TICKETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR AT THIS POINT FOR $20 (CASH ONLY)

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa, South Africa Consulate General in New York, and The Afribiz Foundation of Charlotte will host the workshop, “Tapping Opportunities in the Green and Renewable Energy Sectors in South Africa,” on April 8, 2013 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Center City Campus of UNC Charlotte in Uptown Charlotte.

Both the Green sector and the Renewable Energy sub-sector present significant business and investment opportunities in South Africa. As an example in 2011, South Africa established its first key “green” law in which new buildings must be energy efficient thereby energizing the green economy across sectors, including energy and construction. And with pent-up demand for electricity generation, an estimated investment of $100 billion by the South African government in energy capacity over the next five years, and a policy framework to increase the use of Renewables, the Renewable Energy sector continues to have good growth potential.

Also, the drive for clean energy in Africa has led to the formation of the US-Africa Clean Energy Initiative, which brings together resources, support, and funding across US government agencies to help US firms tap the clean energy sector in Africa. As an example, US EXIM Bank has created a finance facility of $2 billion to assist US firms in tapping the Renewable Energy sector in South Africa.

This workshop will bring together key experts who will walk through how to tap these markets – from finding and recognizing opportunities, pulling the resources and partnerships together, developing or participating in bankable projects, and obtaining finance or making an investment in these sectors. Both CEO Geoffrey Qhena and Head of the Green business unit, Rentia Van Tonder, of the IDC will lead the discussion. South African Consul General George Monyemangene will moderate the workshop and senior representatives from US agencies, including the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, US Exim Bank, and US Commerce will also serve on the panel.

Some of the topics to be covered are:

• Overview of South Africa’s Green Sector
• Role of Renewable Energy in South Africa
• Regulatory, Legal, and Business Environment in South Africa
• Examples of US Companies in South Africa’s Green Sector
• Preparing for the Next Round of Tenders for Electricity Projects in 2013
• Support and Finance Programs to Tap South African Market
• How to Bring All the Pieces Together as a Bankable Project or Investment
• Other Infrastructure Project and Investment Opportunities in South Africa

The session is being held as part of the Charlotte Africa Initiative’s (CAIs) Charlotte Africa Business & Investment Spring Meeting 2013, one of two semi-annual meetings that catalyzes partnerships to develop business, economic, investment, and trade opportunities between the Carolinas and the African continent.

***** Tickets are on sale online until Thursday, April 4 at 3pm. After that, tickets will have to be purchased at the door.

For further information on session, contact The Afribiz Foundation at info@afribiz.org or +1.704.764.0014.

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