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AGENDA PAGE
*Revised 10/25/2006
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Additional Transportation Information
2006 U.S.-AFRICA INFRASTRUCTURE
CONFERENCE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2006
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2006
7:00 AM Registration Opens
Grand & Pool Foyers
7:00-8:45 AM Continental Breakfast
Grand Foyer/Ballroom
9:00-10:00 AM OPENING PLENARY
Grand Ballroom
(Photos)
Theme: Why Infrastructure?
Panelists will highlight the growing momentum behind
infrastructure development in Africa and assess key priorities
for ensuring the completion of new projects. Specific
opportunities for U.S. companies to support African
infrastructure development will also be discussed.
Introduction
· Mr. Frank Fountain, Sr. Vice President of External
Affairs and Public Policy Daimler Chrysler (Auburn Hills) and
Chairman of Board of Directors, Corporate Council on Africa (CCA)
10:15-11:15 AM SERIES A
WORKSHOPS
Regional Projects: Southern Africa
Rockville/Chevy Chase
(Photos)
This workshop will highlight infrastructure
projects in the Southern African region. Panelists will
provide potential investors with a clear understanding of
current regional infrastructure project development, including
financing vehicles for these projects. Downstream
opportunities for contract bidding will also be discussed.
Speakers
· The Honorable Jacob Ntake, Minister of Education-, Republic
of Botswana
· The Honorable Bernard Sande, Ambassador of Malawi
· Ms. Siobhan Cleary, Senior Manager of Strategy, Johannesburg
Stock Exchange
· Siyabonga Simayi, Coega Development Corporation
Moderator
· Mr. Craig Allen, Senior Commercial Officer, South Africa,
U.S. Department of Commerce
10:15-11:15 AM SERIES A
WORKSHOPS
Telecommunications
Grand Ballroom
(Photos)
This workshop will address current
challenges impacting telecommunications infrastructure
development in Africa such as privatization, licensing,
contract vehicles, and strategic partnerships for new
investors. Panelists will also highlight new
telecommunications projects and assess opportunities for
future investment on the continent.
Speakers
· Dr. Joseph O. Okpaku, Sr., President and Chief Executive
Officer, Telecom Africa International Corporation
· Mr. Leon Ntalé, President, MicroCom
· Mr. Todd Giacobbe, Vice President of International Business
Development, Lucent
· Ms. Michelle O'Neill, Deputy Under Secretary for
International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce
Moderator
· Mr. Philippe Dongier, Manager, ICT Policy Division, World
Bank
10:15-11:15 AM SERIES A
WORKSHOPS
Roads & Bridges
Bethesda/Potomac
(Photos)
This workshop will address the challenges
and opportunities for the development of new roads and bridges
that link rural areas, cities, industrials hubs, and African
countries and regions. Panelists will assess ways in which
African governments are working with multilateral financing
institutions and private banks to fund and develop road and
bridge infrastructure, dramatically increasing Africa’s trade
and growth potential. Panelists will also assess recent
projects’ successes and explore opportunities for future
investment in the sector.
11:30-12:30 PM SERIES B WORKSHOPS
Regional Projects: East Africa
Rockville/Chevy Chase
(Photos)
Sponsored by General Electric Rail
This workshop will address regional infrastructure development
in East Africa, including project development that is
primarily managed through the region’s two leading
organizations: The Common Market for Eastern and Southern
African States (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC).
Panelists will discuss the essential role of the private
sector in the development and success of new projects
developed by the regional organizations. Panelists will also
discuss leading infrastructure development priorities in East
Africa and assess challenges and opportunities for private
sector participation in attaining these projects priorities.
11:30-12:30 PM SERIES B WORKSHOPS
Building the Infrastructure: The Role of IT
Grand Ballroom
(Photos)
Sponsored by Oracle and Hewlett Packard
This workshop will address the opportunities and challenges
for investment in the national telephone, satellite,
broadband, and database management systems in Africa.
Panelists will also discuss the role for ICT in generating
fiscal reform and will explore the development of new
e-government solutions.
11:30-12:30 PM SERIES B WORKSHOPS
ENERGY AND ELECTRICAL GRIDS
Bethesda/Potomac
(Photos)
Sponsored by General Electric
This workshop will address energy infrastructure development
opportunities and constraints in both African metropolitan and
rural areas. Panelists will assess the development, expansion,
and improvement of energy infrastructure in Africa essential
to accelerating a broad-based economy on the continent.
Panelists will also discuss efficient and reliable access to
energy and electrical power resources and services, one of the
most important requirements for improving quality of life for
African citizens.
12:30-1:45 PM Plenary Buffet Lunch
Grand Foyer/Ballroom
1:45-2:45 PM PLENARY TWO
Grand Ballroom
(Photos)
Theme: Regional Integration
Sponsored by U.S. Department of
Transportation
This plenary will focus on regional infrastructure development
and its role in promoting regional economic development and
trade. Panelists will discuss their collaboration with key
regional organizations such as NEPAD, COMESA, SADC, and ECOWAS
on current projects. Panelists will identify some of the
leading projects available to U.S. investors. The U.S.
Department of Transportation will highlight and discuss the
facilitative role that cooperation between nations can play by
speaking to recent engagements with African nations in regard
to the Open and Safe Skies initiatives and the Safe Skies for
Africa program.
Speakers
· Professor Firmino Mucavele, Executive Head, The New
Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Secretariat
· Dr. Paul Jourdan, Chief Executive Officer, Mintek (NEPAD
Projects)
· Ms. Susan McDermott, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation
and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation
Moderator
· Mr. Timothy Richards, Director, International Energy Policy,
General Electric (GE)
3:00-4:00 PM SERIES C WORKSHOPS
Ports
Rockville/Chevy Chase
This workshop will discuss effective
management of ports infrastructure development and ports
management in Africa. Panelists will assess the foremost
challenges faced in developing and maintaining ports in
Africa, as well as the importance of ports to trade and
economic growth on the continent. Panelists will also
highlight areas where partnerships can be forged;
particularly the development of supporting infrastructure
such as rail and roads to service trade cargo to and from key
ports.
Speakers
· Ms. Maureen Harrington, Vice President of International
Policy, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
· Ms. Audrey Adams, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Office of
International Affairs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Department of Homeland Security
Moderator
· Mr. Don Breazeale, Don Breazeale and Associates, Inc.
3:00-4:00 PM SERIES C WORKSHOPS
Regional Projects: North Africa
Bethesda/Potomac
Sponsored by Waterstone
This workshop will assess current obstacles (to)
and opportunities for investment in key national and regional
projects in North Africa. Panelists will assess the
normalization of U.S. trade relations with Libya and the
opportunities this creates for U.S. businesses. Panelists will
also discuss the expansive regional opportunities that exist
for the development of energy, power, rail, and
telecommunications infrastructure throughout North Africa.
Speakers
· Mr. Fadi Abdulkhalek, Vice President, Middle East and Africa
Public Services, Oracle
· Mr. Jean Charles Crochet, Economic Department, The Middle
East and North Africa Region, World Bank
Moderator
· Mr. Stephen Hayes, President, Corporate Council on Africa
3:00-4:00 PM SERIES C WORKSHOPS
Managing Commercial Risk
Grand Ballroom
Sponsored by General Electric and Hunton & Williams LLP
The purpose of the panel is to address the specific
challenges of doing business in Africa faced by international
suppliers, investors, and participants in the infrastructure
sector, with special reference to commercial risks. Panelists
will suggest practical strategies and options for minimizing
those risks and thereby encouraging inward investment and
trade. The panelists will cover the following four areas:
--Deal Structuring
--Enforceability of Contracts and Dispute Resolution
--Risk Management
--Insurance and Related Products for Mitigating Risk
Sponsored by DynCorp International
This workshop will discuss the requirements for air
transportation development in lesser developed economies; the
need for ongoing skills training; the development of human
resources to maintain air transportation safety requirements
and air transportation facilities; the unique vulnerabilities
of air transportation infrastructure; and the financial
requirements of physical facilities and transportation fleets.
Panelists will assess air transportation infrastructure
development including commercial, private, passenger, and
cargo, essential requirements for any country seeking domestic
and international trade growth.
Speakers
· Mr. Jeff Scheferman, Vice President, DynCorp International
· Ms. Connie Wilson-Hunter, Manager, Africa Safe Skies
Program, U.S. Department of Transportation
Moderator
· Mr. Glenn D. Dunmire, III, Director, Business Development,
DynCorp International
4:15-5:15 PM SERIES D WORKSHOPS
Regional Projects: West Africa
Bethesda/Potomac
This workshop will focus on the constraints
and initiatives for private infrastructure development and
infrastructure investment in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Kounoune
I IPP in Senegal will be used to illustrate how the World Bank
Group is proactively supporting private infrastructure
development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Panelists will discuss ways
to bridge the gap between the West African region’s wealth of
natural resources and its intra-regional social and economic
infrastructure development needs. Heavy equipment financing in
Cameroon will also be discussed. Liberia’s redevelopment and
re-engagement into the West African regional economy and
infrastructure opportunities in Ghana will be given particular
attention.
4:15-5:15 PM SERIES D WORKSHOPS
Business Practices & Transparency
Grand Ballroom
(Photos)
Sponsored by General Electric and Hunton
& Williams LLP
The purpose of this panel is to explore developments in
governmental transparency initiatives, as well as other issues
related to working with governments. The panel will also
discuss how global companies operating in Africa address these
issues. The panelists will cover the following three areas:
--Corporate Policies for Transparency (best practices of
global companies; managing sales representatives,
distributors, consultants and other local partners)
--Anti-Corruption Initiatives (applicable laws, treaties and
relevant African initiatives)
--Collaboration with governments (protecting against U.S.
litigation arising from working with governments; dealing with
public tendering issues and localization requirements)
6:00-7:00 PM Networking Session
Salons C & D
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2006
7:00-8:45 AM Continental Breakfast
Grand Foyer/Ballroom
7:15-8:30 AM
Project Opportunities- Breakfast Workshop
Salon 3
(Photos)
Sponsored by Development Finance
International, Inc.
African Infrastructure: Projects and Business Opportunities
funded by the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB)
9:00-10:00 AM PLENARY THREE
Theme: Financing Your Projects
(Photos)
This plenary will address the evolving
project financing landscape on the African continent, the
availability of solid local partners, and the risks and
benefits of undertaking new project financing in Africa.
Panelists will pay specific attention to the opportunities for
United States companies to increase their lending activities
in Africa and will also provide advice on best practices for
successfully identifying and bidding on new projects.
10:15-11:15 AM SERIES A WORKSHOPS
Public-Private Partnerships
Salon E
(Photos)
Sponsored by Schaffer Global Group and
The Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa
This workshop will address the lack of available
infrastructure and the impact on factors of production and
economic growth on the African continent. Panelists will
assess the successful design, financing, construction and
maintenance of infrastructure facilities, which can be carried
out through mutual engagement and long-term commitments
between public sector authorities, private sector operators,
and investors.
10:15-11:15 AM SERIES A WORKSHOPS
Credit Risk Mitigation
Rockville/Chevy Chase
(Photos)
Sponsored by United States Agency for
International Development (USAID)
High levels of credit risk serve as a major impediment to the
financing of infrastructure projects throughout the African
market. Many banks, financial institutions and other investors
are reluctant to provide critical debt financing for projects
without some form of credit risk mitigation. Panelists will
present credit risk mitigation products offered by three U.S.
agencies and Guarantco (a recently created guarantee company)
that have helped mobilize long-term capital for
infrastructure projects on the continent.
10:15-11:15 AM SERIES A WORKSHOPS
WATER AND SANITATION
Bethesda/Potomac
(Photos)
This workshop will address key issues
surrounding Africa’s inability to fully access its water
supply, including water transportation, water supply
management systems, and irrigation techniques. Panelists will
assess the impact that minimal access to water has on the
continent’s ability to participate in international commerce,
health and social well-being in Africa, and agricultural
productivity. They will also outline potential public-private
partnerships that could help establish a vital and sustainable
water infrastructure in Africa.
Speakers
· The Honorable Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Minister of Water
Resources, Works, and Housing, Republic of Ghana
· The Honorable Sidik Mia, Minister of Water Development,
Republic of Malawi
· Mr. Mark J. Devine, Manager, Water and Wastewater Division, Coler and Colantonio, Inc.
· Mr. Andrew Zaske, Global Equipment Product Manager, General
Electric (GE) Water
Moderator
· Mr. Gad Cohen, Deputy Managing Director, Infraco
10:15-11:15 AM SERIES A WORKSHOPS
A COUNTRY STUDY: REPUBLIC OF GABON
Grand Ballroom
(Photos)
Sponsored by the Republic of Gabon
This workshop aims to highlight development opportunities in
the Republic of Gabon. Development in ports, airports, and
telecommunications will help usher in a new era of rapid
economic expansion in Gabon and in the central African region.
Speakers
· The Honorable Paul Mba Abessolo, Vice Prime Minister,
Minister of Transportation and Civil Aviation
· The Honorable Idriss Ngari, Senior Minister, Minister of
Public Works Equipment and Construction
· The Honorable Paul Biyoghe-Mba, Minister of Trade and
Industrial Development (in charge of NEPAD)
· The Honorable Martin Mabala, Minister of Merchant Marine and
Ports Equipments
Moderator
· Mr. Bert C. Ubamadu, Managing Director Fairmont Capital
Strategy Group, LLC
11:30-12:30 PM SERIES B WORKSHOPS
Housing & Construction
Rockville/Chevy Chase
This workshop will discuss the critical
role of housing and commercial construction for development in
Africa. Panelists will address pre-fabricated housing trends,
focusing on the need for planned housing and highlighting
specific case studies of developing countries.
11:30-12:30 PM SERIES B WORKSHOPS
Financing Your Projects
Grand Ballroom
(Photos)
FINANCING YOUR PROJECTS
This workshop will highlight the different lending programs
and financing products available for infrastructure projects
development in Africa. Panelists will also discuss the many
challenges and obstacles to successful projects financing and
will provide insight through specific project finance case
studies pertaining to the continent. Attention will also be
paid to the role that Advocacy and Multilateral Development
Banks can play in assisting U.S. businesses participating in
non recourse project financing
11:30-12:30 PM SERIES B WORKSHOPS
Logistics & Distribution
Bethesda/Potomac
(Photos)
Sponsored by Pegasus Energy
This workshop will address the similarities and differences
between the United States and the African continents’
logistics and distribution systems, as well as the usefulness
of the different techniques for developing greater
efficiencies in African logistics and distribution. The
workshop will also focus on the logistics industry in Africa,
including information and distribution techniques that are
suitable to systems where high-technology and low-technology
applications interact.
Speakers
· Mr. Hap Palmer, Chief Executive Officer, Pegasus Energy
· Mr. David Morgan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, D.W.
Morgan Company, Inc.
· Dr. Edgar Pieterse, Special Advisor on Strategy, Western
Cape Provincial Government, Republic of South Africa
· Mr. Coulter "Buddy" Tillett, Logistics Director, DynCorp
International
Moderator
· Ambassador Frances Cook, Member, Board of Directors,
Pegasus Energy
1:00-2:15 PM Closing Luncheon
Grand Ballroom
(Photos)
Theme: The Way Forward for
Infrastructure Development in Africa
Speakers
· Mr. Chris Foster, Deputy Secretary of
Business and Economic Development, State of Maryland
· The Honorable Paul Mba Abessolo, Vice Prime Minister,
Minister of Transportation and Civil Aviation, Republic of
Gabon
· Ambassador Karan K. Bhatia, Deputy United States Trade
Representative (USTR)
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