10 Expert Speakers, and about 200 participants will be present at the 2022 Foreign Investment Network’s (FIN) International Trade and Investment Forum holding on September 23, 2022. The event, themed “Power For Africa”, is holding on the sides of the United General Assembly (UNGA), an event that is regarded as the most attended by world leaders; hence it will be attended by many African leaders, and other dignitaries.
The FIN chairman, Olayinka Fayomi released a statement on Wednesday, detailing the focus of the forum as well as its objectives. The press release also contained the agenda for the day and expected outcome. The statement reads: “This event will serve as a launching pad for the international business community to explore investment opportunities in Africa. It will stimulate wider investment exchange between countries/organizations towards a prosperous Africa and also serve as a platform for states to build partnerships, foster business relationships and attract quality investors and project financiers in the power and renewable energy sector.
“The meeting will also interrogate the role of Artificial Intelligence in the power eco-system. AI techniques have become popular for solving different problems in power systems like control, planning, scheduling, forecast, generation, management and distribution of power. It is believed that AI can untie the difficulties experienced in large power management systems with even more interconnections installed to meet increasing load demand.
“Our aim is to create a strategic platform for investment in the power and renewable energy sector which will serve as a boost to African nations, regions and states to greater economic growth and development. The outcome will catalyze economic growth and development by increasing access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power in Africa.”
The programme will feature 4 panel discussions and 16 group projects; there will be a wrap up Award Ceremony/dinner in which various organisations that are regarded to have been outstanding in their Corporate Social Responsibilities will be given a Certificate of Honour. Organisations at different levels such as start ups, Fintech organisations, renewable energy solution providers, and corporate organisations will be awarded as well as ‘friendly government’ and ‘Policy makers’ who qualify.
Nigerian former President, His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo and His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and some other African leaders will be part of the speakers at the event. Other speakers from Nigeria include: Director General of World Trade Organization (WTO) Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwealla and Minister of Power Abubakar Aliyu. They are to pitch the need for support in the African Power sector, baring their presentation on the information given by the President of African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr. Akinwumi Adesina in Accra at the Annual General Meeting of the Bank, during the last AfDB’s African Economic Outlook 2022. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said for Africa to have universal power/ electricity access by 2030, the continent will require between $32 billion to $40 billion investment capital.
Some African leaders expected at the event are: <span;>President of Ethiopia, His Excellency Andry Rajoelina President of Madagascar, His Excellency Lazarus Chakwera President Republic of Malawi, President of Ghana; His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe; Her Excellency Sahle-Work Zewde, His Excellency Faure Gnassingbé President of Togo; His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema President of Zambia; His Excellency Felix Tshisekedi President Democratic Republic of Congo; His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi President of Egypt; and His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Other dignitaries are: Mohammed Dewji, CEO and President MeTLf Group; Prakash Hinduja, Chairman Europe Hinduja; Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of board of Directors- Africa Export Import Bank (AfreximBank); Senator Margaret Chuba Okadigbo, Chairman NNPC Ltd; Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd; Mike Jocktane Gabonese, Protestant pastor and politician; Mohammad Abuhilal, CEO Sun Synergy Group; to mention a few.
