Last week, EnergyNet’s Managing Director, Simon Gosling joined CNBC in Lagos to discuss the forthcoming Powering Africa: Nigeria Investment Forum, taking place in Abuja from 12-14 October, where over 300 government leaders, project developers and private investors will meet to highlight the successes, challenges and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s power sector and strategies to promote sustainable energy development in the country.
“Nigeria is a different market compared to any other country on the planet. If the challenges in the power sector, such as distribution and payments, can be resolved, Nigeria can be one of the best investment opportunities in the world,” he said.
The meeting will provide a platform to share not only global success stories that Nigeria can learn from, but will also shine the light on the development projects currently achieving positive results at the national and regional levels.
“In the last five years, innovation in off-grid and solar solutions has seen impressive growth. This hot topic is likely to encourage investors to look kindly on the country once again. Solutions beyond just the transmission network are good for Nigerians” he illustrated.
Topics addressed at the meeting include diversification of Nigeria’s future energy mix, energy infrastructure, project financing, IPPs, gas for power and captive power development.
Participants at the forum will have the opportunity to hear from and meet with public and private sector thought-leaders within the sector, including:
- His Royal Highness Mai Borgu, Emir of Borgu Kingdom, Federal Republic of Nigeria
- E. Darius Dickson Ishaku, Executive Governor,Taraba State, Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Yesufu Longe Alonge, Head Power Procurement and Power Contracts, Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET)
- Ebipere Clark, Acting Senior Special Assistant on Energy And Power, Central Bank of Nigeria
- Jonathan Okoronkwo, Principal Manager (Tariff & Rates), Market, Competition and Rates Division and Technical Assistant to the Acting Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission
- Bart Nnaji, Chairman and Founder, Geometric Power
- Marcus Heal, Chief Executive Officer, Pan Africa Solar
- Emmanuel Katepa, Chief Executive Officer, Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Africa
- Nasir Giwa, Country Head, Power and Gas, Siemens Nigeria
- Mohammed N. Mijindadi, Managing Director, GE Gas Power Nigeria
- Eme Essien Lore, Country Manager, International Finance Corporation Nigeria
- Olivier Follin, Country Manager, Proparco Nigeria
- Nicolas Pitiot, Investment Director, Debt Investments, CDC Group
