Africa Energy Indaba will focus on securing continent's energy future

Presented by the South African National Energy Association (SANEA) in association with the World Energy Council, the Africa Energy Indaba has achieved the highest level of endorsement and support and as such is the leading energy event in Africa. In past years the event has been strategic in facilitating and catalysing critical decisions and deals that have been brokered between governments, business and energy stakeholders.

The steering committee of the conference, which includes high profile personalities who play critical roles across Africa's different energy sectors, have been meeting regularly throughout this year to ensure that 2013 is the most successful AEI to date.

People with extensive experience

According to Liz Hart, managing director of the event, the AEI was the first event of its kind to make use of a steering committee and this is what sets the event apart from other events of its kind. "The members of the AEI steering committee are chosen together with input from the conference chairman, Brian Statham from SANEA. They are people who have extensive experience in energy, cover the continent and have input in specific areas of the energy realm."

There are a number of features that distinguish the Africa Energy Indaba from other energy conferences and exhibitions, says Brian Statham, chairman of the event's steering committee. "One of these is the manner in which the technical programme is designed. AEI does not issue a call for papers but the committee identifies the best people to speak on relevant topics and these persons are personally approached. The result is an agenda carefully designed around topical issues and a faculty of speakers who are eminently qualified to address the topics.

Robust discussion on critical topics

"Furthermore, believing that quality is better than quantity, the programme design ensures that there is robust and comprehensive discussion on critical topics rather than superficial engagement on a large number of subjects," says Statham.

The 2013 forum is set to be the energy indaba's most influential and its programme will offer some exciting new additions, says Hart. "Delegates can look forward to added participation from energy representatives from across Africa, increased side events such as the Annual Nuclear Forum, the Africa Energy Projects Roundtable and a Transport in Energy panel discussion." The committee has also increased the length of each breakaway session to add more time for added debate and interaction.