Africa plugs into US power sector

Infrastructure investment in the African energy and power sector is seeing an increased demand for logistics services as far afield as the United States. According to Ute Bender, managing director of Americanheadquartered HLI Logistics, there has been a significant increase in enquiries for the movement of cargo to Africa. “Especially in the power sector we are seeing this,” she told FTW at the recent Breakbulk Africa conference held in Johannesburg. “We handle a lot of energy-related cargo in the States and recently have seen an increase in enquiries – especially around the movement of wind turbines.” Bender, who is investing heavily in growing the business footprint locally, said that it was a trend that was picking up speed. “The market is growing and there is a definite appetite for business locally and from abroad,” she said. According to Carla Rooseboom, infrastructure and capital projects specialist with Deloitte, at least 36% of 322 construction projects currently under way in Africa fall into the energy and power sector. “This is a clear indication of a solid step forward in this sector,” she said. Energy – or the lack thereof – has long been one of the debilitating factors in Africa’s growth. In West and East Africa consistent electricity supply challenges have been experienced for years. “New energy hubs are being forged while there is also a great drive towards the establishment of renewable energy sources across the continent,” said Rooseboom. Massive energy projects on the continent include the construction of Eskom’s Kusile and Medupi power stations as well as PetroSA’s crude refinery, Project Mthobmo, and the Takoradi International Company power plant expansion project in Ghana. INSERT & CAPTION New energy hubs are being forged while there is also a great drive towards the establishment of renewable energy sources across the continent. – Carla Rooseboom