african review november 2012

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Europe €10, Ghana C1.8, Kenya Ksh200, Nigeria N330, South Africa R25, UK £7, USA $12 November 2012 Construction: Equipment for Kenyan roadbuilding P58 Power: Innovation for generation at Power-Gen Africa P50 Nigeria’s cashless economy A new ship for Angolan oil & gas P32 P44 Technology: Energy storage for mobile networks P40 www.africanreview.com

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African Review November 2012

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Europe €10, Ghana C1.8, Kenya Ksh200, Nigeria N330, South Africa R25, UK £7, USA $12

November 2012

Construction:Equipment for Kenyanroadbuilding P58

Power:Innovation for generationat Power-Gen Africa P50

Nigeria’s

cashlesseconomy

A new shipfor Angolanoil & gas

P32

P44

Technology:Energy storage formobile networks P40

African Review

of Business and TechnologyN

ovember 2012

Volume 47 N

umber 19

ww

w.africanreview

.com

www.africanreview.com

ATR November 2012 Cover_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:28 Page 1

essential.

www.marellimotori.com

121 Years of Excellence

MarelliMotori®

1891-2012

S01 ATR Nov 2012 Start_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:36 Page 2

Managing Editor: Andrew [email protected]

Editorial and Design team: Bob Adams, Lizzie Carroll, David Clancy, Kasturi Gupta,Ranganath GS, Prashant AP, Meenakshi Nambiar,Genaro Santos, Zsa Tebbit, Nicky Valsamakis, Julian Walker and Ben Watts

Publisher: Nick Fordham

Advertising Sales Director: Pallavi Pandey

Advertising Sales Manager: Jane WellmanTel: +44 114 262 1523 Fax: +44 7976 232791 Email: [email protected]

China: Ying WangTel: +86 10 8472 1899 Fax: +86 10 8472 1900Email: [email protected]

India: Tanmay Mishra Tel: +91 80 65684483 Fax: +91 80 40600791Email: [email protected]

Nigeria: Bola OlowoTel: +234 80 34349299Email: [email protected]

Qatar: Saida HamadTel: +974 55745780Email: [email protected]

Russia: Sergei SalovTel: +7495 540 7564 Fax: +7495 540 7565Email: [email protected]

South Africa: Annabel MarxTel: +27 218519017 Fax: +27 46 624 5931Email: [email protected]

UAE: Camilla CapeceTel: +971 4 448 9260 Fax: +971 4 448 9261Email: [email protected]: Steve ThomasTel: +44 20 7834 7676 Fax: +44 20 7973 0076Email: [email protected]: Michael TomashefskyTel: +1 203 226 2882 Fax: +1 203 226 7447Email: [email protected]

Head Office: Alain Charles Publishing Ltd, University House,11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place,London SW1W 0EX, United KingdomTel: +44 (0)20 7834 7676, Fax: +44 (0)20 7973 0076 Middle East Regional Office: Alain Charles Middle East FZ-LLC, Office 215,Loft No 2/A, PO Box 502207, Dubai Media City,UAE, Tel: +971 4 448 9260, Fax: +971 4 448 9261Production:Donatella Moranelli, Nasima Osman, DevolinaPak, Nick Salt, Jeremy Walters and Sophia WhiteE-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]: Derek Fordham

Printed by: Wyndeham Grange LtdUS Mailing Agent:African Review of Business & Technology, USPS. No. 390-890 is published 11 times a year for US$140 per year byAlain Charles Publishing, University House, 11-13 LowerGrosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX, UK. Peridicals postagepaid at Rahway, New Jersey. Postmaster: send addresscorrections to Alain Charles Publishing Ltd, c/o MercuryAirfreight International Ltd, 365 Blair Rd, Avenel, NJ 07001.

ISSN: 0954 6782

Serving the world of business

UP FRONT

3

REGULARS

FEATURES27 Finance and Banking

How Dr Ngozi Iweala-Okonjo, Nigeria's Minister of Finance, has underpinned economic growthin the country; FirstBank leads in mobile banking; and issues associated with Cashless Lagos

36 ICTImproved data handling for improved business; email marketing to target audiences better;energy storage in telecoms markets; and wireless solutions for surveillance

44 Oil & GasA pipelay/heavylift vessel to serve in Angolan waters

46 PowerGreen power in South Africa; options for renewable power generation; and an advance brief onPower-Gen Africa

52 ConstructionBuying used equipment; a specialist in tile, block and cladding; construction consultingservices; roadbuilding in Kenya; and cement manufacturing in South Africa

62 MiningInvestment in tantalum extraction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; andcommunications support for mining operations

04 Agenda: Industry and innovation,around the continent

22 Bulletin:Solutions on show, atPower-Gen Africa and atAfrica Com

70 Solutions:Technology for transport,by road and by rail

Contents

Europe €10, Ghana C1.8, Kenya Ksh200, Nigeria N330, South Africa R25, UK £7, USA $12

November 2012

Construction:Equipment for Kenyanroadbuilding P62

Power:Innovation for generationat Power-Gen Africa P50

Nigeria’s

cashlesseconomy

A new shipfor Angolanoil & gas

P24

P48

Technology:Energy storage formobile networks P31

w�����������eview.com

Editor’s Note

Cover picture: technology and projectmanagement underline success in all fields, fromengineering to power generation to constructionand mining (Photo: Esorfranki Geotechnical.Inset: Fred Ndung'u Ng'ang'a)

P46

P64

Key events previewed in this issue are AfricaCom and Power-Gen Africa, both taking place inNovember in South Africa, covered in the bulletins on pages 22 and 24. In finance and

banking, Nigeria is the focus, with coverage of government handling of the economy andFirstBank’s move in mobile finance, aligned to developments with the Cashless Lagos initiative,between pages 27 and 34. In technology, this magazine highlights how Etisalat Nigeria hasworked with Oracle Communications Data Model to ensure it remains competitive as acommunications provider, how companies can use email to target their markets better, and howCCTV may be supported by wireless communications - all between pages 36 and 42.Page 44 features an appraisal of the Seven Borealis, a pipelay/heavylift vessel owned and operatedby Subsea 7, and scheduled to serve Total at the Angola CLOV oil & gas project. From page 46,there is a focus on renewable power generation, and further insights into the key happenings atPower-Gen Africa. Construction issues addressed from page 52 include cement, consultancy, androadbuilding. Mining operations addressed from page 66 include tantalum extraction in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo.

Andrew Croft, Managing Editor

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Audit Bureau ofCirculations -

Business Magazines

S01 ATR Nov 2012 Start_Layout 1 19/10/2012 09:46 Page 3

Otrac Heavy Equipment, which is based inHeliopolis, Egypt, and is the authorised dealerfor Bobcat and Doosan in that country,organised two demonstration events recentlyto promote the Bobcat WS32 wheel sawattachment. Both events were organised andpresented by Emad Saloum, Sales andMarketing Manager for Otrac. The first tookplace in New Cairo, whilst the other wasstaged in the El Minya district of Upper Egypt.

The WS32 wheel saw attachment wasmounted on a new Bobcat A770HF all-wheelsteer loader to show why the wheel saw issuited to the trenching work required onforthcoming gas pipeline installation projects.

Among the invitees to the events were:Engineer Hisham Al Alany, Operation SectorManager for Town Gaz; Mr Tarek Adel, GeneralManager Maintenance Management at Taqa

Arabiya; and his colleague, EngineerMohamed Ghoneim, Domestic ProjectManager at Taqa Arabiya.

The WS32 wheel saw attachment is thelargest model ever offered by Bobcat.Designed to cut efficiently through asphalt,rock and concrete, the WS32 wheel saw has afixed trenching width of 250 mm while thedepth can range from 450 to 800 mm.

Karl Fakhoury, District AttachmentsManager Middle East and Africa for DI CE,said, “The WS32 model and the rest of theBobcat range of wheel saws can cut througha variety of surfaces including asphalt andreinforced concrete, making them ideal fordemolition, road repair and creating trenchesfor utilities such as water, gas, electric or fibreoptic cable services.”

4

NEWS

Guttridge Ltd, which provides bulk materials handling equipment, is enhancing local supportto flourishing economies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from a new officein Saudi Arabia. From Riyadh, Guttridge experts are delivering turn-key, integrated materialshandling solutions for products ranging from grain to cement, animal feed to sand andminerals, as well as providing individual conveying machines. A comprehensive spares service,that extends to all types of conveyors in routine use, is a central part of the offering.

“The new office in Saudi Arabia is a key part of that future and underlines the continuingstrength of the company. Its opening strengthens our offering to the Middle East and NorthAfrica and will ensure that our customers there enjoy excellent local support,” commentscompany chairman Peter Guttridge.

Guttridge is an established and highly respected manufacturer of conveyors, elevators and allthe ancillaries needed for optimal materials handling. Its equipment has a proven track recordacross a wide range of industrial sectors with in-house expertise ensuring a truly optimalsolution for every material, from friable animal feeds to highly abrasive aggregates and cement.

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Agenda / NorthNew MENA office delivers materialshandling solutions

Otrac demonstrates Bobcat wheelsaw for trenching work in Egypt

MENA professionals canconnect from Dubai

LinkedIn, a professional network withmore than 175mn members

worldwide, today announced theopening of its first office in the MiddleEast and North Africa, where a new teamwill support a growing membership andclient base.

Located in Dubai’s Internet City, theoffice will serve as regional headquartersto over five million members in theMiddle East and North Africa, one millionof which are based in the UAE.

Farhan Syed, Director, Global SalesStrategy, LinkedIn commented, “We arevery excited to be opening an office herein Dubai - a city recognised by the worldas a crossroads for global businessexchange. Members are alreadynetworking in over 2,000 LinkedIn Groupsin the region, exchanging strategicbusiness insights and exploringopportunities together. Having a stronglocal presence will help serve ourmembers better here, ultimately makingthem more productive and successful.”

Speaking at the local launch ofLinkedIn, Fadi Salem, Director,Governance and Innovation Program,Dubai School of Government, said, "Ourresearch in the Arab Social Media Reportseries shows that the MENA region haswitnessed exponential growth in socialmedia usage, with usage trends shiftingfrom primarily fulfilling social needsback in 2010 to political and societalusage in 2011.

“In 2012 strong growth continues,coupled with maturity and yet anothershift in usage trends, where a critical massof users is now heavily relying on suchsocial media platforms to develop newbusiness and entrepreneurial initiatives.We are witnessing increasedopportunities for employment, start-upsand social entrepreneurship leading toeconomic empowerment of a large groupof youth in the region."

S01 ATR Nov 2012 Start_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:37 Page 4

coming through

Albarajoub Engineering Co.

SUDANTel: +249 183 77 84 13 Email: [email protected]

Auto Maquinaria Lda

Auto Sueco (Angola) SARL

ANGOLATel: +244 9 1250 7464 Email: [email protected]

Auto Sueco Ltd

KENYA, UGANDATel: +254 713 974 808 Email: [email protected]

TANZANIATel: +255 753 631 442 Email: [email protected]

A. Yazbeck and Sons Ltd

SIERRA LEONETel: + 232 22 232 324 Email: [email protected]

Babcock Equipment

BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA, SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWETel: +27 11230 7300 Email: [email protected]

ZAMBIATel: +260 2 611 693 Email: [email protected]

COGETP

ALGERIATel: +213 20 36 0216 Email: [email protected]

Equatorial Business Group

Pvt Ltd Co

ETHIOPIATel: +251 911 457758 Email: [email protected]

Ghabbour Egypt

EGYPTTel: +2 02 42155314 Email: [email protected]

Leal Equipements

Compagnie LTEE

MAURITIUS, MADAGASCAR, SEYCHELLESTel: +230 207 2100 Email: [email protected]

Nordic Machinery

TUNISIATel: +216 71 409 260 Email: [email protected]

Séra

SENEGAL, MALI, MAURITANIATel: +221 33 859 07 70 Email: [email protected]

SMT Multi-Tech Services LTD

BENIN, TOGOTel: +229 21 381438 Email: [email protected]

BURKINA FASOTel: +233 30 283351-58 Email: [email protected]

GHANATel: +233 30 283351-58 Email: [email protected]

LIBERIATel: +231 63 20181 Email: [email protected]

SMT

BURUNDITel: +32 2 724 90 74 Email: [email protected]

CAMEROONTel: +237 70 74 24 52 Email: [email protected]

DEM. REP. OF CONGOTel: +243 39 99 93 46 37

EUROPETel: +32 2 724 90 74 Email: [email protected]

CÔTE D’IVOIRETel: +225 21 75 16 27 Email: [email protected]

NIGERIATel: +234 813 778 38 44 Email: [email protected]

REP. OF CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE)Tel: +242 06 953 51 52 Email: [email protected]

RWANDATel: +32 2 724 90 74 Email: [email protected]

Volvo Maroc S.A.

MOROCCOTel: +212 22 67 8500 Email: [email protected]

www.volvoce.com

Of course, nothing’s unstoppable. But the Volvo A40F will conquer more terrain than practically any other hauler on the market. A combination of powerful Volvo engine, “dog clutch” differential locks, rotating hitch, automatic traction control and the unique Volvo steering system means that if any vehicle can get through – at speed – it will be the Volvo A40F. See it in unstoppable action. Discover a new way.

S01 ATR Nov 2012 Start_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:37 Page 5

North Africa and the Middle East couldbelong, by 2025, to the world’s leading solarmarkets due to the growing energyconsumption, driven amongst other factorsby a dynamic economic growth. This is whythe North African region is becomingincreasingly interesting. The high solarirradiance represents a further advantage. Inorder to make full use of the whole potentialoffered, some measures and improvementsstill need to be made. Findings presented atthe PV Technology Conference – North Africarecently has enabled exploration of thesemeasures and on the actual framework in thefield of photovoltaic in Northern Africa.

Saïd Mouline from the Moroccan NationalAgency of Renewable Energies Developmentand Energy Efficacy (ADEREE) has confirmedthat Morocco´s vision for solar energy is that42 per cent of its energy supply should becovered by regenerative energies and acapacity of 2,000 Megawatt (MW) of solarenergy should be reached by 2020. This goalhas been affirmed by Ilias Hamdouch, fromthe Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy(MASEN), who offers particular insights intothe Morocco solar programme. Unlike othercountries, Morocco is not basing its businesson feed-in tariffs, but on projects andprogrammes coordinated by MASEN.

6

NEWS

Mediterranean forests are a key socio-ecological system, playing a crucial role in a transitiontowards a green bio-economy in the region. In an area with difficult socio-economicconditions, forests are vital for ensuring the economic viability and resilience of ruralcommunities. However, their future is seriously threatened by climate and land use changes,particularly in countries like Tunisia and Morocco, where these changes are more rapid andintense. National forest programmes are being developed. However, while forest research inNorth Africa has improved in recent years, it still suffers from fragmentation, and lack of large-scale infrastructures or experiments with long-term funding. Poor coordination amongcountries also hinders the efficient sharing of knowledge.

The European Forest Institute (EFI) Policy Brief, ‘AGORA Making the Difference: Towards aMediterranean Forest Research Area’, looks at the work of AGORA – Advancing Capacities inMediterranean Forestry Research– a project financed by the European Union. AGORA hasprovided a focused, innovative and ambitious response to the problem by implementingresearch partnerships, networking, capacity building and knowledge transfer in two NorthAfrican countries, Tunisia and Morocco.

Centrify Corporation, a provider of security and compliance solutions that centrally control,secure and audit access to cross-platform systems, mobile devices and applications, has signeda distribution contract with Shifra – a value added distributor serving the Middle East andNorth Africa (MENA) markets – to promote, sell and service Centrify's security and compliancesolutions. Shifra, which is based in the United Arab Emirates, now offers and supports the entireCentrify Suite 2012 product portfolio for centralising authentication, privilege managementand auditing of cross-platform systems within Microsoft Active Directory.

"With increasing awareness for information security and the increase in cyber securityattacks in our region, demand for securing customer environments and centrally managingthem to give visibility of who did what on the network has become a priority," said AhmadElkhatib Managing Partner of Shifra.

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Agenda / NorthPolicy brief on forest protection

Morocco set on 2,000 solar MW

Centrify raises security presence

Ingram Micro adds valueto technology services

Ingram Micro Inc., a technologydistributor and supply-chain services

provider, is broadening its geographicreach into the Middle East and NorthAfrica following the signing of adefinitive agreement to acquirecertain IT businesses of Dubai-basedAptec Holdings Ltd. Aptec is a value-added distributor in the Middle East,Turkey and North Africa - withproducts and solutions covering datacenter, storage, security, networking,and software categories, includingtechnical services.

The acquisition is expected tocontribute more than US$250mn inrevenue to Ingram Micro on an annualbasis and is expected to close beforethe end of the third quarter of 2012,subject to the satisfaction of certainclosing conditions. Dr Ali Baghdadi,founder and chief executive officer ofAptec, leads the acquired operationsand reports to Shailendra Gupta,senior executive vice president andpresident, Ingram Micro Asia-Pacific.

"The acquisition of Aptec fits wellwith our strategic objectives tocontinue to build our higher marginspecialty businesses while broadeningour geographic reach to capitalise onhigher growth markets," said AlainMonié, president and chief executiveofficer of Ingram Micro Inc.

"The Middle East and Africa arerobust and growing markets withtotal IT spending projected to reachUS$80bn by 2015. Aptec has beenhighly effective in growing theirbusiness and enhancing profitabilityin these emerging markets and webelieve this combination will furtheraccelerate these ongoing objectives.Aptec has a long-tenured,accomplished leadership team andwe look forward to joining forceswith them."

S01 ATR Nov 2012 Start_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:37 Page 6

S02 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda East_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:43 Page 7

8

NEWS

IBM has signed an agreement with theKenyan government to set up a researchlaboratory at the Catholic University ofEastern Africa, just outside Nairobi.

The laboratory is expected to boost thegovernment’s effort of tapping into thefast-growing ICT industry throughinternational investors.

Mwai Kibaki, President of Kenya, said, “Thecountry’s vision is to become one of the tophubs in the continent. IBM’s commitment toundertake the proposed research agenda willcontribute immensely to our nationalpriorities as part of Vision 2030.” Thegovernment hopes to attract more ICTcompanies into Kenya as it seeks a target of500 IT companies and aims to create 50,000jobs in the sub-sector by 2017.

Innovations from the facility will be sharedbetween IBM and the Kenyan government.IBM is expected to provide the technologyand access to intellectual property rights.

Research areas the lab will focus oninclude: smart cities; human capacitydevelopment; public sector innovations; andengaging in entrepreneurs.

On its part, the government will investUS$10mn during the next five years to pay foroverheads and salaries for local staff, whileIBM is expected to put in more than US$6.5bninto the facility.

Tony Mwai, the country general manager atIBM East Africa, said, “We see significantgrowth in Africa and specifically Kenya. Itmakes sense to invest here.”

Dr Bitange Ndemo, information ministrypermanent secretary of Kenya, added, “Wespend a lot of resources on business processoutsourcing to create some jobs here, butnow we can create jobs locally and we maystart looking into the other African countries.”

Mwangi Mumero

IBM and the Kenyan government are comitted toresearch at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Agenda / EastIBM to set up laboratory atUniversity of Eastern Africa

Wärtsilä services Kenyanpower plant

Wärtsilä, which supplies flexible andefficient power plant solutions and

services, is set to work to a ten-yearoperations & maintenance (O&M)agreement with Gulf Power Ltd (GPL),covering the full operations, maintenanceand servicing of a power plant to be built,located in Athi River, southeast of Nairobi,in Kenya. The plant will be powered byWärtsilä engines running on heavy fuel oil(HFO), and is scheduled to be completedby September 2013. When operational, itwill have an electrical output capacity of80 MW, which will be fed to the grid. It willbe the third largest HFO power plantinstalled in Kenya to be exclusivelyoperated by Wärtsilä.

“Our extensive experience and know-how in O&M, together with the efficiencyand reliability of the Wärtsilä equipment,will be of tremendous value in ensuringthe success of this important project,” saysA.P. Singh, General Manager, WärtsiläServices, South Europe & Africa. “Thepower plant is designed with highoperating efficiency, low generating costs,and reliability as key criteria, and these areall areas where Wärtsilä excels.”

The GPL power plant will support thedrive in Kenya to achieve a more diversifiedenergy mix and increased stability in itspower generation. The country reliesheavily on hydropower, which is frequentlyprone to supply interruptions because ofdrought. This new power plant will,therefore, notably increase Kenya’sinstalled thermal generation capacity.Norman Wanyiri, General Manager, GulfPower Ltd, said, “This is a milestoneachievement in developing the powergeneration business in Kenya.”

Wärtsilä’s total installed thermalgenerating capacity in Kenya will be some434 MW by the end of 2013 when the GPLpower plant comes on stream. Thisrepresents approximately 60 per cent ofthe country’s total thermal capacity.There is significant potential in Kenyan technology

S02 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda East_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:43 Page 8

S02 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda East_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:43 Page 9

Maritime experts and registrars ofships converged at the Sarova

Whitesands hotel in Mombasa, Kenya,early in October 2012, to launch a masterplan for the continents’ re-entry into theglobal shipping industry and assume itsrightful place in the community ofmaritime nations.

This inaugural African MaritimeAuthorities meeting, which was attendedby the chief executive officers from over 30countries, follows a resolution reached inDalian, China, in October 2012 at aworkshop organised by the ChineseGovernment for heads of maritimeadministrations, which enjoinedparticipants to hold joint regular meetingsas a forum to advance Africa’s maritimeagenda as envisaged in the AfricanMaritime Transport Charter.

The meeting may be associated, also, bythe first African Union conference ofAfrican Ministers responsible for maritimerelated affairs, which was held back-to-back with the 4th African cross-sectionalmaritime experts’ workshop at the AUheadquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, inorder to formulate the 2050 AfricanIntegrated Maritime Strategy.

Further impetus has been provided bythe African Ship-Owners Summit held inAccra, Ghana, in April, 2012, which wasattended by delegates from across thecontinent, and which recommended aunified approach to address the AfricanMaritime Sector in order to achieve astrategic approach to formulatingstructures for collaboration in the industryat a continental level.

The Nairobi conference was organised bythe Kenya Maritime Authority, the SouthAfrica Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)and the African Ship Owners Association(ASA) and was directly supported byKenya’s Minister for Transport Mr AmosKimunya - with facilitation by theInternational Maritime Organization (IMO).

10

NEWS

A National Health information TechnicalCommittee (NHISTC) has been established inZimbabwe to oversee the implementation ofthe National Health Information strategy for2009-2014 - and to promote e-healthinitiatives. One of the tasks of the NHISTC willbe to advocate and provide technicalassistance towards a vision, strategicapproach to e-health and development ofinformation communications technologies(ICT)/e-health policies and systems.

As the custodian and coordinator of allhealth-related data/information functions.,the country’s Ministry of health will beresponsible for the development of ICT/e-health policies and systems. E-healthrelates to application of ICTs to improvehealth services. The scope for ICT in healthservices is broad, it ranges from patienttreatment for example electronic medicalrecords systems (EMR) and telemedicine,through public health managementapplications, to web-based and/or cellphone mediated information exchange andresearch coordination.

The Ministry of Health says one of the mostimportant aspects for successful informationmanagement is standardisation. Thestandardisation of health-related informationhas to tally with the national standards to beset for other ICT related fields broadly definedunder e-commerce and e-government.

The Ministry has produced an Informationand Information Technology (IT&T) Strategicpaper as addendum to the National HealthStrategy (NHS) for the years 1997–2007. Thisdocument may be used as resource for the e-health group where appropriate. AnICT/e-Health Technical Work Group has beenset up to provide technical support andmonitor the establishment of ICT/e-healthpolicies and systems. The committee willassist and guide the ministry in advocatingfor establishment of an ICT/e-health policyframework that provides for the use of ICT inthe health service delivery in tandem with thenational health strategy and ICT policy. It will

also provide technical support and monitorthe development and setting up of a digitaland e-communication solution for healthservices delivery in Zimbabwe.

Advances through individual andcollaborative research effortsThe work of the nation’s Ministry of Health issupported by high-level initiatives undertakenin the academic sector. For example, thedepartment of Environmental Science andhealth at NUST ofers an outstanding research-based programme, with the 2012 class ofhonours including Mr Venancio Jachi, MrHope Chofamba, Mr Property Munsaka, MsMusa Moyo, Mr Phakamani Moyo, Mr PrinceNkomo, Mr Farai Nyoni, Ms AmandaMugwambi, Ms Lucious Chengwe and MrMeluleki Ngwabi, among others. Professor YNaik is the associate professor of thisdepartment and also head of the NUSTResearch and Innovation department. MsMargaret Macherera is the chairperson.

At the Department of Medicine in theUniversity of Zimbabwe College of HealthSciences, meanwhile, Dr Chiratidzo EllenNdhlovu heads efforts towards the work ofthe National Drugs and Therapeutics PolicyAdvisory Committee (NDTPAC), which hasbeen in existence since 1992; acting as anadvisory committee answerable to theSecretary of Health and Child Welfare.

Wallace Mawire

A fresh start for Africa’smaritime industry

Zimbabwe is improving health reporting withinformation technology (Photo: UNFPA)

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Agenda / EastZimbabwe establishes nationalhealth information committee

S02 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda East_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:43 Page 10

Check out our full-line of construction,

road and concrete machinery at: www.shantui.com

In China, Shantui’s name is synonymous with bulldozers. In fact, we have been King of the Hill for decades, and now our dozers have cleared the way for our growth in offering a complete line of construction machinery and cement handling equipment.

While diversification and internationalization are both key strategies, our main focus remains on Shantui Value. Shantui offers a unique balance of performance and price that no one else can deliver. And, we never stray from the cultural values that have made us a Top China Brand, and one of China’s leading multinational firms. It’s the Shantui Way.

SHANTUI VALUE WORKS FOR YOU.

China’s King of The Hillnever rests on his laurels.

Visit us at:

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S03 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda South_Layout 1 18/10/2012 16:30 Page 11

12

NEWS

Although the first bauma Africa is scheduledto take place some months hence - in 18-21September, 2013 - at the GallagherConvention Centre in Johannesburg, SouthAfrica, it is clear that the originally planned20,000 square metres of exhibition space willhave to be extended, as the sheer number ofregistrations received so far from key playershas exceeded expectations.

Gary Bell, chief executive at Bell Equipment,sees bauma Africa as a real opportunity for hiscompany. He said, "An international exhibitionof this stature in sub-Saharan Africa has beenlong-awaited, and we at Bell Equipment lookforward to supporting an event which willhave positive spin-offs for the region, theconstruction industry and our customers."

International players welcoming thedecision of Messe München International toenter the African market include, also, BauerMaschinen GmbH - whose Sales Director forAfrica and Middle East, HermannSchrattenthaler, said, "As a way of furtherstrengthening the up-and-coming market in

southern Africa, we very much welcome thistrade fair based in the region, and we arealready looking forward to a successfulpresentation there."

Stefanie Herr, Head of Corporate Marketingat Wacker Neuson, added, "Wacker Neusonhas long had its own sales affiliate in SouthAfrica. But we never had the chance ofpresenting the broad range of products andservices to a large number of visitors there.We are looking forward to doing that nowand meeting customers from the othercountries of the African continent."

www.bauma-africa.com

GE’s Power Conversion business issupplying Actom Industry Pty (Ltd) withadvanced electrical technology forwinder equipment for separate miningprojects in Zambia and South Africa.Power Conversion’s solution for Actomfeatures its tried-and-tested MV7000variable speed drive coupled to aninduction motor. Mining projects areoften located in remote areas with harshoperational environments and call forexceptionally robust and dependablesystems with very little routinemaintenance requirements.

Actom and GE are collaborating on thesupply of complete mine winder systemsfor expansion projects at the MopaniCopper Mine in Zambia and the RoyalBafokeng Platinum, Styldrift No. 1 Shaft 1Project in South Africa.

Actom is the largest manufacturer,repairer and distributor of electro-mechanical equipment and turnkeysolutions in southern Africa, employingabout 7,500 people.

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Agenda / Southbauma Africa offers platform forkey construction players

Powering precious metal projects

Esorfranki Geotechnical project near completion

Esorfranki Geotechnical hasbeen completing on a

continuous jacking operation inKwaZulu-Natal as part of anintricate new storm waterdrainage system beingimplemented to address landslippages caused by excessrainwater on Durban’s Bluff. The

project required the Esorfrankiteam to jack an inclined tunnel130 metres long into loose sand.

South Africa’s Department ofPublic Works gave the go-aheadin 2011 for a permanent stormwater drainage system to replacea temporary system installed atthe local military base 12 yearsago. Excess storm water from the8.01 ha site will be channelled viaa two-kilometre network of

underground piping into a 60-metre vertical shaft connectedvia the 130-metre long inclinedtunnel to a sea outfall. The newsystem includes a series of 1.8-metre diameter caissonsoakaways, up to seven metresdeep, to dissipate storm waterthat cannot be channelled to thenew shaft outlet.

The overall design of thestorm water system has beenundertaken by Sookan andAssociates, with detailed designof the vertical shaft and theangled jacked tunnel executedby Esorfranki Geotechnical.Moore Spence Jones wasappointed as the responsiblegeotechnical engineers.

A permanent solution to manage theflow of excess storm water off hardenedsurfaces at the military base on The Bluffstarted with the sinking of a 60-metrevertical shaft

Work underway on the rehabilitation ofthe western-facing slope overlookingDurban harbour

The 60 metre vertical shaft had to bedynamically driven through a series ofhardened lenses of calcified sandstone

bauma Africa will feature leadingcompanies such as Terex

S03 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda South_Layout 1 18/10/2012 16:30 Page 12

S03 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda South_Layout 1 18/10/2012 16:30 Page 13

In South Africa, township mediacompany Keys Communications has

declared its objective: to occupy alltownship streets with relevantinformation from brands that wish to havea presence in the township growthmarket.

Keys Communications is an outdoormedia owner seeking to empower brands,products and services access andpositioning in South African townships. byusing high definition production finisheson wall media to deliver quality and value.

Keys Communications is closely

connected to township communities,through local employment and an assets-based community development modelthat uses existing township walls foradvertising - generating income at a locallevel, empowering brands to empowercommunities. The company’s modelessentially works on the followingprinciple: that the more you spend with it,the more communities can grow. It is, inessence, township entrepreneurshipcombined with philanthropy.

The giant outdoor layouts - including,wall wraps, township house wall media,

boundary wraps, and other alternativeoutdoor advertising offerings - add colourto sometimes drab surroundings. Keysempowers township artists as well astownship communities. The businesshelps artists by displaying their talent tothe public and the organisations thathave bought wall space for advertising.This, in return has helped improve theimage of township walls all over thecountry - and, in return for the advertisingspace, generates income for home ownerswho own the property selected foradvertising.

14

NEWS

Connecting brands to township communities

Giant outdoor layouts draw attention and stand out,and adding colour to local surroundings

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Agenda / SouthExporting renewable energy from South Africa to Mozambique

Keys Communications empowers township artists aswell as township communities

Keys Communications has worked for Nike SA,Supersport , Nedbank, Wimpy, Nestle (JV with anotherAgency), the Department of Water Affairs, Strepsils, CocaCola SA (Powerplay Energy Drink), Guinness DraughtBeer, Eskom nd AMKA’s Soft n Free GroHealthy

Power and automation technology group ABB is executing anorder worth US$50mn from Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa, S.A.to refurbish the Songo high-voltage direct current (HVDC)converter station in Mozambique. The converter station andassociated high-power equipment are key components in the1,920 MW HVDC link transmitting clean hydropower from theCahora Bassa hydro plant in Mozambique over 1,417 kilometresto the grid in South Africa, where coal-based thermal power is themain source of electricity.

This refurbishment project entails replacement of keyequipment, including high-voltage transformers and directcurrent (DC) smoothing reactors. It will help to enhance poweravailability and improve system reliability, enabling HCB to honortheir Power Purchase Agreement with Eskom, the leading SouthAfrican utility. Export of renewable energy to South Africa, is animportant source of income for Mozambique. ABB is also

supplying and installing arresters and measuring equipment aspart of the turnkey project. The commissioning will be completedin two parts, the DC equipment in 2013 and the transformers ayear later.

“The Songo HVDC link supports the integration of renewableenergy and helps meet the growing demand for electricity. Weare delighted to contribute to the development of powerinfrastructure in the region,” said Brice Koch, head of ABB's PowerSystems division. “This project also underlines our continuedfocus and commitment to growing our service business.”

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) powerconsumption is set to double between 2005 and 2040. ABB hasmore than 5,000 employees in Africa and expects to grow at leasttwice the rate of GDP growth - at between 2011-2015, driven bydemand in the power, mining, oil & gas industry and housingsectors.

S03 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda South_Layout 1 18/10/2012 16:30 Page 14

S04 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda West_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:46 Page 15

The new five-star Kempinski Hotel GoldCoast City is set to open early 2013. Thehotel will be home to 269 rooms, including22 luxury suites and two PresidentialSuites, combining the finest of Europeanhotel traditions with genuine Africanhospitality. It will also boast threerestaurants, a lobby café with outdoorseating, a cocktail bar and 6,000sqm ofretail space. The 3,000 sqm Resense Spawill offer 10 treatment rooms, a beautyparlour, fitness centre, yoga studio,organic food bar, 25-metre outdoor pool,two paddle tennis courts and two tenniscourts. Adjacent to the Accra InternationalConference Centre, State House andNational Theatre and with othercommercial and Government buildingsnearby, the hotel will create a focal pointfor Accra Gold Coast City. It will set newstandards for luxury, quality and serviceacross all of West Africa and the hotel iscurrently developing key localpartnerships to help make the manyhidden gems of Accra available to guests.

A new sense of luxuryEach room will feature beautiful hardwoodfloors, luxuriant textiles and carefully

selected artwork celebrating the heritageand colours of Ghana. Rooms and suiteswill be spacious and 137 of the DeluxeRooms will have their own balconies.Combining modern and traditional design,art, music, therapies and bathing, theResense Spa will be finished in a range ofrich, natural tones, from gold mosaics tonatural stone and warm wood.Encompassing a total of 3,000 squaremetres, including the pool area, the spainvites guests across a dramatic thresholdinto a lounge with the atmosphere of achic private members’ club. The hotel willalso feature a range of distinctiverestaurants and bars, catering for all tastesand occasions, and will offer advancedevent and conferencing facilities.

16

NEWS

Research In Motion (RIM), the maker of BlackBerry smartphones, recently opened the firstofficial BlackBerry-branded retail store in Lagos. The move marks the expansion of RIM’sfootprint in Africa from its headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, and underlines thecompany’s commitment to its partners and customers in one of the world’s fastest growingmobile markets.

Robert Bose, RIM’s regional managing director for the Middle East and Africa, said thatthe company is pleased to cement its presence in the country with local staff, and to“establish a new legal entity and work with local business partners to expand our retail andcustomer care across Nigeria”.

In association with mobile phone distributor Slot Nigeria, RIM, maintains the BlackBerryby SLOT store at Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos.

The BlackBerry solution was first launched in Nigeria in 2006 with carrier partners.BlackBerry products are now available in 40 countries across Africa from 90 carrierpartners. According to market research from Canalys, RIM is the overall number onesmartphone vendor in Africa.

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Agenda / WestBlackBerry brand gets Lagos store

A new hotel for Accra

The five-starKempinski Hotel GoldCoast City is designed

to set new standardsfor luxury, quality

and serviceacross all of

West Africa”

HeidelbergCementbuilds facility in Togo

In Togo, HeidelbergCement isconstructing a new US$ 250 million

clinker plant with an annual capacity of 1.5million tonnes in the town of Tabligbo,some 80 km north-east of the capital ofLomé. In addition, the company is buildinga new cement grinding facility with acapacity of 200,000 tonnes in Dapaong,600 km to the north.

“The construction of the new clinkerplant and the cement grinding facility ispart of our strategy of focusing onexpanding our clinker and cementcapacities in growth markets. In additionto Asia and Eastern Europe, these include,in particular, the countries of sub-SaharanAfrica”, said Dr Bernd Scheifele, Chairmanof the Managing Board ofHeidelbergCement. “As West Africapossesses only relatively small limestonedeposits, the clinker required in cementproduction often has to be imported athigh cost. Our new clinker plant is of greatstrategic importance as it sources thelimestone from its own deposits.”

The clinker will be processed to cementin HeidelbergCement’s grinding mills inTogo as well as in the neighbouringcountries of Benin, Ghana, and BurkinaFaso, replacing clinker that has previouslybeen imported from overseas and therebystrengthening HeidelbergCement’scompetitiveness in Africa.

The investment project will stimulatethe improvement of local infrastructureand housing, and is expected to createaround 1,300 jobs locally, of which morethan 200 at the plants. The project isconducted within the framework of apartnership between HeidelbergCementand IFC, a member of the World BankGroup, and its finance partners.

Commissioning of the two newplants is scheduled for 2015. Thecapacity expansion in Togo is alreadyincluded in HeidelbergCement’s capitalexpenditure plan.

S04 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda West_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:46 Page 16

17African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

NEWS

The SL Gabon and the SL Libreville, the first tugs branded under SmitLamnalco’s new corporate identity, have been contracted for a five-yearperiod by Total Gabon to provide support in the offshore oilfields and toassist tanker operations at the onshore terminal of Cap Lopez, at PortGentil, Gabon.

“It is very satisfying that the first newbuild decked with our newcorporate colours visualises the integration of two international marineservice providers,” said Smit Lamnalco CEO Daan Koornneef.

The newbuilds are Stan Tug 4200-type tugs, rugged twin-screwvessels with 68 tonnes bollard pull. Accommodating a crew of 16 and

fully air-conditioned, thevessels can be used fortowing, pushing, push-pull,berthing, anchor handling,hydrographical survey, linehandling, firefighting,salvage, diving support andpollution controloperations in all waters.

Contract renewalThe Total Gabon contract renews a longstanding partnership betweenthe oil major and Smit Lamnalco. The newbuildings replaced two oldervessels, and have joined the existing tugs Smit Manji and Smit Ozouri,built in 2007. For Total Gabon, the latest renewal extends a relationship inGabon that can be traced back through SMIT to 1998.

Smit Lamnalco’s newbranded tug

Agenda / West

S04 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda West_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:46 Page 17

18

NEWS

Taking place at the International Conference Centre in Accra, Ghana, 6-8November, WACEE’12 comprises a conference and an exhibition toprovide a platform for power providers, technology suppliers, investors,and industry experts, as well as political and economic decision-makers,to discuss matters and opportunities in the area of clean energy.

A rich region in a rich continent Africa is blessed with mineral, physical, biological and energy resources.This is especially true for West Africa with its rich resources in oil, gas,solar-, wind- and hydro energy; these resources are both opportunityand challenge to society, politics and industry. While Africa may well holdthe key solution to the world’s energy crisis, the impact of human activityon nature and environment may also lead to challenging problems.An increasing demand for energy and growing economies requiressmart technology in energy generation, in energy efficiency and in waterand waste management; WACEE’12 has been developed to provide aplatform for power providers, technology suppliers, investors, industry

experts and political and economic decision-makers to ensure thesustainable development of West Africa's energy and environmentalecosystem; the three-day exhibition features domestic and internationalexhibitors from the following sectors: - Oil and Gas; Hydropower;Renewable Energies (Solar, Wind, Biomass); Energy Efficiency; Water andWastewater Management; and Waste Management.

Business leaders and scientists participate at WACEE’12Mr Patrick Martens, Delegate of German Industry and Commerce inGhana, has spoken to the Business and Financial Times, of teh ways inwhich the exhibition responds directly to investor interest in West Africa’sclean energy and environment sectors; the conference will feature 200participants, including over 40 business leaders and scientists who willdiscuss, in presentation and panels, the current energy and environmentsituation in the region.

wacee.net

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Agenda / West

WACEE on West African energy and environment

Crane refurbishment to serve West African trade

Gibdock has completed a complexcontainership crane refurbishment

job, in a latest contract to involve aGerman owner - involving deck cranework that called for certification of strictwelding procedures by Lloyd’s Register(LR), which approved all materials used.

Aldebaran, a 2008-built 2785 teucapacity containership owned andmanaged by Reederei Horst Zeppenfeld,underwent a multi-faceted package ofworks at the Gibraltar-based yard. Theship is on charter to CMA CGM and wasredelivered on schedule after a 23-dayproject. The yard has handled asuccession of vessels for German owners

this year, attracting ships operating in theMediterranean and West African trades,with owners drawn to Gibraltar in part byminimal route deviation.

Gibdock senior ship manager, PaulCano, said meeting the requirements ofthe Aldebaran project demanded closelycoordinated planning. Even before thevessel’s arrival at the yard, Lloyd’s Registerrequested production of test piecescopying proposed work, which were

tested before acceptance through LR’sWelding Procedure Qualification Records.

“When the ship was docked, we neededto remove the three deck cranes fromtheir foundations and transfer themashore using two mobile cranes. One 250tons capacity mobile was used to supportthe jib end of the crane while a second,500 tons capacity mobile supported thecrane housing. The shipboard cranesweighed over 50 tons each.”

Gibdock undertook extensivecrane renewal on the gearedcontainership Aldebaran

One of the mobile cranes used for the MVAldebaran refitting

S04 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda West_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:46 Page 18

BROADBAND EVERYONEBECAUSE GLOBAL ACCESS MEANS BUSINESS SUCCESS.

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S04 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda West_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:46 Page 19

20

NEWS

December1-4MEFSECCairo, Egyptwww.mefsec-middleeast.com

5-6Southern Africa ICTMaputo, Mozambiquewww.aitecafrica.com

12-15Afri Green ExpoKhartoum, Sudanwww.expoteam.info

January14-17SteelFabSharjah, United Arab Emirateswww.steelfabme.com

15-17World Future Energy SummitAbu Dhabi, UAEwww.worldfutureenergysummit.com

February2-3International Conference onIntelligent Information andNetworks (ICIIN)Malé, Maldiveswww.iciin.org

4-7Africa Mining IndabaCape Town, South Africawww.miningindaba.com

6-8East African PetroleumArusha, Tanzaniaeapce.eac.int

13-17Salon HalieutisAgadir, Moroccowww.salon-halieutis.com

18-21Nigeria Oil & GasAbuja, Nigeriawww.cwcnog.com

19-21Africa Energy IndabaJohannesburg, South Africawww.energyindaba.co.za

20-23ICT4AfricaHarare, Zimbabwewww.ictforafrica.org

25-27MilSatCom Middle East & AfricaDubai, UAEwww.smi-online.co.uk

Events / 2012-2013

The Infrastructure Partnerships for African Development(iPAD) Mozambique holds its 2012 conference and exhibition

- iPAD Mozambique 2012 - on 13-15 November, with a focus oninfrastructure development in Mozambique that highlightsexpansion and improvement projects in the country’s transport,energy and power sectors.

The prospects are great. US$22bn will be invested in thetransport sector, while US$9.71bn has been earmarked fordeveloping the energy and power sector. Therefore, this uniqueand exclusive event will bring together government officials andprivate investors to discuss and present infrastructurepartnership opportunities.

Experience at the conferenceiPAD Mozambique’s conference programme featuresexperienced, senior speakers who will be discussing the needand planned projects for gas monetisation infrastructuredevelopment in Mozambique.

This year there will be a particular focus on infrastructuredevelopment, to assist Mozambique in the creation of asustainable gas industry and to increase economic wealth byinitiating a clear gas strategy and long term masterplan. More

than 40 experts will share insights and best practices oninfrastructural development in the country, more than tenfinancial institutions will discuss investment into the gasindustry.

An interactive and international exhibitioniPAD Mozambique offers a dedicated two- day gas monetisationand infrastructure development programme to support effortsaimed at turning the country's natural gas resources intocommercial products. There will be plenty of opportunities todiscuss investment and partnerships with high-level governmentand business representatives. There will be interactivity andbroad international participation at the exhibition, withpromotion of the latest technologies in gas and electricityindustries.

For further details, visit the event website: www.mozambique.ipad-africa.comor contact: Moises AntunesEmail: [email protected] Telephone: +27 21 700 3560

Dedicated to developing Mozambican infrastructure

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

S04 ATR Nov 2012 Agenda West_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:46 Page 20

FG Wilson is a global leader in the supply of diesel generator sets. We can meet any power requirement through:

installation and support

www.FGWilson.com/Africa www.FGWilson.com

A new power standard has arrived...

S05 ATR Nov 2012 Bulletin 01_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:49 Page 21

22

NEWS

Bulletin / Power-Gen AfricaPower-Gen Africa connectspower professionalsTaking place 6-8 November 2012 in

Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre,

the inaugural Power-Gen Africa conference

and exhibition (www.powergenafrica.com) is

a must-attend event providing

comprehensive coverage of the power needs,

resources and issues facing electricity

generation industries across sub-Saharan

Africa, helping define the energy sector of the

future; over three days, Power-Gen Africa

empowers professionals to engage, listen and

learn about the current and future direction

of the power sector.

Finnish power firm sponsorsreception and conferenceWärtsilä is a confirmed Diamond Sponsor of

the inaugural Power-Gen Africa, and is set to

host the event’s opening reception,

scheduled for the afternoon of 6 November

2012, the conference proceedings, and a

VIP/Utility Partner Programme Lounge;

Wärtsilä supplies power plants for the

decentralised power generation market -

offering power plants for baseload, peaking

and industrial self-generation purposes, as

well as for the oil and gas industry.

Eskom CEO set to deliverkeynote speech

Aggreko opens Namibian centreSpecialist in the provision of temporary

power and temperature control services,

Aggreko has opened a new service centre in

Walvis Bay - the first operation to be based in

Namibia; the facility was inaugurated by

Honorable Willem Isaak, Deputy Minister of

Mines of Namibia, and Martin Foster, Head of

Local Business, Aggreko Southern and East

Africa - with Cleophas Mutjavikua, governor

of the Erongo region, also in attendance.

Power-Gen events supported byPratt & WhitneyPratt & Whitney is committed to

sponsorship for the inaugural Power�Gen

Africa, as it promotes its critical solutions

for emergency power requirements,

baseload plants, cogeneration and

combined cycle configurations, working

with incumbent utilities, independent

power producers or EPC contractors; Power-

Gen Africa provides a vital platform for

companies like Pratt & Whitney who are

interested in working with the local power

industry in sub�Saharan African countries

and those looking to invest in the sector.

Andritz committed tohydropower plant in DR Congo Technology Group Andritz is committed to

the reconstruction and rehabilitation of two

Francis units (178 MW each) for the Inga 2

hydropower plant, DR Congo; the contract

value of this project, which is supported by

World Bank financing, is EUR45mn

(US$58.2mn), with commissioning

scheduled for 2015.

Gender and sustainabilityUN Development Programme publication

‘Powerful Synergies: Gender Equality,

Economic Development and Environmental

Sustainability’ reports on how gender

equality in access and control over resources

ensures environmental sustainability.

Power�Gen Africa has engaged the CEO of

Eskom, Mr Brian Dames, to take part in the

event’s keynote opening on 6 November

2012; Eskom is the largest power producer in

sub�Saharan Africa, with its large base of

mainly coal fired power stations supplying

South Africa and neighbouring countries.

Promoting renewable power Co-located with power-Gen Africa,

Renewable Energy World Africa offers a

comprehensive view of the energy needs,

resources and issues facing the renewable

industries across sub-Saharan Africa; over

three days, Renewable Energy World Africa

provides opportunities to engage, to listen

and to learn about the current and future

direction of this important specialist sector.

Eskom’s build programmePower stations and power lines are being

built on a massive scale to meet rising

electricity demand in South Africa; Eskom's

capacity expansion budget is R385bn

(US$45.7bn) up to 2013 and is expected to

grow to more than a trillion rand by 2026,

as it doubles its capacity to 80,000MW by

2026 - with a programme that began in

2005, an additional 4453.5MW already

commissioned, and plans to deliver an

additional 16,304MW in power station

capacity by 2017.

Expertise in green energy Renewable Energy World Africa offers a focus

of technical expertise and technological

excellence in the green energy sector; “With

technology advancing quickly and

manufacturing costs lowering, renewable

power generation will play a big role in a new

energy infrastructure in Africa offering

solutions in both rural distributed

applications and large-scale projects such as

hydropower, CSP, wind and biomass,” said

Nigel Blackaby, Renewable Energy World

Africa Event Director.

CEO of Eskom,Mr Brian Dames

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

S05 ATR Nov 2012 Bulletin 01_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:49 Page 22

With big power for the operator and small footprint for the

environment, the Rolls-Royce B-Gas engine produces the

lowest emissions in its class thanks to its lean-burn technology.

Available in 9-,12-,16 - and 20-cylinder versions, B-Gas delivers

up to 9.4MW of clean power with unsurpassed efficiency

and economy of operation. The renowned customer service

of Rolls-Royce ensures you gain maximum availability and

higher profitability to supplement your healthier environment.

Step confidently into the future with big, gentle B-Gas

power from Rolls-Royce. Trusted to deliver excellence

Leading the way in power generation...with small footprints

www.rolls-royce.com

S05 ATR Nov 2012 Bulletin 01_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:49 Page 23

24

NEWS

Bulletin / Africa ComAfrica Com showcases digitalinnovation in dynamic marketsAfrica Com 2012 (africa.comworldseries.com)

takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, from

13-15 November 13-15, with a clear focus on

highlighting new players, innovative start-

ups, creative business models, and dynamic

ecosystems across the continent; with the

evolution telecommunications and media,

industry players must adapt - and Africa Com

is set to help address the challenge with

inspirational speakers delivering on

developments affecting all stakeholders:

telcos, OTT players; content providers;

vendors and end-users.

Alcatel-Lucent extends Ghana’se-government servicesTechnology firm Alcatel-Lucent has been

workign with NITA - the information and

communications technology (ICT) policy

arm of Ghana’s Ministry of

Communications - to expand

communication links between central and

regional administration offices in support

of e-Ghana, a national initiative to

develop local IT services and improve the

transparency and efficiency of

government functions; Alcatel-Lucent is

implementing a 600km fibre-optic

‘backbone’ network to provide high-

speed data links between central

government functions and remote and

rural locations, and a national data centre

facility to support the network, through

close collaboration with HP, a global

alliance partner for the delivery of

converged ICT solutions.

telecom operators including Telus, Colt, Oi

Brasil, and NTT Japan; the ETX-5300A

features an extensive Ethernet service

assurance toolset with a suite of advanced

timing-over-packet synchronisation

technologies, including a 1588 grandmaster

clock - and can be used to provide timing-

over-packet services in wholesale networks,

and to serve as a single instrument for

empowering the convergence of 10GbE

business, wholesale and mobile network

services over the same infrastructure.

The largest fibre network in SALiquid Telecom has built the largest fibre

network in Southern Africa, providing

backhaul between most urban areas and

last mile connectivity in the main cities of

Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and

South Africa; the company’s new fibre link

in the north of South Africa stretches from

Johannesburg to Zimbabwe, stretches

across 521km to connect to Liquid’s pre-

existing fibre network, to carry capacity

from inland submarine cables. Liquid’s

network is the first to cross country borders,

covering areas where no fixed network has

existed before.

The corporate customer focus atNigeria ComThe 3rd annual Nigeria Com, held recently

in Lagos over two days, offered much

relevant debate on developments within

the telecommunications, media and ICT

industry - and a chance to take a look at the

opportunities in Africa’s largest and

arguably most exciting market; the main

message for 2012 was that, despite

challenges, Nigeria offers growing

opportunities to those who can take them,

that the key to success is to deliver what

consumers want - but that this seemingly

simple objective is not an easy task in an

environment where behaviours, technologies

and trends are changing rapidly.

WiMAX firms introduceinteroperable productsThe WiMAX Forum recently hosted the first

WiGRID PlugFest event in Vancouver, Canada,

to enable utility company experts and

equipment vendors to engage in hands-on

testing of equipment interoperability; WiGRID

is a new IEEE 802.16 system profile being

developed by the WiMAX Forum against the

requirements of utility companies, with

important features that optimise IEEE 802.16

standard’s-based WiMAX equipment for a

range of field area networking applications

and use cases.

AfricApps comes to Africa ComThe organisers of Africa Com, Informa TM, has

launched AfricApps, a new all-African event

for application developers to connect, create

and customise their offerings in collaboration

with operators, OEMs, media companies and

software providers; key issues to be discussed

on 14-15 November include: creating

discoverable apps; marketing your apps to

the African markets; successful monetisation

models; choosing the correct payment

platform; and who to partner with to

maximise success.

RAD to showcase Ethernetservice aggregation platform At Africa Com 2012, RAD Data

Communications will premier its award-

winning ETX-5300A Carrier Ethernet Service

Aggregation Platform - the ETX-5300A was

cited recently as Best Carrier Ethernet

Aggregation Product EMEA by a panel of

judges from industry analyst firms

including Ovum and Infonetics, and

The award-winning ETX-5300A Carrier Ethernet ServiceAggregation Platform, from RAD Data Networks

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

To say that the event exceeds my

expectations would be an understatement.”

- Sydwell Shikweni, Vodacom SA

S05 ATR Nov 2012 Bulletin 01_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:49 Page 24

Synchrophasor streaming without compromising your protection system... TESLA Power System Recorders with Advanced PMU and CDR Capabilities

TESLA Multi-timeframe Power System Recorders enable streaming of Synchrophasor data while simultaneously recording fault, swing and trend data in non-volatile onboard memory.

TESLA power system recorders are designed and manufactured in Canada by ERLPhase Power Technologies and well accepted at North American utilities. ERLPhase and ERL Marketing International are part of the ERL group of companies which has been in the business of power system projects, protection, medium voltage switchgear and metering solutions for over 30 years.

Streams 36 phasor quantities, 12 analog values and 64 digital points

IEEE C37.118-2005 Synchrophasor standard

Transmits PMU data stream to 2 PDCs with distinct IP/MAC addresses

NERC compliant CDR stores user-definable data (enables TESLA to act as mini PDC)

Simultaneously creates fault, swing and trend records which (along with Synchrophasor data) enhances system performance analysis

ERL Marketing International FZE

Head Quarters: ERL Marketing International FZE, No.1K - 08/02, Hamriyah Free Zone, PO Box 50669, Sharjah, UAE. Ph: +971 6526 3398, Fax: +971 6526 3392.Global Marketing Offices: Canada, Brazil, Germany, South Africa, Kenya, India, UAE, Hong Kong, Thailand.For sales enquiry, please contact: +971 5063 26340, [email protected] www.erlmint.com

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S05 ATR Nov 2012 Bulletin 01_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:49 Page 25

S06 ATR Nov 2012 Finance_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:52 Page 26

FINANCENigeria

Iweala-Okonjo’stransformationagenda

The New World Nigeria investor’s summit,held in London in the UK, drew togethera galaxy of Nigeria’s top cabinet

ministers and State governors to presentNigeria’s case as an investment destination.On the first day of this three-day event, co-sponsored by Nigeria Olympic Committee andBank of Industry and organised by BrandCommunications, Dr Ngozi Iweala-Okonjo, theMinister of Finance, made a compelling casefor the significant economic achievementsthat have been introduced in recent years.

She opened her remarks by insisting thatthe main thrust of her economic policies hasbeen to transform an expansionary budgetinto one of fiscal consolidation. This, she tolddelegates would stimulate growth. “Werecognise that we must manage our macro-economy wisely,” she said before describinghow the insertion of a benchmark oil pricewithin the national budget, first introduced

by her when she previously served in former-President Olusegun Obasanjo’sadministration, has had the effect of bearingdown on volatility. The 2012 budget’sbenchmark oil price was set at US$72, downfrom US$75 in 2011, and considerably belowthe actual spot oil price that has beenconsistently above US$100 this year.

Running through the main economicindicators, Iweala-Okonjo pointed out that theState’s recurrent expenditure, as a percentageof the budget, has been falling steadily, fromthe 77.18 per cent of 2010 to 74.13 per centlast year and 71.47 per cent this year. Capitalexpenditure has, meanwhile, been rising from22.82 per cent and 25.57 per cent to 28.53 percent in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012respectively. The fiscal deficit, currentlystanding at N1,136bn (US$7.126bn), or 2.85per cent, has been falling from the 3.35 percent of 2010 and 2.96 per cent in 2011.

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Dr Ngozi Iweala-Okonjo,Nigeria’s Minister of Finance

S06 ATR Nov 2012 Finance_Layout 1 18/10/2012 14:52 Page 27

NigeriaFINANCE

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“Fiscal consolidation and growth,” Iweala-Okonjo insisted, “are not a contradiction interms, and are really happening.” This isactually crucial if Nigeria is to successfullynavigate the uncertainty of the current globaleconomy, she added.

One of the major challenges of introducingfiscal consolidation, the minister said, was tostem leakages in oil revenues. Earlier thissummer, with the support of PresidentGoodluck Jonathan, Iweala had established a15-strong committee chaired by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, group managing director andchief executive of Access Bank, to furtherinvestigate petroleum subsidy verificationprocedures. It would appear that around halfof the N888bn (US$5.57bn) budgeted forsubsidies this year will be clawed back bygovernment. As well as the issuessurrounding misappropriation in the fuelsubsidy process, the outright theft of crudeoil is also being addressed. The Ministerstated that this practice is thought to costNigeria some US$5bn a year.

Where there is more than oilBut it is not just the oil industry that is beingtargeted. Iweala-Okonjo described themeasures being introduced by the Federalgovernment to improve tax collection withthe establishment of the Debt Enforcementand Special Prosecution Unit in the FederalInland Revenue Service (FIRS).

“Over the past five to six years,” IwealaOkonjo reported, “we have managed to triplethe amount of tax we collect.” She alsoprovided more recent figures saying the workof the new unit “has led to a cumulative taxcollection between January and May 2012 ofN1.9 trillion – an increase of N384.4bn, orabout a 20.4 per cent increase, over the sameperiod in 2011.”

She added that developing a programmefor a comprehensive review of taxes and themeans of improving collection, by workingclosely with FIRS, were high on her ministry’sagenda. But interestingly, she noted that themultiplicity of taxes was being looked at witha view to streamlining the whole procedureat the Federal, State and local levels.

The minister then described how governmentis making every effort to rein in governmentexpenditure, within the 2013 budget issuingretirement bonds, and a Sinking Fund for thepurpose of reducing debt by repaying orpurchasing outstanding loans and securitiesheld against the state. As Iweala-Okonjoreiterated to the New World Nigeria delegates, itis pivotal for the country to continue to stimulategrowth even as it navigates the currentuncertainty of the global economy.

As for the international financialinstitutions reaction to Iweala-Okonjo’s

initiatives, Nigeria’s sovereign credit ratingshave been upgraded since she returned tothe Nigerian cabinet a little over a year ago.Fitch have rated Nigeria as BB- stable whileStandard & Poor’s have assigned a B+ Positivestatus, upgraded from the B+ it suggested inDecember 2011.

These ratings have helped Nigeria’sEurobond to better its performance. The pricerose to US$109.02 in late July againstUS$103.49 at the beginning of year, and itsyield fell to 5.41 per cent from the 6.23 peryear recorded at the beginning of 2011.Foreign Reserves have also risen slightly fromUS$32.9bn at the end of 2011 to US$37.7bnin June 2012 but have declined recently onthe back of global developments to stand atUS$36.4bn. The target is to accrue US$50bnby the end of the year.

Seeking economic strengthMinister Okonjo-Iweala was able to confirm thatNigeria’s Excess Crude Account has improved.This is all positive and welcome, but as theminister commented, Nigeria’s economyremains vulnerable, and buffers need to be builtup. A key plank to this policy is to establish asovereign wealth fund, officially known as theNigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).The NSIA actually consists of three sovereignwealth funds: a future generation fund; aninfrastructure fund and a stabilisation fund.Already, US$1bn has been earmarked forinvestment in the three-arms of the fund, andtransferred from the Excess Crude Accountwhich it had been intended would be closeddown to be replaced by the new Authority. Butthis move has met strong resistance from

Three of the top positions in NSIA had beenfilled, after an exhaustive process that beganlast February with 713 applicants, shortlistedto 16. Two of the top executives, namely theChief Executive Officer and Chief Risk Officer.However, in a curiously worded statement bythe Ministry of Finance “upon completion ofdue diligence, the candidate for ChiefInvestment Officer has been dropped and theposition will be re-advertised shortly”.

Nevertheless, a strong non-executive boardhad been selected. They are the formerdeputy governor of the Central Bank ofNigeria, Mahey Rasheed as chairman (theformer managing director of JP Morgan whonow sits on the board of First Bank of Nigeria),Arnold Ekpe (the outgoing CEO of Ecobank),Hide Zeitlin, Bill Awosika, Bisi Soyebo, HassanUsman and Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli asmembers. Uche Orji, will serve as NSIA’s chiefexecutive and managing director effectivefrom 1st October.

Orji has worked at UBS as well as at J.P.Morgan Securities in London, and has held toppositions in the Thomson Reuters Extel Survey.

He was previously an analyst and fundmanager with Goldman Sachs AssetManagement based in London and worked forDiamond Bank Ltd and Arthur Andersen LLP.

The crisis in Nigeria’s banking sectorappears to have been resolved with all 24banks now fully capitalised, the AssetManagement Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)playing a key role in the rescue of the eightbanks in which the Central Bank of Nigeriaperformed an emergency intervention. Arange of financial soundness indicators arealso in positive territory. The Industry CapitalAdequacy Ratio, for example, is now above18%, with non-performing commercial loansnow standing at about five per cent.

Attention is also being given to the capitalmarkets with the introduction of aforbearance package to market operators; areview of taxes, stamp duties, and othercharges; stimulating an increase in thenumber of listed companies; and increasingpension fund investment. Okonjo-Iweala haspresented the Medium Term Fiscal Framework ofthe 2013 Budget to the Federal ExecutiveCouncil. Echoing what she said in London, sheactually christened her budget ‘Fiscalconsolidation with growth’.

According to her, Nigeria’s projectedrevenue for 2013 was put at N3.891trillion(US$24.4bn) while expenditure has been set atN4.929 trillion (US$30bn). She saidgovernment would reduce recurrentexpenditure from 71.47 per cent in 2012 to68.66 per cent next year, adding that capitalexpenditure will increase from 28.53 per centto 31.34 per cent in 2013. The budget wasbased on oil production of 2.53mn barrels aday, with the benchmark price at US$75/barrel.

She announced, “The focus of the FederalGovernment’s proposals on ‘Fiscalconsolidation with growth’ Budget 2013 isthat it should make a practical impact on theareas that matter most to the Nigerian people– job creation, power supply, roads, rail, otherinfrastructure and, of course, agriculture.”

In a further developments, Nigeria plans toissue a Eurobond of up to US$1bn by the end ofthe year which will be earmarked forinvestment in the country’s oil and gas sector. Inreplying to a question from African Reviewabout the long-mooted issuance of diasporabonds, Okonjo-Iweala said that she hoped thata tranche of this issuance will be reserved fordiaspora investees. The minister, who enjoyswide-spread international respect and domesticsupport, also pledged that the country’sresources would be managed prudently andtransparently, while ensuring that priority wasgiven to the key growth sectors of the economyand national security. ■

Stephen Williams

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

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30 African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Nigeria’s Number One bank brand*, First Bank of Nigeria Plc(FirstBank), recently launched its mobile money service,FirstMonie, in a move that is seen as a major push for local

money transfer services. With the launch of this service, the stage is now set for the Bank’s

customers and anyone in Nigeria with a mobile phone to enjoy financialservices, using their mobile phones to send money, pay bills, top uptheir phone airtime, do shopping, deposit and withdraw cash, withoutthe need to visit a bank branch. The slogan, “FirstMonie is the newmoney”, encapsulates both the ambition and vision of the new service.

Stakeholder support for a unique serviceThe FirstMonie launch event, held at WheatBaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos,on the 19th of September, was witnessed by FirstBank’s networkpartners - including Globacom, Airtel, Etisalat and MTN, as well as keystakeholders and executives of the Bank. The operating platform forthe FirstMonie service is powered by Fundamo, a Visa company.

Speaking at the launch, FirstBank’s Managing Director and ChiefExecutive Officer, Mr Bisi Onasanya said: “FirstMonie services have beencreated with three principles in mind. The first is defined by howconsumers receive money to fund their unique lifestyles; how consumersspend money for their unique lifestyle needs; and thirdly, the ability ofthe consumer to be informed and in control of their money.

“With almost 700 branches and business correspondent outletsstrategically located across the country, about 1,900 ATMs - cashdeposit, cardless and biometric, over six million active accounts andover 18,000 point of sale terminals, FirstBank offers the best and themost effective mobile money platform in Nigeria. We are alreadyrecruiting agents across the country to meet the needs of ourconsumers,” he added.

Technology to support transactionsBeyond mobile money services, FirstBank has in place a world-class ITand electronic payment infrastructure to deliver an unparallelledfinancial transaction experience to its discerning customers. Theseinclude: Automated Teller Machines (ATMs); Point of Sale (POS)Terminals; FirstOnline - the Bank’s internet banking; and a bespokeCard portfolio comprising of Debit, Credit and Prepaid card variantsissued on the brands of Visa, MasterCard and Verve amongst otherelectronic payment solutions.

“Thanks to services like FirstMonie, we see significant growthopportunities in mobile financial services in Nigeria in the coming year.Only 30 per cent of the country’s 160mn people have access to formalfinancial services** while there are more than 93mn mobile phonesubscriptions, the most in Africa***. These factors have created an

unprecedented opportunity for mobile financial services to act as anagent of positive and fundamental social, economic and technologicalchange,” said Hannes van Rensburg, CEO of Fundamo, a Visa company.

Empowering NigeriansAlso speaking at the launch, FirstBank’s Group Head, e-Business, MrChuma Ezirim, said, “FirstMonie has been innovatively created toempower Nigerians, both banked (those who already have bankaccounts) and especially, the un-banked (those who do not have bankaccounts), providing them the most affordable, safe, trusted, fast andconvenient access to doing everything they do with cash today. In tenyears, 100mn people have been newly ‘banked’ using mobiletechnology, and while the industry has grown rapidly, the segment isstill far from reaching its potential. GSMA figures show that 2.5bnadults still lack access to formal financial services, such as savings,payments, loans and insurance (the GSM Association represents theinterests of mobile operators worldwide).”

For subscribers wishing to use the new FirstMonie service, theirmobile phone number will serve as the account number. Registrationis free, simple and secure, all a subscriber has to do to sign up is dial*894# and follow the prompts. Alternatively, subscribers can sign uponline at https://www.firstmonie.com/imobile or at any FirstMonieagent location. ■

Notes:* (The Banker, February 2012)** (FinGlobal Findex Data base, April 2012, World Bank) *** (GSMA, 2011)

NigeriaBANKING

FirstBank’s newmobile money serviceDetermined to ensure that the majority of unbanked and underbankedNigerians enjoy superior financial services, FirstBank delivers mobile moneyservice FirstMonie, to offer significant support for money transfer services

L-R: Austin Okere-Group, Chief Executive Officer, Computer Warehouse Group; U K Eke,Executive Director, Public Sector South, FirstBank; V Sankar Naraynan, Executive Director, Inlaks Computers Ltd

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When, at the beginning of this year,the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN)governor, Lamido Sanusi, announced

a new policy of encouraging cashless financialtransactions, he may not have been preparedfor opposition it would arouse.

What the governor was proposing was theintroduction of banking fees for cashhandling, reducing free daily cashwithdrawals and deposits to a maximum ofN150,000 for personal accounts and N1mn forcorporate clients (from N500,000 and N3mnrespectively). Bank customers would be ableto withdraw or deposit what they chose, butSanusi clarified that above these daily limitsthey would be liable to pay a fee of about oneper cent in bank charge.

Stimulation or sabotage?This CBN initiative aroused a number ofcritics. For example, the Yoruba NationalAssembly accused the Federal Government,through the CBN, of deliberately attemptingto sabotage Lagos State’s commercial base,the epicentre of the Yoruba economy.

But the CBN countered that the cashlesseconomy policy would stimulate mobilepayment services, challenge the traditionalbarriers hindering financial inclusion ofmillions of Nigerians and bring low-cost,secure and convenient financial services tourban, peri-urban and rural areas alike,across the country.

Other benefits might include a reduction inthe cost to banks of handling cash; areduction in fraudulent transactions andmoney laundering activities; a deepening ofrevenue collections and provide the meansfor the Ministry of Finance to better analysethe dynamics of the economy.

However, detractors thought that a numberof risks outweighed the benefits. These couldbe defined as allowing cyber criminals anopen door to defraud bank customers as littlehad been done in terms of adding to the

country’s financial sector’s ability to protectdata. It is a sobering fact that worldwidefinancial fraud (which by definition is difficultto quantify) is almost as large in scale as theglobal trade in illicit drugs.

Aware of this fact, Nigeria’s commercialbanks – that have all announced a farhealthier set of results this year, supported bysolid first half earnings, indicating that thesector reforms are finally starting to bear fruit

– have all pledged to invest heavily inbolstering protective measures to counterfinancial fraud.

Public and personal protectionSignificantly, the commercial banks havepublicised the ways that customers canprotect themselves in terms of keeping on-line passwords and personal identificationnumbers secure, and warning against the

NigeriaBANKING

32

Going for thecashless optionThe decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria to instigate a pilot programmein Lagos State to investigate the viability of cashless financial transactionshas aroused a storm of controversy

The Central Bank of Nigeria

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

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NigeriaBANKING

34

risks of identity fraud and “phishing” –where account holders are duped by thefake e-mails of fraudsters, purporting to befrom their banks, into revealing details oftheir accounts.

The incidence of “phishing” fraud hasincreased exponentially in recent years,especially as mobile as well as internet bankingservices have been rolled out in Nigeria.

Nevertheless, it has been reported in theNigerian press, the banks have beenencouraged by the CBN to beef-up theirsecurity measures. Governor Sanusi, himselfan ex-commercial bank executive havingpreviously served as the chief executive ofFirst Bank of Nigeria, has urged them to meetthe growing threat of cyber-crime.

For example, in order to strengthenbanking security, special attention is beingrecommended surrounding data encryption,cloud computing, network protection andidentity authentication. The US-basedSafenet International, working with its localpartner Witty International New Inventionshave been undertaking consultancy work,not only with the banking sector but themajor retail and service sectors that will beamongst the first-movers to introducecashless financial transactions.

Furthermore, a new generation of ATMmachines are now being introduced for theNigerian consumer that can not onlyprovide the means to withdraw money butalso deposit cheques and cash and makeselected payments, such as for amenity billsand insurance premiums. In addition, thenew generation of ATMs would not bebrand specific but able to transact acrossthe banking sector.

Making notesSo, it may seem counter-intuitive for the CBN,even as it conducts the pilot cashless financialtransaction policy in Lagos State, to haveannounced the introduction of a new N5,000note. Sanusi is proposing to roll out the newN5,000 notes early in 2013 and to convert thepresent N5, N10 and N20 notes to coins. Hehas confirmed that he has made provision toset aside no less than N40bn on this exercise,arguing that it was the only way to addressrising inflation.

This proposal has also generated debatewith analysts warning that it might have anegative impact on the economy.Opponents complain that a proper valueassessment has not been conducted on thecost to the Nigerian taxpayer and theextent of the benefits.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC), forexample, argues that the new policy will notserve the interest of Nigerians but, rather, willaggravate the country's economic crisis byposing an inflationary pressure.

Bismarck Rewane, the economist and chiefexecutive of Financial Derivatives Co and oneof Nigeria’s best known and respectedeconomic analysts, has given the new note aless than wholehearted welcome. Describingthe national debate on the new high valuebill as “a non-issue”, he makes the point thatthe introduction of the N5,000 note had been“conceptualised about four years ago, longbefore the introduction of the cashless policy.

“But now,” Rewane says, “with the cashlesspolicy, there is no need the high denominationnotes as everybody will be going cash-less”.

Sanusi’s opinion differs, as he insists theintroduction of a higher bill will actually

complement the CBN’s cashless policy,substantially reducing the volume of notes incirculation.

Razia Khan, Regional Head of Economics,Africa at Standard Chartered Bank, tends toagree with Sanusi and supports the CBN’s plan.Khan, who is the Regional Head of EconomicResearch for Africa at Standard Chartered Banksays that “the introduction of a higherdenomination note is meant to help with thebroad effort of the cashless reforms. It fits withthe theme of reducing the cost to banks ofhaving to deal with the management of largequantities of notes.

“It is hoped that this, as well as shared services,will reduce banks’ costs of operation – a benefitthey can then pass on to depositors throughhigher deposit rates. A N5000 note does noteven equate to US$50, so the magnitude needsto be borne in mind. Middle class Nigerians willprobably find that it eases cash transactions.Lower income Nigerians may not use the newnote as frequently, but it should make thehandling of cash that they have saved easier.”

Significantly, Nigerian President GoodluckJonathan has given Sanusi public approval to rollout the reforms. And given the general approvalof the way that Sanusi has delivered stability toNigeria’s banking sector over the last two years,most observers are prepared to accept thegovernor’s analysis.

In general, the rating agencies havereported that the banks are performing well,with First Bank of Nigeria, Zenith, GTBank andUBA enjoying a ‘'stable outlook”. This bodeswell for the country in general and thebanking sector in particular, even as itgrapples with the technological challenges ofa new, cashless era. ■

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Lamido Sanusi, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Razia Khan, Regional Head of Economics, Africa atStandard Chartered Bank

Bismarck Rewane, chief executive of FinancialDerivatives Company

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Oracle Communicationshas been collaboratingwith Etisalat Nigeria, a

Nigerian communications serviceprovider, to support the telecomsfirm as it switched on itsoperation with OracleCommunications Data Model,which helps it more quicklyanalyse growing volumes ofdiverse data, and make betterbusiness decisions.

Oracle Communications DataModel allows Etisalat Nigeria toanalyse data across multiplebusiness areas - includingcustomer, revenue and networkmanagement - to react quickly totechnological, regulatory andbusiness challenges in bothprepaid and postpaid markets.

Upon implementing OracleCommunications Data Model on OracleExadata Database Machine X2-2 Half Rack,Etisalat Nigeria reduced the time required toaggregate and analyse data by 99 per cent[1].The company can now load call detail recordsin near real-time, and has gained improvedinsight to the behavior of its customers andtheir propensity to churn.

Now able to make decisions based on nearreal-time data, Etisalat Nigeria can takeimmediate action to prevent customer churn,deliver personalised promotions and identifyand address revenue leakage sources.

“Considering the current data explosion inthe telecommunications space, it was criticalfor Etisalat to implement technologies capableof collecting and getting the most from data inits various markets. The OracleCommunications Data Model running onOracle Exadata provides Etisalat with a scalableand flexible solution, ensuring it remainscompetitive and maintains its position as aleading communications provider in the

region,” said Bhaskar Gorti, senior vice presidentand general manager, Oracle Communications.

Boosting development, reducing costThe solution includes pre-built dashboards andother customised components to jumpstartdevelopment and reduce the cost, complexityand risk of data integration. Implemented in justeight months, Oracle Communications DataModel also provides Etisalat Nigeria theflexibility to upgrade systems faster andefficiently as market conditions change.

Oracle Communications Data Model ispurpose-built for communications serviceproviders and has been conformance certifiedwith the industry's TM Forum InformationFramework (SID) standard, which fostersinteroperability with providers’ systems.

Etisalat Nigeria has deployed OracleCommunications Data Model on OracleExadata Database Machine, which offersextreme data warehousing performance withfaster upload and query speeds.

“The Oracle Communications Data Model

and Exadata solution has greatlyimproved our ability to quicklyand efficiently retrieve andanalyse data from a variety ofsources. Transactional data isprocessed in near real-time,taking about 45 minutes toprocess data for a full day, whichis a significant improvement onthe eight hours it used to take toprocess the same data. Oracle’stechnology has allowed us tooffer customers relevant andpersonalised services, which wecan quickly make available.Because the project only tookeight months to implement, wewere able to experience benefitsmuch sooner than expected,” saidAjibola Ajia, IT Specialist,Intelligence, Implementation &

Integration, Etisalat Nigeria. Etisalat alsoimplemented Oracle Business IntelligenceEnterprise Edition 11g to increase theefficiency of its business operations and gainadditional contextual and actionable insight.

Etisalat selected Oracle’s technology followinga competitive evaluation to replace its legacybusiness intelligence (BI) systems, which lackedthe functionality, performance and scalability fora dynamic and responsive BI environment.

The Oracle Communications technologywas implemented by OraclePartnerNetwork Gold Level PartnerBluechip Technologies Ltd, Nigeria. ■

Notes:[1] Query executed in 62 seconds on OracleExadata X2-2 Half Rack running OracleDatabase 11g Enterprise Edition Release11.2.2.0 , compared to a previous executiontime of 7,200 seconds for same query on HP -UNIX running Oracle Database 10g EnterpriseEdition Release 10.2.0.1.0, delivering a 99 percent decrease in time executing the query

DataICT

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Data helps makebetter decisionsWhat happened when telecommunications company Etisalat Nigeria wentlive with Oracle Communications Data Model, to analyse growing volumesof data, and improve business management

Bhaskar Gorti, senior vicepresident and general manager,

Oracle Communications

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

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One of the best things about emailmarketing is specificity. Many may notknow this but, it is possible to create

email lists that target just the audience youwant to reach. This means that you cancontact those potential business leads thatyou know are out there but may not haveknown how to get their contact information. Itis possible to create the email lists that youneed to help your business thrive - instead ofthe list that someone else thinks you need.There are several specifiers that you can utiliseto craft a list that will be encouraging to yourbusiness success. For example, you can createlists by geographic region and hobby. Let's sayyou want a list of prospective clients in yourarea who are into crafts - you can get just thatinformation with the click of a button.

Saving money with smart marketingThere are several reasons why you would wantto use email marketing as opposed to directmail marketing. If you examine the numbers,you'll find out the tally shows that emailmarketing is far superior. You can save moneywith email list marketing and therefore makeyour marketing dollar to go further. The truthof the matter is that, email marketing just costsless than direct mail marketing. Also, there issadly a high chance that the direct mailmarketing information your company receiveswill be outdated. What this means is that notonly are you spending more money toimplement your campaign, the likelihood thatyou are sending costly materials to inaccurateaddresses is also increased. Obviously this willresult in a double loss, time and again, and itsan expense that you likely do not want toincur.

In addition to the lower cost factor, email isalso a much more flexible option formarketing. Email is malleable and adaptable,meaning you can alter your message moreeasily and quickly to adapt to trends andchanges in your industry. You can build your

own targeted email list to make sure you getyour point across to the right people. Withdirect mail, much more time elapses betweenbrainstorming the marketing idea and actuallybeing able to implement it. Between creatingthe ad campaign, getting it to the printer,getting it back from the printer, addressing allthose envelopes, paying the postage, anddelivering it to the post office, you could havesent countless emails, and for a good deal lessmoney. Also, email allows your prospectivebuyers to take immediate action by includinglinks in your email campaign. From your email,your clients can click right onto yourhomepage and make a purchase. Direct maildoes not afford you that - rather, the customerhas to go figure out how to reach you frompaper to PC or from paper to store. Bottomline, you want the best for your company, andemail lists are an advantageous addition toyour ability to achieve higher sales and higherrevenue. So make sure to get the email liststhat your business needs to thrive.

Social media may be attractive for onlinemarketing, but email remains the solidoption. Email marketing remains one of thetop spending priorities for onlineoperation, after search and displayadvertising. Why? Unlike social media,email is virtually universal. Manycorporations still ban or limit social mediause within their walls, but none ban email.Even if email is filtered for spam, it will notbe blocked completely. It’s direct, cost-efficient, and, if done properly, offers aneffective channel for lead generation,nurturing and sales.

When integrated with social media tools,email becomes even more powerful. Theinclusion of social media sharing buttons,for example, in email may generate click-through rates around 30 per cent higherthan email sent with no sharing options.

One key concern among email marketersis open rates. How can you create subjectlines that increase the chances of return?How can you use email marketing mosteffectively and avoid overloading recipientswith information? How can you grow youremail marketing list? How do you avoidmistakes that will cost you readers? Whatare the best ways to integrate email andsocial media marketing efforts to improveresults through both channels? ■

E-marketingICT

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How email marketingmakes it over direct mailOne of the best things about email marketing is specificity. Many maynot know this but, it is possible to create email lists that target just theaudience you want to reach

Graphic: Sean MacEntee

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Corporate email archiving and retention policies are muddled and unclear, with manybusinesses leaving themselves exposed to potential litigation or compliance issues,

according to new research launched today by Mimecast®, the leading supplier of cloud-based email archiving, security and continuity for Microsoft Exchange and Office 365.

The research, which surveyed IT managers on their organisations’ email policies andarchiving practices, found that just 20 per cent of businesses (23 per cent globally) retainarchived email for three years or more, with one in four businesses (26 per cent globally)admitting that they do not have a clear policy on retaining email at all.

The sample consisted of 200 US respondents, 200 from the UK and 100 from SouthAfrica. The research was conducted by Loudhouse Research, an independentconsultancy based in the UK.

Email regulations confuse businesses

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GE’s Energy Storage business recentlycommitted US$63mn in newDurathon battery orders since the

business launched in July 2012. In fact, in onlyits first few weeks of operation, the businesssecured 10 new telecom customer ordersacross several regions - including Africa, Asia,India and the USA - powering a total of morethan 3,500 cell towers.

The breakthrough battery provides reliableand cost-effective energy storage options fora broad range of global customers and isbeing produced at GE’s advancedmanufacturing factory here.

“Our main challenge is downtime due tofrequent power outages on the grid. For oursites located in densely populated areaswhere wireless signals and data transmissionloads are heaviest, the Durathon battery hasproven to be the perfect innovation solutionfor us to implement.”

Prescott Logan, General Manager, GEEnergy Storage said, “Durathon batteries helpsolve key challenges for customers inemerging markets, where power outages andcycle disruption are prevalent, and indeveloped markets where batteries currentlytake up large spaces in cramped urbancenters. The technology is unique because itcan function in a variety of extremeconditions and store as much energy as lead-acid batteries twice its size while lasting up to10 times as long.”

Environmental considerationsGE’s innovative Durathon battery technologyworks by employing environmentallyresponsible sodium chemistry to captureexcess energy from the diesel fuel generators.When the generator is off and the battery isfully charged, it feeds the stored power backto the cell tower. This hybrid, cycliccharge/discharge operation reduces fuelconsumption by up to 40 per cent.

With headquarters in Nairobi,telecommunication, power and ICT service

provider Adrian Company LDT is among GE’snewest Durathon battery customers.

Bernard Njoroge, Group ManagingDirector, Adrian Group of Companies, noted,“Our main challenge is downtime due tofrequent power outages on the grid. For oursites located in densely populated areaswhere wireless signals and data transmissionloads are heaviest, the Durathon battery hasproven to be the perfect innovation solutionfor us to implement.”

The Durathon battery can help extendmobile phone service to billions of peopleworldwide by helping generator-poweredcell towers operate more efficiently, whilealso reducing greenhouse gas emissions.With more than one billion people – andpotential cell phone subscribers – living inremote areas with no accessible power grid,operators are often forced to continuouslypower cellular base stations using diesel fuel.This costs an average of $20,000 to $30,000per site and adds more than 50 tons ofcarbon dioxide into the atmosphere per year.

Megatron Federal, an engineering companybased in Johannesburg, South Africa, was thefirst customer to sign a purchase agreementfor 700 batteries in early 2012, adding 300more shortly thereafter. The company with

products and services in power generation,transmission, distribution, construction andtelecommunications, signed anotheragreement to purchase 6,000 batteries whenGE Energy Storage formally opened the newSchenectady facility. These batteries willensure the continuous operation of telecominstallations in Nigeria. They will also enableMegatron to lower both fuel consumptionand emissions of diesel generator poweredtelecom towers by up to 50 per cent.

GE ecomagination Vice President, MarkVachon said, “It is estimated that the telecomindustry accounts for two per cent of the totalworld carbon footprint and could reach analarming four per cent by 2020 if solutionsaren’t implemented in the near-term. Weknow that in this current global context, wemust stay laser focused on what ourcustomers need to make their operationsmore productive, resource efficient, andenvironmentally smart.”

GE Energy Storage is experiencingincreased demand for the technology withother new orders set to be finalised. By mid-2013, GE anticipates having more than 1,000hybrid telecom installations worldwide andover five times that number by year-end. ■

Mobile CommunicationsICT

40

Boosting thebattery businessHow a start-up in energy storage delivers immediate return on investmentin telecommunications markets

GE’s Durathon sodium batteries—designed for use intelecom, uninterrupted power supply (UPS), andindustrial applications—have a longer life, store moreenergy per unit weight, have improved performance inextreme conditions, and have minimal maintenancecosts compared to traditional lead acid batteries

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Since July GE Energy Storage’s high-techbattery manufacturing facility has been

producing ecomagination-qualifiedDurathon battery products, following GE’sUS$100mn initial investment in batterytechnology developed at GE’s globalresearch center in Niskayuna, in the USA -following its strategic acquisition of UK-based Beta R&D. The Durathon batteriesare the result of GE’s investment inresearch and development that leads tobreakthrough products.

Investing in AdvancedManufacturing Solutions

S08 ATR Nov 2012 ICT_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:08 Page 40

ICTGITEX

41African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Mitsumi IT Distribution, one of Africa’s largestIT distributors, participated for the first timeever in GITEX Technology Week 2012 - apremier information and communicationstechnology (ICT) event for the Middle East,Africa and South Asia (MEASA) held in mid-October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Mitsumi exhibited its product portfoliofrom renowned global vendor partners -including HP, Dell, Acer, Toshiba, Lenovo,Samsung, Microsoft, BenQ and Tripplite. WithGITEX having an ‘Africa in Focus’ theme thisyear, Mitsumi benefitted from an increase inthe number of delegations from countriesexpressing interest - including Algeria,Kenya, Libya, Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco,Nigeria, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda andTunisia. Mitsumi's participation at GITEX2012 was designed to ensure the company'scommitment to showcasing the richopportunities available in Africa and tocement and further grow its reseller andvendor partner base.

Jagat Shah, Chairman & CEO at Mitsumi ITDistribution, has spoken of GITEX Technology

Week as “an excellent platform to showcaseMitsumis Africa operations and consolidatepartnerships”. As part of GITEX’s ‘Africa inFocus’ campaign, the GITEX team metrepresentatives from Rwanda, South Sudan,Tanzania and Uganda. While in Nairobi, theteam met officials from Kenya’s ICT Board,who are committed to the goal of beingamong the top 10 ICT hubs in the world.Kenya’s national ICT Master Plan, an initiativeby the Ministry of Information andCommunication, aims to drive aggressivegrowth in the ICT sector by 2017,contributing 25 per centto the country’s GDP.

Mitsumi ITDistribution has anearly-moveradvantage in Africasince the companywas the first toestablish a chain ofin-country presencein these marketsranging from

facilities like warehousing, stocking pointsand support service centres in 1996. Mitsumihas Sales offices in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia,Uganda, Rwanda, DRC, South Sudan, Nigeria,Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, Algeria, Tunisia,Morocco, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia,Mauritius and Madagascar which adds up to15 Warehouses and 8 Service Centres,thereby, making it the only truly ‘AfricaCentric IT Distributor’ guaranteeingmaximum reach to all global IT vendors.

http://mitsumidistribution.com

Mitsumi IT Distribution heads for GITEX

Mr Jagat Shah, Chairman& CEO at Mitsumi ITDistribution Africa

S08 ATR Nov 2012 ICT_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:08 Page 41

T he applications for wireless-based video security networks are coming under renewed scrutiny as the public sector faces increasing government pressure to cut costs whilst

maintaining service levels. It is a fact that, when implementedcorrectly, it is virtually impossible to detect any difference inperformance between fibre and line-of-sight wireless-based videonetworks. Point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless links candeliver similar performance to fibre, producing low levels of latencyand high image quality, but at a significantly lower cost, whetherused as standalone networks, extending the range of existing fibrenetworks or used to rapidly deploy temporary communicationslinks for covert or overt operations.

Making a difference in the marketA key difference between suppliers to look for is a range of productsthat have been designed specifically for video transmission andfeature the performance necessary to deliver video images at rates ofup to 25fps and latency of less than 3ms at ranges of up to 40km. Anexample of such a portfolio is that provided by Wavesight, whichboasts of a comprehensive range of transceiver solutions that enablehigh quality images to be received from remote locations wheretraditional cabling is either not practical or simply uneconomic. This issomething that cannot be reliably achieved with the voice and databased products that have commonly been deployed in an attempt torun bandwidth hungry video applications.

Such systems also meet all relevant international standards foroutdoor use, including IP67 industrial protection, and are regularlyspecified for diverse environments around the world.

Installation is another area where systems may be be distinguished,with an ideal being a process that is quick and easy without requiringthe high levels of technical expertise needed to work with alternativevoice and data-based products. Wavesight, for example, providesinstallers with full training and specific tools - such as its RFAnalyser -to optimise the configuration and management processes.

Effective installation requires proven experience with manysuccessful deployments in a wide range of environments, exceedingclient expectations in every installation whether a complete solutionor integrated with licensed and COFDM product technologies. Helpful,also, is a competitive pricing strategy and a straightforward andpragmatic approach to doing business. This is no mean feat in thecurrent challenging financial climate.

Significant cost savingsAs well as delivering comparable performance to fibre networksand leased lines, Wavesight systems can enable organisations toinstall or expand video security networks at a fraction of the cost of

traditional systems. The market is already changing, and wherewireless was once seen as being only suitable as an extension tofibre, it is now commonly being specified to replace fibre. At just 15-20 per cent of the cost, organisations are achieving a return oninvestment in as little as 24 months whilst eliminating the highongoing costs required for fibre or leased lines will deliver furthersignificant savings over the same period.

Of course, these may not be the most important issues in Africaneconomies, as the economics and practicality of installing fibre-based networks is simply not viable, particularly when there is novisible difference in terms of performance. With proper networkplanning and construction, however, wireless is suitable for all butthe very largest scale communications networks - and, consideringthe cost and reliability advantages of wireless, why would they evenconsider the alternatives? ■

SurveillanceICT

42

Wireless networkingto watch over assetsWireless communications solutions for secure, high-bandwidth, long-rangetransmission of CCTV video, data and voice

Companies such as Wavesight enable superiror transmission of CCTV signals

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

S08 ATR Nov 2012 ICT_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:08 Page 42

S09 ATR Nov 2012 Oil & Gas_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:06 Page 43

Subsea 7 counts among its assets theSeven Borealis – a pipelay/heavyliftvessel scheduled to serve Total at the

Angola CLOV projectA recent tour of the Borealis reaffirmed

Subsea 7's emphasis on safety, efficiency andeffectiveness. The vessel is highly capable,and its crew are trained and supported inmaintaining a strict regime of secure,systematic operation.

The vessel's capabilities and equipment areextensive, too. Observe that it has its owncargo barge, to supply the vessel. See that itstowers can be mobilised at each location.Understand that the main line of the S-laysystem can be adjusted to suit anyconfiguration, any process - to accommodateany client requirements.

Most recently, the Seven Borealis hasbeen sited in Schiedam, in the Netherlands,at Huisman's facility, where outfitting hasbeen completed before mobilisation toWest Africa. A global enterprise offeringextensive experience in the design andmanufacture of heavy constructionequipment for on and offshore companies,Huisman has prepared the Seven Borealis tohandle a pipe every three minutes.

More equipment for better pipelayThere is more to be learnt about the vessel'scapabilities. The Seven Borealis is equippedwith an S-lay system to lay pipe with outsidediametres from 11cm to 117 cm. For layingpipe in extreme deep water, the J-Lay tower,positioned starboard, can be used and can laypipe with outside diametres from 10cm to61cm in water depths of up to 3,000 metres.

There is a 600-ton abandonment recoverywinch, and a 200-ton winch, both for S-lay. Thereis a large red structure within the firing line - adiverter sheath, which folds down to allow thewinch wire to be deployed over the starboardside of the vessel. There is a 360-ton winch for J-lay operations. There are, also, selected small

winches for specialist operations. There are three200 tonne S-lay tensioners - which consist of anupper track, a lower track and supportingequipment. These are rail-mounted, and ensureaccurate load measurement.

The Seven Borealis firing line features,also, a window large enough toaccommodate in-line structures - T pieces,for example - after welding.

Focusing further on the vessel's heavyequipment, Mr Gilbert showed the 5000tonne rotary crane. The crane was tested at55000 tonnes, said Mr Gilbert, "and didn'teven flinch”. The main crane incorporates adeepwater lowering system. This heavecompensated system can accommodate6000m of 109mm diametre wire and can workin single, double or four fall. Just as impressive,note here that the J-lay can turn to any angle,so that it can operate independently of theship's own direction. Note, also, that the three-

section stinger can be configured to suitspecific operations. It can, in fact, create a piperadius from 70 to 300 metres.

“The stinger on the Borealis is up there withone of the biggest around," said SimonGilbert, an offshore manager at Subsea 7. MrGilbert manages operational matters, fromcrane management to pipe handling anddeployment. Speaking, recently, on the deckof the Borealis, Mr Gilbert also highlightedthe vessel's "world-class ROVs" - remotelyoperated vehicles, both of which arecontrolled from one control room.

Additionally, the Seven Borealis has its owngas systems producing oxygen and acetylene.The commercial partnership ensuring safeand secure operation here is the technologyfirm iGas, which was chosen by Subsea7 dueto its experience in delivering gas supply anddistribution projects throughout Europe andbeyond - utilising cost-effective and advanced

PipelayOIL & GAS

44

How Subsea 7 willserve Total in AngolaA look at the Seven Borealis – a unique pipelay/heavylift vessel owned andoperated by Subsea 7, and scheduled to serve Total at the Angola CLOV oil& gas project

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

S09 ATR Nov 2012 Oil & Gas_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:06 Page 44

45African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

technology and design. Last to see externally,sited high on the vessel, the heli-deck isnotable as the largest offshore heli-deck inproduction, capable of landing the largestoffshore helicopters.

Evidence of advanced administrationInside the administrative bowels of the SevenBorealis, the software underpinning the ROVsis developed by Schilling Robotics, acompany that brings 25 years oftechnological expertise to the challengesfacing customers in the subsea environment.

With Schilling's support, Subsea 7 designedthe ROV control station in-house to exceedthe concept of "fit-for-purpose" – in SimonGilbert's words - offering capabilities that nota lot of comparable vessels have.Development of the ROV control stations maybe associated with development of apaperless system for task planning. This is atechnologically advanced vessel, not just interms of its ability to deliver flexlaycapabilities, but also in terms ofadministrative functionality. Within the SevenBorealis, one sees the deployment of anintegrated system of software, hardware anddefined processes to manage informationthrough creation, capture, storage, retrieval,distribution and retention.

Looking across the navigation bridge,one can affirm that there are no papercharts - it is all electronic, and withcomprehensive use of GPS systems.Looking, then, for a practical example ininternal and external communications, onecan observe that the Seven Borealis is fittedwith Cisco IP phone equipment.

A few steps away from the navigationbridge, there is evidence on the chief officer'sdesk on the working bridge, in the form of aCisco IP Phone 7962G – a capable, high-endunified communications device designed tomeet the needs of managers andadministrative assistants.

With programmable buttons andinteractive soft keys applicable to all callfeatures and functions, this hands-freespeakerphone and handset offers hi-fidelitywideband audio, and features a built-inheadset connection and an integratedEthernet switch, representing a sound choiceof communications hardware - user-friendlyand one of the easiest phones to use, offering

stable IP telephony (obviously, depending onthe capacity and stability of data connection).Observe that even a detail such as choice ofphone indicates in keeping with Subsea 7'semphasis on effective, efficient operation. ■

OIL & GASPipelay

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S09 ATR Nov 2012 Oil & Gas_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:06 Page 45

Ayanda Nakedi has nearly two decadesof experience with Eskom. She has heldvarious positions within the South

African energy enterprise - encompassingengagement in sales and customer services,distribution, to working as CEO of EskomDevelopment Foundation, to the role ofgeneral manager of strategy, technology andassurance at the company’s GenerationDivision. For most of 2011, and for all of 2012,she has acted as senior seneral manager atEskom’s Renewables Business Unit, setting upthe unit and implementing the utility-scaleprojects. Renewables fall well within herexpertise. Ms Nakedi is a board member ofSouth African Wind Energy Association. She is,also, chairperson of the Southern Africa SolarThermal and Electricity Association (SASTELA).

The Eskom Renewables Business Unitcentralises and develops the utility’srenewable energy projects. These are:● A 100 megawatt (MW) Concentrated Solar

Power plant with between nine and 12hours of storage, scheduled forconstruction on the outskirts of Upingtonin the Northern Cape.

● A 100MW wind farm near Vredendal in theWestern Cape.

● Installation of up to 150MWp of solarphotovoltaic electricity at Eskom’s headoffice in Sandton and at various Eskomsites around South Africa.

Embracing CSPAccording to Ms Nakedi, says Eskom plansto start construction of a concentrated solarpower (CSP) plant in late 2014 andcommission the facility by end-2016. Sheestimates the 100MW plant will generatethe amount of electricity required to run400,000 standard homes.

“CSP with storage can go a long way toaddressing our country’s peak demand,” shesays. “We need to embrace CSP and allocate ita greater role in our energy mix.”

Eskom’s participation in renewable energy

development, she adds, will help to createdemand and stimulate development of localindustry and job creation.

Eskom is also strengthening transmissionlines in the Northern Cape to ensure that CSPplants being developed by the public andprivate sectors can deliver their electricity tothe national grid.

A display of green credentialsMs Nakedi recently attended and spoke atClean Power Africa in Cape Town, whichwelcomed some 600 local and internationalrenewable energy experts, to focus on newopportunities in the hydropower and solarenergy industries. As South Africa’s EnergyMinister Elizabeth Dipuo Peters addresseddelegates, Cape Town’s mayor Patricia de Lillesaid, “Sustainable sources of energy areessential to the future of Cape Town, as it is toall major cities throughout the world. In CapeTown we have to seek a delicate balancebetween the need to provide access toelectricity for citizens, and that of constantlyfinding mechanisms to promote the use ofefficient and diverse sources of sustainableenergy. It is therefore apt that the Clean

Power Africa conference will see energyexperts meet under one roof to discuss thebest ways to ensure sustainable energy for allof Africa, which in turn can contribute toeconomic and social development.”

In addition to Ms Nakedi, speakers at thisevent included: Councillor Xanthea Limberg,Chairperson: Energy and Climate ChangeCommittee, City of Cape Town; NelisiweMagubane, Director General, Department ofEnergy, South Africa; Garth Aspeling,Mechatronic Engineer, Water and SanitationDepartment, Utility Services Directorate, Cityof Cape Town; Mlamli Mabulu, MechatronicEngineer, Water and Sanitation Department,Utility Services Directorate, City of Cape Town;Tinus Keyser. Chief Engineer and TurbineSystem Engineering Manager, Eskom PeakingGeneration, Cape Town; and Christine Wörlen,Independent International Renewable EnergyExpert, Germany.

Delegates at Clean Power Africa were alsoafforded the opportunity to see renewableenergy in action in the Western Cape, at theSteenbras Pumped Storage Scheme, theKlipheuwel Wind Energy Facility, and theAquila CPV solar demonstration plant. ■

RenewablesPOWER

46

Eskom extendsits green credentialsHow projects underway and in prospect are changing to South Africa’spower production profile

The Klipheuwel Wind Energy Facility (Photo: Warren Rohner)

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

S10 ATR Nov 2012 Power_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:14 Page 46

47African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

S10 ATR Nov 2012 Power_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:14 Page 47

RenewablesPOWER

48 African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Wärtsilä Corporation has been developing scenario-basedperspectives on the future of energy and renewables for acouple of years - based on three alternative futures

regarding electricity production and use. The differences in the threescenarios revolve around the issue of power – not only in terms ofenergy, but also influence. The questions Wärtsilä asks are: who has it,

why and what are its effects?Ole Johannsson, former president and

CEO of Wärtsilä Corporation, stresses thattwo major challenges shape the economic,social and environmental agenda today.He observes, “On the one hand we have toproduce enough electricity to improve the

living standards of a growing population.On the other hand, we must curb climate

change. The power sector has a key role toplay in this, while facing the additional

challenge of limited fossil fuel reserves.”The Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change reports that energyinfrastructure investments are expected

to exceed US$20.0 trillion by2030, if the world is to meetrequirements for power.

The International EnergyAgency notes that necessaryinvestment in the power sectorrepresents US$13.6 trillion - ofwhich power generationaccounts for half, withtransmission and distributionmaking up the other half.

Mr Johannsson observes,“These issues are more thanrelevant for Wärtsilä. As a providerof complete lifecycle powersolutions for our customers, weneed to make the right decisionsregarding long-term productdevelopment in order to be the preferred partner for futureinvestments. At the same time we must do our share in solving climateand energy challenges.” ■

Possibilities for power

Wärtsilä’s energy perspectives havealready influenced the development ofproducts -such as this 50DF tri-fuelmedium-speed engine (Photo: Mercator Media)

Ole Johansson, former presidentand CEO, Wärtsilä Corporation

S10 ATR Nov 2012 Power_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:15 Page 48

POWERRenewables

49African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

WHEN YOUR MISSION IS MAKING MEDICINES THAT SAVE LIVES, FAILURE’S NOT AN OPTION. ESPECIALLY POWER FAILURE.

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KOHLER®, ON™ and the color green are trademarks of Kohler Co.

Tests are performed, results compiled and production lines roll.

Every day, a leading U.S. pharmaceuticals innovator makes the

products that treat serious and life-threatening medical conditions.

Loss of power for even a short time could cost a production

run … and hope for those who need help now. For the health

of this company and its customers, KOHLER backup power

solutions are the best medicine. With KOHLER, the power stays

on because the people behind the products are on. Always.

You can’t make breakthroughs in medicine if you’ve got

breakdowns in power. Which is why so many people trust

KOHLER to come through. Without fail.

Tony Arroyo of Kohler prescribed two 2,000 kW

KOHLER® generators and KOHLER switchgear

to protect the productivity of a major

pharmaceuticals maker.

Power and automation technology groupABB recently secured an order wortharound US$50mn from Hidroeléctrica de

Cahora Bassa, SA to refurbish the Songo high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converterstation in Mozambique. The converter stationand associated high-power equipment are keycomponents in the 1,920 MW HVDC linktransmitting clean hydropower from theCahora Bassa hydro plant in Mozambique over1,417km to South Africa, where coal-basedthermal power is the main source of electricity.

Refurbishing and replacingThe proj ect entails replacement of keyequipment, including high-voltagetransformers and direct current (DC)smoothing reactors. It will help to enhancepower availability and improve systemreliability, enabling HCB to honour its PowerPurchase Agreement with Eskom, the South

African utility. Export of renewable energy toSouth Africa, is an important source ofincome for Mozambique. ABB will also supplyand install arresters and measuring equipmentas part of the project. The commissioning willbe completed in two parts - the DC equipmentin 2013 and the transformers a year later.

“The Songo HVDC link supports theintegration of renewable energy and helpsmeet the growing demand for electricity. We

are delighted to contribute to thedevelopment of power infrastructure in theregion,” said Brice Koch, head of ABB's PowerSystems division. “This project also underlinesour continued focus and commitment togrowing our service business.”

African growth aheadAccording to the International Energy Agency(IEA) power consumption is set to doublebetween 2005 and 2040. ABB has more than5,000 employees in Africa and expects to growat least twice the rate of GDP growth between2011-2015 driven by the power, mining, oil &gas industry and housing sectors. ABB’scommitment builds on its innovation in HVDCtransmission technology, which stretches backalmost 60 years. The company has extensiveexperience in both new installations andrefurbishments, with over 70 HVDC projectsaround the world. ■

Hydro on the horizon

S10 ATR Nov 2012 Power_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:15 Page 49

Power-Gen AfricaPOWER

50 African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Power professionals are preparing toconnect. The inaugural Power-Gen Africaand the co-located Renewable Energy

World Africa events will be held inJohannesburg, South Africa, on 6-8 November2012. Nigel Blackaby, Conference Director forPennWell's International Power Group, saysthat the three conference tracks at thisinaugural event have been developed in orderto address the information requirements ofstakeholders in sub-Saharan Africa's powergeneration industry. The conference trackscover strategic concerns and technologyissues, and will be associated with renewablesat the Renewable Energy World Africa event.

The Strategic Track address topics including:● Energy Security.● Power Sector Regulation.● Financing Power Developments.● Investment Risk Mitigation.● Planning & Operational Challenges.● Industrial Power Generation.● Capacity Building, Skills & Training.● The Challenge of Rural Electrification.

Topics on the Technology Track agenda include:● Steam Technology.● Gas Turbine Technology.● Flexible Power Generation.● Fuel Quality Issues.● Operations & Maintenance.● Emissions Control.● Lifetime Extensions and Retrofits.● Performance Optimisation.

The Renewable Track brings attention to:● Renewable Energy Policies for Sustainable

African Development.● Wind Project Development.● The Future for Hydropower.● Geothermal Energy.● Opportunities Arising from Hydro

Rehabilitation, Modernisation and Upgrade.● Bioenergy Development – Domestic,

Commercial & Industrial.

● Rural Electrification from RenewableSources.

● Creating and Maintaining a Strong SolarIndustry in Africa.

Developing skills at the conferenceBlackaby confirms, also, that the Power-GenAfrica conference has gained support from theSouth Africa Institute of Electrical Engineers(SAIEE), in the form of credits that can beturned into opportunities for engineers tofurther their professional education whilstnetworking with their peers.

He says, "The energy challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa are many and they impactseriously on the overall performance of theregion's social and economic indicators.Improving the added value of African productswill require modern energy provision formanufacturing, processing, storage andtransportation. Energy is also needed for thedevelopment of small-scale enterprises, whichcan contribute to the region's economicsurvival and growth. Power-Gen Africa andRenewable Energy World Africa will lookclosely at how this can be achieved."

Key exhibitors in the power sectorThe exhibition runs parallel to the conference.Blackaby notes, "The exhibition offers a uniqueopportunity for African power industry playersto meet their international counterparts, toexplore, research, engage, discuss and debateas well as to source and view newtechnologies, products and services fromaround the world." The exhibition has attracted exhibitors frommore than 20 countries, includinginternational firms such as:● Ansaldo Energia of Italy.● Pratt & Whitney of the USA.● Siemens of Germany.● Tiveni of India.● Wartsila of Finland.● WorleyParsons of Bulgaria and England.● Andritz Hydro of Austria.

Both global and localParticipating as an exhibitor is expected toreap rewards for local companies, which willhave the opportunity to demonstrate acompetitive edge to influential decision-makers, to promote new technologies,products and services, and to generate salesleads - and explore business opportunities.The key driver for small firms is to meet newpartners in dynamic surroundings, toenahce commercial prospects. And thepotential is apparent. Says Blackaby, "Sub-Saharan Africa consumes just 2.7 per cent ofworld commercial primary energy. In termsof electrical energy use. The gap is evenmore glaring with per-capita electricityconsumption in many Sub-Saharan Africancountries at the rate of 1/100th that of theUSA. Africa's potential as a growingeconomic force is dependent uponadequate power supplies and theopportunities for developing the requiredinfrastructure are considerable. ■

www.powergenafrica.com

Bringing global energyexpertise to AfricaEnergy industry professionals network and share knowledge at the firstPower-Gen Africa conference and exhibition

Aggreko hires out gas and dieselgenerators, load banks, heaters, airconditioners and chillers. Aggrekoequipment is used in a wide variety ofsettings including power stations, mines,offshore oil platforms, shipyards,construction and contracting facilities - andhigh-demand power applications relatedto emergency response and disastermanagement. Operating out of Dubai, inthe UAE, Aggreko's Global Projects business,can ship powerplants - capable of poweringentire cities - to anywhere in the world,making them operational within days ofreaching the destination.

A key provider of power solutions

S10 ATR Nov 2012 Power_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:15 Page 50

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S11 ATR Nov 2012 Construction 01_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:54 Page 51

used EquipmentCONSTRUCTION

Better buying ofbuilding machines

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World summit for used technology in 2013

World Trade Fair for Used Technology

22 – 24 April 2013 Cologne, Germany

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Outside Europe, where the market remains slow,construction machinery dealers are generally reportinglively sales of used (secondhand) contractors’ plant of all

types. Conditions here in Africa are particularly buoyant, aperennial problem locally being a general shortage of good qualityused plant – especially machines bearing the best-knowntraditional brand names like Caterpillar, Komatsu and Volvo CE.Theobvious reason is that new plant is so very costly these days, andgoing up all the time as contractors invest in the latest plant whichoffers maximum productivity at lowest cost in terms of fuel andmaintenance. All reflected in the healthy bottom lines of theworld’s major manufacturers, of course.

A good used machine of reasonably recent date can usually beacquired locally for a price somewhere in the one-half to two-thirdscost of a new machine. Major one-brand distributors will oftenexceed this for their best offerings, because the demand is sostrong and it takes so long to ship in a new customised machinefrom overseas.

Primary sales by good tradersCheck on the website of the sort of manufacturer you would like tosupport and you will find that most encourage used-equipmentsales – and often specifically in your own country too. With thebacking of local distributors (who usually try to offer a full range ofmachines) they do this because it props up their sales of newequipment so well; primary buyers are much easier to encourageto acquire at the full price if they know there will be a good trade-in return to be relied on when the user moves on. And they areencouraged to keep their plant in good order too.

Of course, these primary sellers invariably check over and putright the machines they sell on in this way, but at a price. They have

to do this to support both their own reputation and that of thebrand(s) they deal in. The consequence of this is that in order to getthe very best deal building and mining contractors in Africa usuallyhave to use their own initiative and strike out by arranging a good‘find’ and subsequent purchase on their own.

Probably, the best way to do this is to rely on the local networkof business operators; active membership of your local Chamber ofCommerce is a major advantage. The best opportunities are to befound in ‘fire sales’ – a local rival has gone out of business for somereason and the liquidators have to raise as much cash to pay off thedebts as possible, and quickly too. Being first on the scene at suchan occasion is a very handy position to be in, especially if you havecash or a pre-arranged finance package available. A cellphonereally comes into its own at such a time as this. Failing that you’llhave to visit your local distributors, who will almost invariably beable to supply a top-grade item. But they will may charge a heftypremium for this service.

Pointers on priceFailing that you might have to use the international auction route.The best known entry to this is provided by the Ritchie Brotherswebsite www.rbauction.com which will tell you where the nextnearby event this enterprising business will be arranging (oftenhandily nearby in the Gulf ) will be held, and also some priceindications from recent events.

But these are only pointers as the price realised will very muchreflect the conditions prevailing in the probably far-distant countryconcerned. Add on the costs of shipping a single heavy machinelike a digger or wheel loader to Africa and the delivered cost will bemuch higher still. And even more so if it has to be moved upcountry. ■

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Advanced concrete roof tile-makingmachinery from Vortex Hydra S.r.l. ofItaly’s Fossalta di Copparo* is operational

in almost every country in Africa. Applicationsinclude durable high-quality coloured roofing,floor and wall cladding materials.

The company also supplies machinery for themanufacture of small-medium scale concreteblocks and paviors manufacture (6-8cmthickness) for outdoor use.

In business for more than 40 years thisFerrara-based company is an acknowledgedworld leader in such automated building-materials equipment which is all based on aproven high-pressure extrusion process.

“Concrete tiles are a fine roofing product,”the company says, pointing out that roof tilemanufacturing in particular presents a splendidbusiness opportunity throughout Africa. Usinglocal available raw materials such a cement,sand and water many of the company’sclientele have been able to set up viable

businesses to meet the local demands forbetter quality housing.

“Our mission is to create a partnershiprelation with our customers, offering equipmentthat is simple to operate and maintain.”

Multiple tile profiles and surface finishes areavailable and are processed with minimumenergy consumption, with plant output levelsranging from 1,000 up to 50,000 pieces per shiftaccording to the production system chosen:‘Uno’, ‘Modulo’, ‘Rotary’ or ‘Matrix’. In countriessuch as South Africa roof tiles are not onlyproduced by large national companies usingVortex fully automatic high volume productionplants but are also manufactured in rural areasby small family concerns and entrepreneurs whoset up in the industry with one of the smalllower output affordable UNO type plants. TheUNO plants that offer selection from 1,000-16,000 tiles per shift range of plants have beensuccessfully designed to be both reliable andeasy to use in both operation and maintenance.Throughout Africa the low-medium output UNOstart up size plants are extremely popular. A bigadvantage with the new Uno Evoluzione typeplant is that a customer can start with a smallplant and add components to it at some futuredate enabling an increased output to beachieved as his product sales expand in his localmarket. Another attraction is that the UNOplants are unique in as much as it possible for acustomer to manufacture other types of buildingproducts with the machine in addition to that of

roof tiles. This enables a customer to be able tobroaden his building product base in the localmarket. Such additional products includeconcrete wall and floor décor tiles, brick facings,stone wall cladding, coping stones andMarmoroc exterior building claddingcomponents.

Training, assistance with installation andcommissioning, full customer technical serviceand after-sales support is available on all products.Plants for the production of concrete blocks andpaviors are also popular throughout Africa. Allthese high-quality building products that can beprofitably manufactured locally are based on theuse of robust metal (aluminium) moulds andshaping heads, producing a very strongconstruction material that offers sharp and precisedefinition and can be cut to size as required.

Whatever the colour chosen the normalinitial curing period for these concrete productsis 24 hours, but under forced warm air heatingconditions this can be reduced to just seven oreight enabling a plant to operate on a doubleshift basis. A further period for outdoor naturalhardening is recommended before the tiles areapplied to a building.

The standard concrete blocks and paviorsthat can be produced by Vortex Hydra’s relatedhigh pressure vibration process require onlysuitable dry sand, cement and water tocomplete and distribute to your customers. ■

* www.vortexhydra.com

ConcreteCONSTRUCTION

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Robust tile, block andcladding machinery fromVortex HydraRequiring only local rawmaterials and minimum energyexpenditure the range of high-quality building materials thatcan be produced from thisestablished Italian company’spurpose-built machinery isimpressive

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

In countries such as South Africa roof tiles are not onlyproduced by large national companies using Vortex fullyautomatic high volume production plants but are alsomanufactured in rural areas by small family concernsand entrepreneurs

“UNO plants are unique because they enablecustomers to manufacture many types of building

products, in addition to that of roof tiles”

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ServicesCONSTRUCTION

56 African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

LOAD, MIX, DELIVER AND DISCHARGE UP TO 130 M3 OF QUALITY CONCRETE PER DAY

carmix.com

30020 Noven ta d i P iave , Venez ia - I t a l y - Te l . +39 .0421 .65191 - i n fo@carmix .com

4X4 mixers & dumpers

Professional consulting engineeringcompany Vela VKE, which recently becamea part of the SMEC Group following the

June 2012 merger with the global engineeringconsultancy firm, is currently involved in anumber of high-profile geotechnicalconstruction projects across South Africa.

Vela VKE (part of the SMEC Group) head ofgeotechnical section Fernando Pequenino pointsout that the Pretoria-based team offers a full rangeof geotechnical services coveringconceptualisation, planning, investigation, designand construction.

“The expertise available within the section is farreaching and includes services relating tocommercial, industrial and residential

developments, earth dams, earthworks, slopestability, bridges, viaducts and tunnels.”

The geotechnical team is working on theN2/26 freeway expansion project for the SouthAfrican National Roads Agency SOC Limited(SANRAL) Eastern Region - on the widening ofthe tolled section of the N2 from the UmdlotiInterchange to Tongaat Plaza in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

“A significant feature of the project is thewidening of the 250-m-long Umdloti River viaductsusing the incremental launch method (ILM), whichinvolves the prefabrication of the units of thebridge under factory conditions behind theabutment, before launching it by sliding it onTeflon bearings into the final position without theaid of scaffolding.”

Consulting at theforefront of construction

Fernando Pequenino of Vela VKE

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Pequenino notes that the geotechnicalsection undertook a detailed investigationalong the route during the latter half of 2010.“The viaducts are being founded using largediameter, end-bearing oscillator pilefoundations to depths of over 40 m. The deeppiles resulted from the viaducts beingsituated on a deeply incised paleo channel,which was filled with compressible alluvialsediments. As part the design team, thegeotechnical section was involved inensuring that the new piles would be able toaccommodate the loads within acceptabledeformation criteria as a result of a newdeeper deck section design.”

A second component of this project forSANRAL is the upgrading of the MountEdgecombe Interchange along the N2

freeway in Kwa-Zulu Natal, which is set tobecome one of the largest interchanges inSouth Africa when it is fully-constructed.

“Piled foundations in the form of largediameter screwed-in-casing friction augerpiles, that are 35 m long, are proposed for twoviaducts of 443 m and 947 m length at thefour-level Mount Edgecombe Interchange,”Pequenino continues. “The geotechnical teamhas been integrally involved in the schemedevelopment where traffic, geometric,structural and geotechnical constraints wereconsidered in an effective interchange layout,where constructability and ground conditionswere key to the final layout selected. Thisproject is presently out on tender, andconstruction work is expected to begin in thefirst quarter of 2013.”

Pequenino notes that the geotechnicalsection was commissioned in May 2012 torehabilitate a subsidence which formed in theslow lane of the northbound carriageway ofthe R21 freeway near the OlifantsfonteinInterchange in Centurion.

The rehabilitation involves the constructionof a stiff stone column and rock layer, which isintegrated with a high strength geotextileinstalled below the roadway.

This aspect of the project was particularlychallenging. Pequenino says, “The stonecolumns were installed by driving the stoneinto the ground by dropping a large weightfrom a considerable height. The capping layerwhich is formed in this manner reduces thesettlement potential, while partially archingover the poorer in situ soils.” ■

CONSTRUCTIONServices

57African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

www.

think

-adv

.com

Piling work being carried outat the N2-26 Project in KZN 2

Rehabilitation of sinkholeon N14 near Jean Avenue

Proposed N2 MtEdgecombe Interchange

S11 ATR Nov 2012 Construction 01_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:54 Page 57

Mantrac Kenya Ltd’s commitment tothe construction industry is well-known. As the authorised dealer for

Caterpillar Worldwide (Caterpillar –which isguided by the motto Paving All day, EveryDay), Mantrac exploits its pool of knowledgein its 11 territories by applying its groupstrategy of sharing knowledge, experiencesand successes with customers as it also forgesahead with them. Among its strengths includeexcellent and exceptional after-sales service,great support from partners such asCaterpillar (this has brought it great success)and commitment to support local clientele inits different areas of operations. In particular,the group in Kenya has invested in spare partsworth over Ksh400mn and unit stocks allworth billion of shillings.

Equipment soldCaterpillar road construction equipment soldby Mantrac includes Motor Graders (the 140Kseries); D6R and D7R Track-Type Tractor; 320DL Hydraulic Excavators (for Africa and theMiddle East); 329D L and 329 LN HydraulicExcavators and the 950H Wheel Loader.Caterpillar’s paving product line showsproducts that include Smooth DrumVibratory Soil Compactors, Padfoot DrumVibratory Soil Compactors, Track Pavers,Wheeled Pavers, Vibratory Screeds, Vibratoryand Temper Bar Screeds Utility Compactors,tandem Vibratory Rollers, PneumaticCompactors, Reclaimers/Stabilisers/RotaryMixers and Cold Planers. The Cat pavers andScreed Solutions catalogue is elaborate onfeatures and specifications including onmaterial delivery, operating environment andcontrols, wheel undercarriage, Mobil-Tracundercarriage and the AP Paver series. Screedfeatures and specifications are alsohighlighted including electric screed heat,tamper screed features, Cat Grade and Slopeand the AS Screed series. Information onsustainability, product link, service andsupport is also included.

On Caterpillar earthmoving and excavationequipment, one understands that beforepaving can be done, the site needs to beprepared which motor graders do effectively.All new Caterpillar equipment used forroadbuilding in East Africa utilises the ACERTEngineering (the advanced combination ofemission reducing technology) system thatreduces fuel consumption and increase powerand productivity of the equipment. Theequipment power train is also eased by theelectronic clutch press control (ECPC). Theundercarriage of the medium track-type isvery vital for operations and costs about 50 percent of the total cost of the equipment; thefuel and engine compartments are nowpartitioned from the cooling(radiatorcompartment) to reduce cooling requirementsand to enhance engine efficiency.

Equipment and machineries managementVictory Contractor has expressed concernover widespread theft of fuel from roadconstruction equipment and machinerygenerated quite some interest. Mantrac’smanagement has explained that concernover this issue has persistently been raised byother customers, too. Today, Caterpillar isfitting (on request) a product-link thatoperates akin to a CCTV device. Linked to acomputer at the client’s chosen point, it hasan alarm and machine-shut down system andis a reliable means of monitoring how theequipment or machine is being used. TheGSM equipment incorporates a fuel loss alertthat uses the SMS system to alert owners, oncell phone, of sudden massive fuel loss.

The device is linked to Mantrac’s servicedept and can locate the equipment on site;it is able to identify maintenance alarmsand can easily identify cause of equipmentbreakdown on site. Its additional featuresare its ability to monitor fuel usage byrecording working uptime and idle time.Nevertheless, customers expressed concernthat fraudsters often overtake technology

and insisted that anti-theft researchendeavours for equipment continue; thisshould include development of a specialfuel for heavy equipment and machineriesnot readily saleable to normal traffic.

One considers that the longevity andreliability of road surfaces depends on how itsvarious layers are constructed. Aspects suchas asphalt provisioning, loading, paving andcompaction also impact the life. The roadsurface layers start at the lowest level withthe sub-grade, embankment fill, aggregatebase, binder course, intermediary course andthe friction or wear layer which is the lastcourse on which traffic moves.

Mantrac stocks, also, Caterpillar equipmentfor base preparation, paving and maintenanceand rehabilitation; 25 per cent of Mantrac’sequipment (about 75 models) are for pavingpurposes. The pavers comprise tractors andscreed: the screeds lay asphalt mix withpredetermined width (2.5 to 8 metre),thickness and specific profile. The paver canbe on either wheels or tracks; the tracks couldalso be either rubber or steel. Small asphaltpavers are also on wheels or tracks.

Caterpillar manufactures pneumaticcompactors for paving both roads and soilgrounds in other applications. Soilscompactors (including the padfoot drum andpadfoot shell) use the vibratory smooth drumthat utilises the Caterpillar dual pump propelssystem. Other equipment mentioned in thepresentation include cold planners such asthe mill and fill that remove damaged outerroad surfaces; recyclers and stabilisers thatcan also be used in agriculture for groundpreparation (soil stabilisation) to prevent soilerosion and for fertiliser application. Toachieve good roads, one needs stabilisers,graders and compactors. Among others,Caterpillar is now making weilers for roadwidening and transfer of road manufacturingvehicles among other purposes. ■

Fred Ndung'u Ng'ang'a

RoadsCONSTRUCTION

58

Exploiting knowledge tobuild routes to successInsights into corporate thinking on techniques and equipment for EastAfrican road construction

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

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PPC Cement manufacturing plant in Dwaalboom, LimpopoProvince, South Africa, loads an average of 2,600 bags or130,000 kg of palletised dry cement per hour for customers

throughout South Africa and in neighbouring countries. Theoperation is high-pressure, with a required truck loadingturnaround time of just 30 minutes.

In order to keep up with the time sensitive and demandingoperation, tough and dependable Hyster Fortens diesel forklifts werespecified to operate three eight-hour shifts per day during the weekand one shift per day over weekends.

Tough and reliableHyster is a global brand in materials handling equipment, offeringover 140 models of counterbalance trucks, warehouse and containerhandling equipment. The company invests heavily in research anddevelopment to ensure its products are at the forefront of thematerials handling industry, providing dependability and low cost ofownership for demanding operations everywhere.

The Hyster Fortens H3.5 FT and H7.0 FT are designed to be highlyproductive even in harsh and demanding operating environments. Theseven-tonne lift capacity machines are able to handle a couple of two-tonne pallets at a time, reducing the time required to load a 40-tontruck to approximately ten minutes and are also used to load trainstransporting cement further afield.

In fact, both the Fortens H3.5 FT and H7.0 FT are available in severalconfigurations - as Fortens, Fortens Advance or Fortens Advance+configurations, with Diesel or LPG engines, either 2-speed ElectronicPowershift or 3-speed DuraMatch transmissions (depending on the

model and configuraion) as well as advanced hydraulic and coolingsystem options, for performance optimised for a range of applications.

The equipment is reliable and well-suited to time sensitiveoperation, providing maximum productivity and minimum downtime.It is supported by a fleet management system and provided on a fullservice maintenance contract, including an on-site technician. Due tothe site’s remote location, standby machines have also been providedand forklift availability has increased to 99 per cent.

The fleet management system fitted to the Hyster fleet has helpedto reduce turnaround time in the warehouse, raising customersatisfaction levels and has heightened the level of driveraccountability, which also helps the drivers to be more efficient. ■

CementCONSTRUCTION

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Cementing customersatisfaction in SASouth African cement manufacturing at PPC Cement is more efficient andcreates enhanced customer satisfaction levels by using Hyster forklift truckswith specialist double pallet handling attachments

Tough Hyster trucks for PPCCement South Africa 1

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Tough Hyster trucks for PPCCement South Africa 2

Tough Hyster trucks for PPCCement South Africa 3

S12 ATR Nov 2012 Construction 02_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:56 Page 60

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AVX Corporation, a manufacturer andsupplier of electronic components,recently produced the world’s first

capacitors containing validated conflict-freetantalum from the Democratic Republic ofCongo (DRC). The capacitors have beenshipped to US communications andelectronics company, Motorola Solutions inApril. This arrangement was made possible bythe commitment of both companies to theSolutions for Hope (SfH) initiative, which aimsto see the DRC become a reliable andsustainable source of conflict-free tantalum.

Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-grey,lustrous transition metal that is highlycorrosion resistant. It is part of the refractorymetals group, which are widely used asminor component in alloys. The chemicalinertness of tantalum makes it a valuablesubstance for laboratory equipment and asubstitute for platinum, but its main usetoday is in tantalum capacitors in electronic

equipment such as mobile phones, DVDplayers, video game systems and computers.Tantalum, always together with thechemically similar niobium, occurs in theminerals tantalite, columbite and coltan (amix of columbite and tantalite).

Concerns about cash from DRC tantalumflowing to armed conflict groups resulted in anumber of unintended consequences.Companies responded by implementing self-imposed bans on tantalum from the region,which caused massive job losses for theCongolese whose lives were supported bythe industry. Further, a massive amount ofresources sat by as consumers attempted tomanage rapidly-escalating tantalum prices.

In July 2011 Motorola Solution launchedthe Solutions for Hope Project as a pilotinitiative to source conflict-free tantalumfrom DRC. AVX announced that it would be apartner. To ensure that supplies remainconflict-free from mine to finished product, a

pipeline was established whereby tantalum isobtained from specific mining concessions inNorth Katanga. The rights to that land areowned by Mining Mineral Resources (MMR). Amining co-operative called Cooperative DesArtisanaux Miniers du Congo (CDMC), hasbeen contracted to manage the artisanalminers at the site.

In a semi-mechanised operation, MMRremoves the overburden and artisanal minersremove the underlying tantalum, which iscollected, weighed, and logged. This process iswidely referred to throughout the industry as a‘bag and tag scheme.’ The tantalum is thentransported to a depot in Kalemie, DRC whereAVX pays market price for it and exports theore to Johannesburg, South Africa.

From there, the tantalum goes to China’sF&X Electro-Materials, a certified smelter. It isconverted into wire or powder and thenshipped to AVX’s Czech Republic facility,where capacitors are made. After

InvestmentMINING

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Taking on tantalumHow market conditions, commercial relationships and the introduction ofnew technologies are affecting the artisanal mining for tantalum in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Doosan wheels out new loadersA new range of Doosan wheel loadershas been launched for markets in theMiddle East and Africa. Building on thedesign of the previous Mega range, thenew Doosan DL250A, DL300A andDL420A wheel loaders offer severalimprovements for better performance,greater operator comfort, easierhandling and serviceability, as well asincreased durability.

High operator comfortThe new ROPS/FOPS certified cab offersindustry-leading operator comfortthrough a combination of increased space (six per cent more volume inthe DL250A and 11 per cent more in the DL300A and DL420A models);better visibility due to a wider front glass section; better air conditioningwith a 30 per cent increase in air nozzles; a new instrument panel; a newlayout for controls and switches and improved storage areas.

New ZF axlesThe new wheel loaders feature new versions of the ZF axlespreviously used on the Mega models. The DL250A features the MT-

L3085 version II axle in the front andthe MT-L3075 II axle at the rear. TheMT-L3085 II is used for the rear axle onthe DL300A with the ZF MT-L3095 IIaxle on the front.

Hydraulics and steering optimisedNew O-ring faced seal pipes and hosesin the loader hydraulic systems,combined with new materials and highclass components such as theHydraforce LIS valve, increase qualityand reliability.

Easier servicing and maintenanceIn the DL250A wheel loader, the radiator grille opens wider for betteraccess, while the swing-out fan on the DL300A and DL420Asimplifies maintenance. The DL250A features a new cooler while, inall three models, the air conditioner condenser is assembled with thecoolers for better protection. In the DL250A, the air conditionercondenser can be accessed directly by lifting the grille.

www.doosanequipment.eu

The new Doosan DL300A wheel loader offers performance, operatorcomfort, easy handling and serviceability, as well as superior durability

S13 ATR Nov 2012 Mining_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:59 Page 62

www.bomag.com

… and even more profitable: BW 332 DEEP IMPACT .32 tonnes harnessed to one single drum roller - the result: another masterpiece from our engineers. The heaviest single drum roller in the world, the BW 332, now offers you 50% more compaction performance*. The benefit: maximum compaction performance at minimum cost per cubic metre. Like to know more? Find out at www. bomag.com15% more surface performance plus 35% increased depth effect (up to 4 m) give 50% higher overall performance compared to machines in the 26 t class.

TH!NK. Time for new standards. BOMAG.

*

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S13 ATR Nov 2012 Mining_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:59 Page 63

InvestmentMINING

64

manufacturing the capacitors, AVX sends outthe conflict-free tantalum products topartners. For the first pilot run, the partnerwas Motorola Solutions.

A conflict-free supply chainA document said to be from an independentaudit conducted by Gregory Mthembu-Salter,a consultant to the United Nations Group ofExperts, confirmed that mineral output fromthe two mines in the pilot was conflict-freeaccording to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)guidelines, though certain risks and areas forimprovement were highlighted.

Samples of tantalum are reportedly takenalong the pipeline, including at the mine,depot, warehouse, and smelter. Bill Millman,technical and quality director of AVX’stantalum division, said that until SfH is fullyintegrated into its supply chain, everycapacitor with DRC ore will be marked with itsown traceable ID.

US-based Kemet, another manufacturer oftantalum capacitors, also has a conflict-freetantalum production project underway inthe DRC. The company has secured a long-term supply agreement with a mine inKatanga, which has never been a conflictarea, said Dan Perisco, Kemet’s vice presidentof strategic management and businessdevelopment. However, as a precautionarymeasure, there is a police presence at thesite, which is also semi-mechanised and reliesupon artisanal miners. In February, Kemetannounced the completion of its deal toacquire Niotan, a tantalum powdermanufacturer. ‘We now have a smelter. Wehave the ability to produce capacitors. So wehave a closed pipeline and we put a wholecommunity back to work,’ Perisco said.

Projects to bring conflict-free tantalumback to the market have been highlyanticipated by some while widely criticised byothers. Millman says traders in the DRC have agrudge against the scheme. ‘The traders’business is their contacts, their knowledge ofthe mines, and their ability to connect thedots between the processor and the miner, sothey don’t want transparency and they do notcontribute to the closed pipeline,’ he said.

According to some industry analysts, non-DRC and non-African mines seem to believethat all the new safeguards against conflictminerals do not work. They maintain thatsupply out of the DRC will affect pricing, andcertain companies have worked very hardover the last few years to paint a negativepicture of all material out of Africa, exceptthat in Mozambique.

As DRC tantalum fell from the market’sgraces, the void was filled by suppliers inother regions. Three major mines closed

during the global economic crisis and supplywas believed to be tight. An economicrecovery also appeared to be emerging, sousers who had been destocking were eagerto get their hands on conflict-free supply. Inthese conditions, prices escalated, runningfrom about $45 to $150/lb. But it appears thatend users will welcome supply from the DRC.In addition to Motorola Solutions, otherinternationally recognised companies such asHewlett Packard (HP), Intel, and Nokia havebecome partners in SfH. According toMillman, the historic price volatility andcontroversy over conflict minerals has ledsome users to substitute other materials fortantalum. He described the cyclical nature ofthe industry, saying that the price of tantalumgoes up and then the price comes down. Thiscycle typically takes 18 to 24 months, he said.

According to Perisco, the high prices seenduring this uptrend simply are notsustainable for many end users, includingcapacitor manufacturers. ‘We believe longterm the sustainable price is somewherebetween $60 to 80/lb,’ he says. ‘We believe[the project in the DRC] will eliminate a lot of

the volatility and speculation out of themarket.’ Some may raise concerns that effortsto bring prices down may hurt artisanalminers in the DRC, but Perisco does notforesee this happening. ‘When prices wentfrom $45 to $150, the artisanal miners madeno more money. It all went further down thesupply chain,’ he said.

That some users have become frustrated bymarket conditions and have abandoned themarket, and capacitor manufacturers havetaken it upon themselves to forge directrelationships in the DRC, should serve as a callfor tantalum producers to carefully considertheir pricing policies. The fact that capacitormanufacturers are leading the efforts torevive the DRC tantalum industry may alsohighlight opportunities for miners willing toassess that region. The DRC is considered oneof the world’s largest sources of tantalum.Perisco says that as far as he is aware, no oneeven knows for sure how much is there. But,he adds, the tantalum found thus far is highgrade and easy to mine. ■

Jon Offei-Ansah

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

The world’s largest articulatedunderground mining truckAtlas Copco has given attendees at the2012 MINExpo in Las Vegas, in the USA, asneak peek at the world’s largestarticulated underground mining truck,the Minetruck MT85, which has beendesigned for demanding conditions withfocus on safety, ergonomic and operatorscomfort to maximise productivity inunderground haulage.

Ben Thompson, Product Manager at AtlasCopco’s Underground Rock ExcavationDivision, explained, “This truck is designed tofit the same drift dimensions of 50 and 60tonne class trucks with one essentialdifference. It will haul 85 tonnes which gives atremendous productivity boost in terms of

fewer trucks and tonnes/kilometres per hour.”Thompson emphasises that the

Minetruck MT85 is also fast and highlymaneuverable on ramps and inclines.

“This means that fewer cycles need to bemade which, in turn, reduces the cost oftransport in relation to the amount ofmaterial hauled.

“Not only that, the new MT85 truck nowgives mining companies a more costeffective way to haul ore in the mine. Itmakes it more attractive to go for deeper orebodies by ramp instead of sinking a shaft.”

The Minetruck MT85 has high capacity (butfits in a small envelope) is 3.4 m wide and 3.5m high, easily fitting into 6.0 x 6.0 m drifts.

Despite its length - at 14.0 m - theMinetruck MT85 has an impressive turningradius of 44 degrees which is largely thanksto its electro-hydraulic steering of the rearaxle which gives maximum maneuverability.

This truck also offers a high degree ofmodularity and options. The dump box canbe tipped at the side of the vehicle as wellas at the rear. There are also two tailgateconfigurations (hinged at top or at bottom),three engine power alternatives (535, 760 or1 010 hp) as well as four wheel or six wheeldrive to full fill different customer’s needs.

The Minetruck MT85 from Atlas Copco offers a payloadof 85 tonnes and fits into the majority of mine rampsand inclines, thereby boosting haulage capacity whilelowering transport costs

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Ten years of boom within the miningindustry may be coming to an end. Thecommodities 'supercycle' began in 2004

and there are already signs that it is slowingdown. Some commentators suggest we arenow facing 20 years of downturn. Althoughthis seems unlikely, cost management will beincreasingly important for mining companies.Effective remote communications can helpincrease the efficiency of business operationsand the value of technology investments,says Bernie Branfield, General Manager atDatasat Communications..

Mining and financial publications thissummer seem to have been full of headlineslike 'End of the supercycle' or 'Death of thesupercycle'. In this scenario, we have entereda vicious circle. The slowing of the Chineseeconomy is impacting commodity prices;which is impacting mining share prices; bothof which are impacting the growth plansand profitability of mining companies. Theresult is the period of boom the industry hasexperienced since 2004 will come to anatural conclusion. The most pessimisticoutlook is for a return to the dark ages ofcommodities between 1973 and 2003.

Not everyone agrees with this prognosis.Although the Chinese economy is notgrowing as quickly as before - only 7.5 percent forecast growth for 2012 - theAustralian mining sector continues toexpand rapidly. In fact, the Australiangovernment estimates that around 60 percent of all capital expenditure on buildingand construction in the country are relatedto mining. Many analysts point out thatthere is still a very pronounced upwardcurve in global demand for almost allminerals and metals. Allied to diminishingsupplies and you have a situation whereprices may fall slightly in the short term - butnot off a cliff.

Of course, the difficulty is that, at the sametime as prices and share values are in flux,the cost of production is rising. Deutsche

Bank estimates the cost of running andbuilding mines increased by between 10-15per cent in 2011. You don't have to look toofar for the reasons for this. Copper mines, forexample, now have to dig up 50 per centmore rock than they did in 1994 for the sameamount of the metal.

It is against this backdrop that BHP Billitonannounced it is to shelve US$80bn ofinvestment it had planned for 2015. Yet,Latin America and Africa still offer manypotentially attractive opportunities. So, thesupercycle may not be coming to an end, itmay simply be changing shape.

A focus on cost managementWhether we go into a supercycle mark II orexit the current supercycle altogether, thetransitional period will increase theindustry's focus on effective costmanagement. It's instructive to see that theErnst & Young report on the business risksfacing mining in 2011 and 2012 saw 'Capitalproject execution' appear at number 5 in thetop ten list where it had not appeared at allin the previous list. This was three placesabove the perennial 'Cost management'.

The Ernst & Young report states,“Upstream metals and mining projectscomprise a significant percentage ofcompany spend and require particularfocus on budgets, schedules andexecution.” Given the current climate, it isattractive to focus on short-term costcutting but this should be complementedby taking steps to generate longer termvalue for the mining company.

The effective use of remotecommunications can help in both respects.Of course, a mining company is not going toalter its mine plans solely based on thequality of the communications infrastructureavailable but remote communications has adisproportionately high effect on businessefficiency for the amount of capitalexpenditure.

High performance network architecturesFor a mine operation to be as efficient andprofitable as possible, there has to be areliable, high performance and easilyadaptable network infrastructure. The needfor data hungry applications and real-timeinformation sharing has grown rapidly. Theinability to meet these demands can becostly. One industry estimate suggested thatthe oil and gas industries alone lose US$15bneach year through poor decision makingfrom lack of access to relevant informationwhere and when it is needed.

In addition, in uncertain economic times,all companies will look to control head count.The mining industry is no different. However,the mining industry is slightly different as it isfaced with a growing crisis in terms ofavailable skills. One way to address this area isto look for business processes that can behandled through remote operations. Formost organisations, the success of increasedremote operations will be determined by therobustness and availability of the networkthat lets them monitor and manage fromwherever the business requires - whether on-site, off-site or the other side of the world.

To fully exploit the investment that amining company makes in communications,it should consider how to get the most fromits network infrastructure. Often, a site willrequire little more than Internet access andSCADA-style data applications. However,larger sites - especially in the more remotelocations on earth - have much moresophisticated demands. While mineengineers and geophysicists need to sharehuge files and video with headquarters,there is a need for access to highperformance business applications andminer welfare facilities.

There can be many different organisations -the mine owner, prime contractors and sub-contractors - on the site. This often leads tothe establishment of a number of differentnetworks on the same site. Today, it is possible

CommunicationsMINING

66

If the wheels comeoff the supercycle...Why communications networks must be reliable and adaptable to supportefficient and profitable mine operation

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

S13 ATR Nov 2012 Mining_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:59 Page 66

S13 ATR Nov 2012 Mining_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:59 Page 67

to create a single network infrastructure thatallows a number of sub-networks to operatesecurely and independently that reduces thecost of equipment and managementrequired to provide the range of networkservices the site requires.

Think innovativelyAn effective remote communicationsinfrastructure can give mine operators theopportunity to think innovatively. While manydifferent potential risks moved up and downErnst & Young's list, one remains very near thetop. Operators know that they have tomaintain a social licence to operate in theareas where they are active. In addition tosafety and environmental issues, this means

working closely with the local communities.For very little expense, mine operators canlook to extend their existing communicationinfrastructure to deliver educational andentertainment-style content to communitiesthat surround their sites.

Today, mining companies have access to agreater range of network technologies tocreate high performance, high-availabilitycommunications infrastructures anywhere inthe world. Developments in satellite meansthat high data rates can be achievedsecurely and affordably for inter-site andinter-country communications. Advances inwireless and mobile makes a wide range ofapplications available for intra-site and site-to-site communications.

Whether ending or changing shape, thecurrent focus on the mining supercycle isgiving us a chance to look at ways to makemine operations more efficient. Remotecommunications can help to reduce costsand introduce more remote operations onsites. In addition, it can help drive longerterm value by allowing operators to do morewith their infrastructures. A mining companyshould select a network service provider thatthey can work closely with to scope out itsspecific requirements and create acommunications infrastructure that willexactly meet its needs and budgets. ■

Bernie Branfield, General Manager, DatasatCommunications

CommunciationsMINING

68 African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

M&J Engineering has been engaged in thecompletion of an order for the supply andinstallation of 29 of its Weba Chute Systems atAssmang Manganese’s Black Rock MineOperations, about 80km north-west ofKuruman in South Africa’s Northern Cape. Thecompany has been undertaking all the sitesurveys as well as the design, fabrication,removal of the existing chutes, installation ofthe Weba Chute Systems and commissioningthese units. The 29 new Weba Chute Systemsare replacing the mine’s existing conventionaltransfer points. These have been in operationfor about two years, but are not performingto the required specifications.

“The Black Rock team called us in to surveyall 29 transfer points and our designconsequently reflects throughput increasesand greatly reduced potential for blockages,”M&J Engineering project manager, TedCruikshank, says. “Close co-operationbetween our team and Black Rock is ensuringthat the chutes are installed at specific timesto achieve minimum downtime.”

The Weba Chute Systems will carry ROMmaterial ranging in size from minus 150 mm.On the 900 mm ROM conveyor, bulk density

is 2.4 tons per cubic metre at an average of900 ton per hour with a conveyor speed of 2.7metres per second. The conveyor is movingmaximum size slabs up to 300 mm.

The transfer points vary in operationfrom bin discharge, silo discharge, plantfeed, primary feed and discharge,secondary feed and discharge, tertiary feed,desliming screen discharge and productbin chutes. The product bin chutes willhandle material with a maximum size ofminus 75 to plus 6 mm, and this sizedistribution is all saleable products.

M&J Engineering first supplied a skipdischarge Weba Chute System to Black Rock12 years ago and Cruikshank reports that thechute is still working well. The company hasalso supplied Weba Chute Systems to otherAssmang operations including Khumani,Beeshoek, Machadodorp and Cato Ridge.

Regardless of belt speed, belt width,material size, shape or throughput, theWeba Chute System eliminates theproblems associated with conventionaltransfer chutes and provides cost effective,productivity enhancing andenvironmentally friendly solutions.

A Weba Chute System feeding onto a discharge chute atBlack Rock

New chutes at Black Rock

Weba Chute Systems have been installed in the crushingplant and primary screening building at Black Rock

Weba desliming screen oversize chutes feeding onto theconveyor at Black Rock

Weba Chute Systems' surge bin discharge chute feedingonto the plant conveyor at Black Rock

One of the bin discharge chutes installed by Weba ChuteSystems at Black Rock

S13 ATR Nov 2012 Mining_Layout 1 18/10/2012 15:59 Page 68

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70

SOLUTIONS

AutomotiveRecording the rise in visitors toIAA international motor showNever before has an IAA event had so manynew commercial vehicles - vans, heavy trucks,buses - on show as the 2012 exhibition."Commercial Vehicles - Driving the Future”,which showcased the drive for innovation inmobility, transport and logistics.

The 354 world premieres - more than two-thirds of them from suppliers - set a newrecord. The number of exhibitors - 1,904exhibitors from 46 countries - is nine percent higher than in 2010, and the exhibitionspace was up by 11 per cent to 260,000square metres. This IAA Commercial Vehiclesevent had the second largest number ofparticipants and the second largestexhibition area since the IAA was dividedinto the IAA Cars and the IAA CommercialVehicles - that is, for 20 years.

By the time the IAA closed its door, over260,000 people had visited this key trade fair.

Issues in the spotlightAerodynamics was one of the very largetopics at the IAA. Progress has been made inthe design of the front of a truck, theconnection between the cab and the semi-trailer, the side covers and the rear of thetrailer. Manufacturers of trailers and bodiesare well on the way with their developments.Manufacturers of commercial vehicle tyresare also making important contributions tobring down the rolling resistance.

A walking tour of the IAA event revealedthat today the right drive train already existsfor every purpose. The range is moreextensive than ever before. There is thenatural gas drive train for distribution traffic.It can be found in vehicles up to the size ofheavy trucks. The advantage of this type ofpowertrain is that it has virtually noparticulate emissions any more - gaseousfuel ensures clean combustion. Almost allthe manufacturers had hybrid vehicles onoffer - ranging from small trucks for localdistribution all the way to long-distancetrucks. So this applies not only to the 7.5-

tonners. Hybrid technology can pay off evenin 40-tonne trucks. In a truck covering adistance of 150,000 kilometres annually,small savings of just a few per cent add upto a large reduction in CO2. Manymanufacturers also come with fully electricdelivery vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, some ofthem even heavier. These vans operate withzero local emissions and are so quiet theyonly "whisper.” The products of the financialservice providers in the commercial vehicletrade, for example attractive leasingpackages, were the subject of a dedicatedspecialist event at the IAA.

Another example of rising efficiency isintelligent, anticipatory transmissioncontrol: an electronic GPS control unitenables the vehicle to "recognise” thetopography of the motorway, and the truckkeeps the throttle open before starting aclimb - and on gentle downward slopes ituses freewheeling. The strategy forchanging gears or for operation of hybriddrives has been optimised to do just this.

The new Iveco Stralis Hi-Way debuted before a largeinternational audience

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Innovation comes tocommercials event

The origins of the IAA can be traced backto more than 100 years to 1897, when

eight vehicles were exhibited in Berlin, inGermany. Since then, a regular exhibition,attracting increasingly high visitor turnout,has been held. Attendance became so greatthat in 1992 the event had to be separatedinto an alternating exhibition of passengercars and commercial vehicles in 1991.

Celebrating commercial vehiclesThe IAA Commercial Vehicles event hasbeen held in Hanover, in Germany, in even-numbered years since 1992. In September2012 the 64th IAA Commercial Vehiclestook place. Amongst the key presentationsat the event was a display of innovations byZF Friedrichshafen AG, whose novelties metall current but also future industryrequirements - the best example of whichwas TraXon, a new automatic transmissionsystem for heavy commercial vehicles.

Thanks to its modular setup and numerousdetailed solutions, it is the latestbenchmark on the market. Here, againstthe backdrop of lightweight technology, ZFshowed how intelligent material use andfunctional integration help reduce theempty weight of commercial vehicles.

ZF's new TraXonautomatic

transmission system isvery flexible - the basic

transmission can becoupled with five drive

modules: a single ordouble-disk clutch; a

dual-clutch module;hybrid module; anengine-dependentPTO; and a torque

converter clutch”

Allison presentedadvanced transmissionsat IAA 2012 - including

the 3000 Series withretarder”

S14 ATR Nov 2012 Solutions_Layout 1 18/10/2012 16:12 Page 70

f l y w o r l d c l a s s

L o n d o n

N e w Yo r k

S14 ATR Nov 2012 Solutions_Layout 1 18/10/2012 16:12 Page 71

72

SOLUTIONS

Transport

African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

Monitoring the condition of railwayinfrastructure is an essential precondition forthe safe and reliable operation of railwaylines. Particularly cost-effective is the regularuse of inspection trains equipped withmeasurement systems.

Such systems need to measure accuratelyand quickly through high-speed inspectiontrains, thus minimising adverse effects onregular traffic. The devices should be robust,reliable and low-maintenance. In response tothese requirements Fraunhofer IPM offers aseries of modular railway measurementsystems for high-speed inspection trains,which are optimised for varying tasks.

Contact-wire ranging system (CRS)The CRS determines the position of up to fourcontact wires simultaneously withouttouching them, at speeds of up to 350km/hr.The core of the CRS is the new sector profilescanner (SPS), which is based on distancemeasurement with a high-frequencymodulated laser beam and the phase-measurement technique. The acquisitionrange of ±35° is continuously scanned by amirror with a maximum frequency of 800Hz.Height and stagger of the wire are deducedfrom the scan angle and the distance. With aset of linear transducers, which record the rotarymovement (roll) of the bogie, the wire positionscan be referenced to the track.

Contact wire wear-monitoring systemThe contact wire wear-monitoring system(WWS) deduces the degree of wear from thewidth of the sliding surface at contact wireswith a round bottom. A special unitilluminates the wires from below. Informationabout the wire position (eg from the CRS) isused to focus two cameras, which capture theimages of the sliding surface. A maximum offour wires can be processed in real-time andwithout gaps, at speeds up to about200km/hr.

3D clearance-profile scanner (CPS) for railwaysThe CPS continuously scans the surroundingof the track with up to 200 profiles per

second. Due to the continuous movement ofthe wagon, a three-dimensional image of theenvironment is generated. With each rotationthe rails are also detected, which allows usersto refer the values to the track centre, withoutany additional sensors.

The full functional versatility of the CPSsensor is achieved by several optional

software modules, which perform an onlineanalysis of the data and yield results of typicalmeasurement tasks: height and stagger ofthe contact wire, distance to adjacent track,and ballast profile.

With these software modules, the CPSeffectively becomes a unique multi-purposesensor.

Measurement systems for high-speed inspection trains

If a train passes through the measuring portal at a speed of 100 km per hour, the four

scanners scan the train shape every 3.5 cm; thevertical scanning plane is rotated slightly so that car

end faces and gaps are also measured”

The stationary Sector Profile Scanner SPS measures the geometry of passing trains; laser scanners ensure a precise 3Dgauging of train profiles as the train passes through a measuring portal (Photo: K-U Wudtke/Fraunhofer IPM)

S14 ATR Nov 2012 Solutions_Layout 1 18/10/2012 16:12 Page 72

S15 ATR Nov 2012 Solutions 01_Layout 1 18/10/2012 16:10 Page 73

Africa’s Community Listeners’ Clubs,and the Freeplay radios they rely upon,are helping to transform people’s livesin parts of the continent that do nothave access to a regular power supply.Set up by the Food and AgricultureOrganisation of the United NationsDimitra project (FAO-Dimitra) in

partnership with national non-governmental organisations (NGOs),Dimitra Community Listeners’ Clubs facilitate dialogue for individualsand groups and have proved to be an efficient way for isolated ruralcommunities to access information and engage in participatorycommunication which leads to action. The use of Freeplay’s solar andwind-up radios by the Community Listeners’ Clubs, has enabled villagersto share their concerns, priorities and needs, obtain relevant informationthat would otherwise be beyond their reach and take constructive actiontogether. The clubs are seen as a tool for empowering people, particularlywomen, and for giving them a voice and a role in their own developmentFreeplay radios are used by these clubs to listen to broadcasts and takepart in debates about agriculture, food security and rural development,including health, education, and social issues. This is a great means ofenabling communication within and between communities that share

similar experiences, concernsand opportunities.Each Community Listeners’Club - and there are now morethan 700 of them in bothNiger and the DemocraticRepublic of Congo (DRC) - isestablished following aprocess of consultation andtraining of women and menchosen by their owncommunities to guide theprocess. The clubs are thenprovided with Freeplay’srobust and reliable wind-upand solar-powered radios andstrong relationships are builtby the clubs with local radiostations, which broadcastprogrammes relevant to, andwith input from, the clubs andtheir members.

74

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African Review of Business and Technology - November 2012

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