China may not have the playing fields to itself in Africa much longer – the Americans have rediscovered the continent. It started with the African Growth and Opportunity Act ten years ago. South Africa’s transport industry is set to benefit through support for PetroSA and the energy sector in general. In September, General Electric (GE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with PetroSA “for exploring cooperation between the two companies that could lead to future commercial opportunities and help support the country’s ongoing economic growth,” according to a joint statement from the two companies. GE has expanded its manufacturing facilities in Midrand, Gauteng in anticipation of growth in South Africa and rest of Africa. Speaking at the opening of the plant, GE chairperson John Krenicki, who is also president and CEO of GE Energy, said the company was committed to job creation in sub-Saharan Africa. “There are diverse opportunities in sub- Saharan Africa and Africa, where the majority of the population does not have access to electricity and we hope to continue to grow our business and capitalise on opportunities.”
