Regional integration the key to growth in oil and gas

Durban-based JBN International has identified “huge potential” for oil and gas sector growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries and plans to expand its presence in the region. “We already have a presence in Walvis Bay, Namibia and Beira, Mozambique but we have seen huge infrastructure development in Namibia, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Vic Falls and hope to take advantage of the opportunities presented there,” said Jacko Naicker of JBN. He told FTW that the company was currently supplying bitumen for road construction and heavy fuel oil (HFO) for ignition at certain installations. “HFO is being used as bunker fuel in mainland Mozambique, with the islands also coming on stream,” said Naicker. Managing director of JBN, Buddy Naicker, told FTW that the company believed that there should be more regional integration with South Africa and its neighbours to ensure “true progressive development” for the country. “Funding is one of the biggest hurdles for development in the SADC countries and we believe a macro-economic approach by the relevant governments is the way to go,” she said. Another hurdle to growth and development is delays at borders and ports which may be the “difference in customer retention and business sustainability”, said Naicker. She added that transportation by sea or road in certain African countries could be a nightmare if companies did not align themselves with the right agents. INSERT & CAPTION Funding is one of the biggest hurdles for development in the SADC countries. – Buddy Naicker CAPTION JBN is currently supplying bitumen for road construction in southern Africa.