desire for excellence. With 13

considerable strength and resources to its advantage, bpTT

active offshore production platforms, the company accounts for an

has instead opted to build strong, healthy relationships with its

impressive 60% of the nation’s oil and gas production, with a large

employees, local industry, and the public sector. Social enterprise

proportion being exported as LNG. The remainder is kept locally for

is no longer merely a PR buzzword; it’s a reality, and bpTT has

use as fuel or industry feedstock.

brought to bear its great strengths in order to support and nurture

An operation as large as BP naturally has a huge bank of staff and, globally, and it is estimated that around 80,000 people are 88 | Endeavour Magazine

communities, rather than act as a tool for the generation of capital alone.

BRITISH PETROLEUM TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

A COMMITMENT TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES THROUGH CSR AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SCHEMES “In the field of social development, bpTT works closely with community organisations, the people and the Government, creating mutually beneficial relationships. Our strongest focus is on interventions in education, arts and culture, environmental preservation, enterprise development and capacity building.

an organisation that through a progressive approach to business is always looking forward, and several steps ahead.

One aspect of the oil and gas exploration and production industry that will always be a concern is the environmental impact, but with a firm grasp on their social responsibilities and a clear understanding and respect for the rules that the sector must adhere to, bpTT conducts itself accordingly.

We are, for example, closely involved with the development of national skills in engineering, petroleum geosciences and other

SETTING THE STANDARD, WITH REGARDS TO THE ENVIRONMENT

areas of study at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Another

“We are, of course, committed to safety in our operations and

outstanding example of our company’s commitment to education

protection of the environment. Our commitment may be summed

is the Mayaro Resource Centre, a former employee recreational

up simply: no accidents, no harm to people and no damage arising

facility which has been converted into a virtual campus, addressing

from the environmental impact of our operations, through on-

the needs of the Mayaro community to tertiary levels.”

going training programmes and the reduction of waste, emission

Essentially, if you are looking for an employer offering excellent

and discharges,” the spokesman told Endeavour.

careers opportunities, look no further than bpTT; its employees

He continued: “BP TT’s approach to Corporate Social

benefit from world-class training and development schemes that

Responsibility is driven by the company’s aspiration, which calls

will not only equip them for success within the company, but

on it to deliver extraordinary business performance, take part in

empower them far beyond what they thought they were capable

the development of Trinidad and Tobago and impact the lives of

of. Not many companies can tell you that and mean it, but this is

every citizen. In areas of education, arts and culture, enterprise

90 | Endeavour Magazine

and manpower development and the environment, bpTT has

off the south east coast of Trinidad. The contract also includes the

established mutually beneficial relationships with the Trinidad and

offshore installation of subsea equipment for the Juniper project.

Tobago public, strategically focused on the long-term development

bpTT facilitated the establishment of Trinidad and Tobago’s local

of the country.

offshore platform fabrication industry through the extensive use

In our quest to contribute to the sustainable long-term development of Trinidad and Tobago, we have not forgotten our

of in-country expertise to build the first offshore platform ever designed and constructed with significant local input.

humanitarian responsibilities to the local community and bpTT

The construction of the Juniper facility in Trinidad and Tobago

has a long history with Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago

will allow for the leveraging of local capabilities in fabrication and

(HFHTT). With a shortage of affordable housing in the country,

other energy services for the long term benefit of the local energy

bpTT first partnered with HFHTT in 1998 to build houses in the

sector. We are pleased that local companies and local labour can

Mayaro/Guayaguayare area.”

continue to benefit along all stages of project development.”

CONSTRUCTION OF THE JUNIPER PROJECT So, what does the future hold for bpTT? In answer, the company told us: “BP announced today that it is moving forward at pace with the award of a key contract for the development of the Juniper project. Following the announcement of the sanction of the Juniper project in August 2014, BP has awarded a contract to Technip USA for the engineering, procurement and construction of the jacket and topsides of the new Juniper platform to be located

Endeavour Magazine | 91

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