Power & Electricity World Africa Preview

Amid challenges, power sector offers massive opportunities

- Nadine James

Although the power and electricity sector in Africa faces massive challenges, it also offers massive opportunities, says Power & Electricity World Africa (PEWA) event organiser Terrapinn.

“Africa needs in excess of $800-billion to develop its power infrastructure. Despite these challenges, there is a lot that is also going right,” Terrapinn’s energy and resource GM Samukelo Madlabane says.

He cites examples of the oversubscribed Power Africa initiative, the East African Community infrastructure development initiative and Ethiopia’s grand renaissance dam project, which has a hydropower component and could potentially add 6 000 MW in installed capacity.

Project manager for the PEWA, Madlabane says the event is Africa’s largest and longest-running power and electricity exhibition and conference . Now in its twentieth year, it will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre on March 28 and 29.

He explains that PEWA will look at innovative, cost-effective ways to tackle Africa’s power and water challenges.

The PEWA show features The Solar Show Africa and The Energy Efficiency Africa Show. 

It is also colocated with The Water Show Africa – a pan-African water show targeting water utilities, municipalities, water boards and government Ministries from across Africa.

According to Terrapinn, indications are that attendance will increase significantly, as the number of preregistered visitors is 75% higher, compared with the same time last year. Sponsorship has also doubled since last year.