High-Level Experts to Highlight Opportunities at iPAD Rwanda Energy Infrastructure Forum

Kigali, Rwanda, October 19, 2016 --(PR.com)-- “COMESA is fast-tracking the implementation of a number of power generation and power interconnector projects, one of which is the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya power interconnector project and also the Uganda-Rwanda, Rwanda-Burundi power interconnector project.” - H.E. Kipyego Cheluget, Assistant Secretary General, COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa).

Dr Cheluget is a featured speaker during the official opening keynote session of the upcoming iPAD Rwanda Energy Infrastructure Forum in Kigali. His address will focus on “Rwanda’s role in the East Africa: Pinpointing the opportunities for Rwanda.”

An impressive list of experts from the energy sector will address iPAD Rwanda taking place from 1-2 November in Kigali, Rwanda. The forum will gather investors, project developers, finance houses, construction and planning companies, technology providers from Rwanda, the region and from the rest of the world as well as high-level government representatives.

The Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure, the Honourable Mr James Musoni, will once again deliver the welcome address during the opening session. The third edition of the event continues to enjoy strong, official support from the state power utility REG, the Rwandan Ministry of Infrastructure as well as the Rwandan Development Board.

Other confirmed speakers at iPAD Rwanda include:

“Africa Finance Corporation is currently working on a 80MW peat-fired power plant project in Rwanda, which will be the largest power plant in Rwanda, and also largest of its kind in Africa.”
- Taiwo Adeniji, Senior Director, Investments Group at Africa Finance Corporation, and a speaker at iPAD Rwanda during the session on ‘Financial frameworks and tools enabling investment’.

“Rwanda is quickly becoming the pioneer in solar technology in sub-Saharan Africa. All of the major solar companies operating here have invested heavily in ICT within their products and systems, and continue to invest and build. Currently most of this development is done abroad. As our labour market produces more and better ICT specialists, there may be opportunity to bring some of the R&D into Rwanda in the coming years.”
- Sam Dargan, CEO, Great Lakes Energy in Rwanda, who is a speaker in the session on ‘How is ICT innovation supporting the energy sector?’

“The gas power plant of Lake Kivu is a perfect example of how the sector in Rwanda is positioning itself as a centre for knowledge and innovation.”
- Julien Jomaux, Electric Engineer, BTC, Republic of Rwanda. During the upcoming iPAD Rwanda he is a speaker in the session entitled: ‘Pathway Towards the Intelligent Grid: Reducing Losses.

The full interviews with these experts can be accessed on the website.

Industry support
Apart from the crucial government endorsement, the event also enjoys widespread support from the industry. STEG International Services are returning as platinum sponsors. A leading international engineering, construction and technical services provider for public and private sector companies, STEG-IS has been active in Rwanda for some time. Spedag Interfreight have joined as gold sponsors again.

iPAD Rwanda is organised by Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK. Other flagship events in Spintelligent’s power portfolio on the continent are African Utility Week, the West African Power Industry Convention (WAPIC), East African Power Industry Convention (EAPIC) and iPAD Cameroon Energy Infrastructure Forum.

The iPAD Rwanda Energy Infrastructure Forum:
Conference: 1-2 November 2016
Venue: Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda