CONNECTING THE CONTINENT

Agenda

Monday, October 6, 2008

Namibia: Investing in Infrastructure
Sponsored by the Republic of Namibia

The event will underscore the transformations in Namibia’s economy and inform U.S. companies about existing business and investment opportunities in infrastructure sub sectors, including energy, telecommunications, mining, roads, and ports.

SPEAKERS
• Honorable Dr. Hage Geingob, Minister of Trade and Industry, Republic of Namibia; and former Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia
• H.E. Patrick Nandago, Ambassador to the United States, Republic of Namibia
• Mr. David Limbili, Chairperson, Namibia Communiction Commission
• Mr. Johny Smith, Business Development Executive, Walvis Bay Corridor Group
• Mr. Sebby Kankondi, Managing Director, Namibian Ports Authority
• Mr. Knowledge Katti, Chairman, Kunene Energy
• Mr. Aaron Mushimba, Chairman, P.E. Minerals
 

WELCOME RECEPTION
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art

U.S. Department of State Bureau of African affairs co-hosts its 50th anniversary reception with Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, the Corporate Council on Africa, and the Business Coalition for International Understanding.

Keynote Speaker
Honorable Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State Art

 

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

WELCOMING ADDRESS
Dr. Jeffrey Sturchio, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, Merck and Company;
Chairman, The Corporate Council on Africa

Plenary One
“CREATING SUCCESS STORIES”

Plenary Description

The momentum behind Africa’s economic growth in recent years cannot be overstated. While many countries are continuing to build their economic strength, others are putting in place the necessary mechanisms to reap the rewards and sustain growth. This growth, however, cannot be sustained without developed infrastructure. Building better infrastructure is a top priority for African countries and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. African countries will require sustained cooperation from the private sector and international institutions as well as bilateral support to strengthen the economic growth that has created many successes. Panelists will highlight recent success stories in transportation, energy, ICT, and housing, demonstrating the requirements for future successes.

SPEAKERS
• Vice Admiral Thomas J. Barrett, (Ret.), Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
• Mr. Larry W. Walther, Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
• Ms. Jenny Netzer, Executive Vice President, MuniMae
• Mr. Jorge Jover, CEO, MITC Investimentos, SARL

MODERATOR
• Ms. Jodi Bond, Vice President of Global Government Affairs, Motorola; Conference co-chair
 

CONCURRENT MORNING WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOP A
“MEETING NIGERIA’S POWER NEEDS”
Sponsored by: U.S. Department of Transportation

Description

The Nigerian economy is currently experiencing rapid growth in both the oil and non-oil sectors. One area which is critical to enabling Nigeria to reach its potential as a leading global powerhouse by 2020 is the development of a reliable power sector. Developing Nigeria’s power sector will require the rehabilitation and expansion of its existing infrastructure, the development of efficient cost recovery schemes for investors, and the utilization of efficient alternative sources of power generation. This orkshop will focus on investment opportunities and current challenges in this sector, deemed as a priority area by the administration of President Umaru Yar’adua.

SPEAKERS
• Honorable Mrs. Fatima Ibrahim, Minister of State for Energy (Power), Federal Republic of Nigeria
• Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya, Managing Director/CEO, Oando Gas and Power
• Dr. Abba Ruma, Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Federal Republic of Nigeria
• Ms. Colleen Harkness, Managing Director of Global Growth, GE Energy Financial Services

MODERATOR
• Professor Bartholomew Nnaji, Chairman, Geometric Power

WORKSHOP B
“DEVELOPING AND IMPROVING AIR TRAFFIC INTO AFRICA”
Sponsored by Raytheon Company
Description

Progress in aviation has come slowly in Africa. However, globalization has reawakened the industry to its potential, and nations and private enterprises are working with international institutions on a number of projects. Positive developments in parts of the continent have shown promise. Yet for much of the interior, a key requirement for growth is establishing and strengthening systems of aviation law and regulations to guide development and improve levels of safety and security. Panel speakers will discuss the new air traffic control systems; emerging maintenance, repair, and overhaul entrepreneurs; and aviation security as it relates to air transportation infrastructure.

SPEAKERS
• Ms. Anita Mosner, Partner, Holland and Knight
• Ms. Maryann King, Director of Surveillance Technologies and Systems, Airspace Management and Homeland Security, Raytheon Company
• Mr. Marc Cavaliere, Executive Vice President for North America, South African Airways
• Ms. Cornelia Wilson-Hunter, Manager of the Safe Skies for Africa Program, U.S. Department of Transportation
• Dr. Bolanle Babalakin, Chairman, Bi-Courtney, Ltd.

MODERATOR
• Mr. Gary Messina, Director of Global Strategies, Raytheon Company

WORKSHOP C
“SAFE WATER: EMERGING BUSINESS MODELS TO MEET THE CHALLENGE”
Sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development

Description

New approaches to water service delivery based on sound business principles and practices are emerging to address sub-Saharan Africa’s water supply. Across Africa there are numerous success stories involving government leaders, businesses, and civil society organizations that have entered into creative partnerships to provide clean and secure water services at affordable prices. Innovative government policies are being enacted that provide for effective private sector participation in water service delivery while assuring that the poorer populations are adequately served. Panelists on this session will present some of these recent developments and explore how new technologies might be replicated on a broader scale across Africa.

SPEAKERS
• Mr. John Butler, Senior Associate, ARD, Inc.
• Mr. Richard D. Wilson, Vice President of the Infrastructure Group, Tetra Tech, Inc.
• Mr. Carl Mitchell, Group Leader of the Water Team, U.S. Agency for International Development
• Mr. Cameron O'Mara, Partner, EarthWater Global

MODERATOR
• Mr. William E. Bucknam, Vice President and General Counsel, Moving Waters Industries Corporation

WORKSHOP D
“PRIVATE EQUITY: EVOLUTION OF AFRICA’S LIQUIDITY MARKETS”
Sponsored by: U.S. Agency for International Development

Description

This workshop features some of the largest private equity investors in Africa. Panelists will discuss various lending programs and financing products available for infrastructure projects in Africa. They will provide insight to successful investing in mid-cap companies through specific project finance case studies in sub-Saharan Africa. This workshop will focus on a range of opportunities for American businesses to increase their lending activities in Africa, and will also provide best practices for successfully identifying, bundling, and bidding on new projects.

SPEAKERS
• Mr. Thomas Gibian, CEO, Emerging Capital Partners
• Mr. H. Jeffrey Leonard, President, Global Environment Fund
• Mr. Gad Cohen, Deputy Managing Director, InfraCo Management Services
• Mr. Babatunde Soyoye, Managing Director, Helios Investment Partners
• Mr. Richard Essex, CEO, East Africa Capital Partners

MODERATOR
• Ms. Barbara Brereton, Director of Private Equity Investment Funds, Overseas Private Investment Corporation

WORKSHOP E
“PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN POWER PROJECTS”
Sponsored by U.S. Agency for International Development

Description

Power has been the most critical and challenging infrastructure component in Africa with shortages being recognized as an important impediment to the economic development of the continent. Panel speakers will discuss structuring alternatives, including project finance and public-private partnerships, for developing and financing power projects with a focus on electricity generation. They will provide insight through specific case studies in sub-Saharan Africa to illustrate the opportunities and challenges of closing deals successfully. The impact of high commodity and equipment prices and the liquidity constraints in financial markets will also be discussed. Additionally, this panel will provide best practices for successfully identifying and bidding on new projects as well as the specific opportunities for American companies.

SPEAKERS
• Mr. Svetoslav Gatchev, Vice President, Delphos International
• Mr. Alain Rosier, Senior Project Manager, Nexant
• Mr. Haran Sivam, Director Business Development, Sithe Global Energy

MODERATOR
• Mr. Jeffrey Humber, Energy Advisor, USAID Africa Bureau

WORKSHOP F
"CONSTRUCTION AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT"
Sponsored by Ogun State

Description

Construction and urban development remains a key element in addressing Africa’s infrastructure needs. While investment in the sector has gained momentum in the last few years, the current investment represents only a fraction of the tremendous potential for construction and urban development across Africa. This panel will highlight recent strides and successes in construction and urban development that the organizations represented have made throughout Africa. Panelists will also discuss the challenges they faced and how to apply those lessons to upcoming projects. They will further discuss opportunities for future investments.

SPEAKERS
• H.E. Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Governor of Ogun State, Federal Republic of Nigeria
• Mr. Marc Parent, President, Tecsult International-AECOM
• Mr. Donald Stevens, President and Owner, Stucc On Steel Building Systems

MODERATOR
• Mr. William Killeen, President and CEO, Acrow Corporation
 

LUNCHEON
Sponsored by ExxonMobil

Speaker
Dr. Jean Baderschneider, Vice President of Global Procurement, ExxonMobil

This presentation will focus on supplier development and ways to create a free market business environment with limited government control that supports supplier development, capability and competition, and develops a national business plan to identify and advance competitive industries. This will leverage expertise and capital from international manufacturing and service companies to transfer knowledge and build in-country capabilities developing a reliable and sustainable local supply chains.

Plenary Two

“ENERGY: ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS”
Sponsored by Marathon Oil Corporation

Description

A new oil reality is forcing the world to examine the issues that confront us today and to explore forward-looking solutions to help mitigate the effects of today’s high oil prices. This plenary will examine Africa’s role in the world energy market and what the public and private sectors are doing to continue the strong relationship the United States and Africa have built over the last half-century.

SPEAKERS
• Mr. David E. Roberts, Jr., Executive Vice President for Upstream, Marathon Oil Corporation
• Mr. Mark Flannery, Managing Director and Global Head of Energy Research, Credit Suisse
• Honorable Dr. Elham Mahmoud A. Ibrahim, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union

MODERATOR
• Ms. Paula A. Freer, Director of International Government Affairs, Marathon Oil Corporation; Conference co-chair

TRAINING SEMINAR:
 "PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT AND PRICING STRATEGIES"

SPEAKERS
• Dr. Bill Derrick, Performance-Based Acquisition Specialist, SAIC
• Mr. Mark McConnell, Vice President for Business Development, SAIC

  Plenary Three
“U.S. POLICY IN AFRICA: WHAT’S WORKING? WHAT’S NOT? CREATING STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS WHILE PROMOTING STABILITY AND GROWTH”

Description

Panelists will examine current U.S. policies including successes and problem areas. In a dialogue with the audience, they will articulate areas of opportunities for Africans and Americans to work together in critical sectors across the continent. The focus will be placed on infrastructure, social issues, good governance, and the challenges to the stability and security of the African continent.

SPEAKERS
• Dr. Vijaya Ramachandran, Senior Fellow, Center for Global Development
• Honorable Dr. Elham Mahmoud A. Ibrahim, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union
• Ambassador Robert Houdek (Ret.)

MODERATOR
• Ambassador Frances Cook (Ret.), Principal, The Ballard Group; Board Member for Lonrho and Arlington Associates
• Admiral H. G. Harry Ulrich, (Ret.), Center for Naval Analysis
 

CONCURRENT AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOP G
"SCIENCE APPLICATIONS FOR CAPACITY BUILDING"
Sponsored by SAIC

Description

Effective capacity building in Africa relies on strong partnerships between government, industry, and local businesses and communities. Local infrastructure implementation must involve local community skills and requirements. On-the-ground capabilities must meet industry expectations if economic growth can be realized throughout the continent. This interactive workshop takes a look at capacity building in a variety of sectors and will necessitate audience participation. Through a discussion in renewable energy, the workshop will explore the potential for establishing an African coastal energy research consortium to encourage public-private partnerships for power projects in Africa. Within security concerns, the effects of HIV/AIDS on African military forces will feed the support needed to deal with those results. We will take a closer look at information and communication technology in the education sector. The workshop will also consider the need for cultural intelligence and contextual knowledge for successful programs and operations.

SPEAKERS
• Mr. Brian Williams, Division Manager, SAIC
• Ms. Kelly Woodland, HIV/AIDS Program Assistant, SAIC
• Dr. Jennifer Edwards, Director of Cultural Research, SAIC
• Ms. Linda Slonksnes, Program Manager, SAIC

MODERATOR
• Mr. Henry Kievenaar, Vice President/International Accounts Manager, SAIC

WORKSHOP H
“BEYOND FOSSIL FUELS: EARTH, WIND, AND FIRE”
Sponsored by Marathon Oil Corporation

Description

Africa’s vast supply of natural resources have been exploited and utilized for years. The availability of fossil fuels and other minerals important to driving growth around the world have not been effectively used as a base of social and economic development for much of Africa. This workshop will discuss non-fossil fuel energy sources and financing options that will help fill the energy gap facing Africa. Policy makers and industry leaders will discuss energy technologies such as nuclear, wind, solar, and geothermal. Carbon financing and renewable technology funds will also be discussed as ways to gain access to capital for projects in Africa.

SPEAKERS
• Dr. Lawrence Jones, Chairman and Chief Innovation Officer, The LAUVICOM Group
• Mr. Thierno Bocal Tall, Director, African Bio-fuels and Renewable Energies Fund
• Mr. Kenneth Smarzik, Managing Director Economic Growth, Emerging Markets Group
• Mr. Peter O’Donnell, Chairman, Elgon BioEnergy Inc.

MODERATOR
• Mr. David W. Fulton, Advisor and Director of Business Liaison Office of the U.S. Executive Director, The World Bank Group

WORKSHOP I
“MONITORING TROUBLED WATERS: MARITIME SECURITY”
Sponsored by Raytheon Company

Description

The inherent lack of maritime safety and security along the coasts of Africa has negatively affected economic development. African nations with important coastal regions continue to lose millions of dollars to fish poachers, criminal activity, drugs, arms, human trafficking, and oil theft in petroleum-producing nations. Adequate maritime security would enable African countries to better manage its natural resources and foster regional economic growth.

SPEAKERS
• Captain Philip Heyl, United States Africa Command
• Mr. Charlie Snyder, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civilian Police and Asia, Africa and Europe Programs, U.S. Department of State
• Mr. Raymond C. Visagie, Executive SHREQ, Namport (Republic of Namibia)
• Mr. Thomas Robison, Director of Civil Support and Response Programs Integrated Defense Systems, Raytheon Company

MODERATOR
• Mr. John Miller, Director for International Business Development, Raytheon Company

WORKSHOP J
“PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURE COMMUNICATIONS”
Sponsored by Motorola

Description

Public safety radio communications systems and biometric solutions for civil police, firefighters, emergency rescue operations, and border control are an essential part of a nation’s infrastructure. Such systems provide for improved coordination for safety and security agencies in both day-to-day operability as well as interoperability among local, state, federal, and neighboring governments. Citizens look to their elected public officials to provide basic public safety, protection of life and property, law enforcement, disaster relief, and crisis management. This session will discuss how an interoperable public safety and secure communications infrastructure promotes good governance and boosts international business and political confidence, thereby attracting larger-scale investments and socio-economic development.

SPEAKERS
• Mr. Ron Landenberg, Vice President Sales, Motorola
• Mr. Danny Pillay, Assistant National Commissioner, Republic of South Africa
• Mr. Anthony Goins, Oracle

MODERATOR
• Mr. Steve Crawford, Director of African Sales, Motorola

WORKSHOP K
“TRADE CORRIDORS: CONNECTING MARKETS”
Sponsored by U.S. Department of Transportation

Description

Trade corridors connecting African markets to the world are critical to economic growth and development across the continent. This workshop will focus on projects across Africa as a way to facilitate intra-African and international trade, and to increase business penetration of Africa’s interior markets.

SPEAKERS
• Mr. Paul Marin, Regional Director, sub-Saharan Africa, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
• Mr. Johny M. Smith, Business Development Executive, Walvis Bay Corridor Group
•Dr. Rosalind Thomas, Visiting Scholar, Johns Hopkins University; and former Director for NEPAD, Regional Integration and Trade at The African Development Bank
• Ms. Audrey Adams, Associate Director of Customs and Trade Facilitation, Crown Agents
• Mr. Chris O'Brien, Director, PDL Toll

MODERATOR
• Mr. Kevin Sample, Senior Trade Advisor, U.S. Department of Transportation

WORKSHOP L
“INVESTING IN POST-CONFLICT COUNTRIES”
Sponsored by: DynCorp International

Description

This workshop will address the challenges of investing in conflict-affected countries, drawing on the experiences of representatives from IFC’s infrastructure and Mining departments, a representative from Freeport-McMoran, and a representative from ContourGlobal. The panelists will speak to three topics: (i) what challenges did these investors face when beginning to operate or invest in conflict-affected countries, (ii) how did they resolve those challenges, and (iii) what role do they see for private sector actors in supporting peace.

SPEAKERS
• Mr. Laurence Carter, Director, Advisory Services, International Finance Corporation
• Mr. Dan P. Kravets, Director of Business Development and Growth, Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold
• Mr. Brian Fix, Partner, Salans
• Mr. Joseph C. Brandt, President and CEO, ContourGlobal

MODERATOR
• Mr. Robert Krech, Foreign Investment Advisory Services, International Finance Corporation/The World Bank
 

"SAIC CONNECTS WITH AFRICA RECEPTION"
Sponsored by SAIC

Description

The reception will end the evening with an opportunity to network with SAIC business leaders, customers, and conference attendees to learn about business opportunities available on the continent.

 

Wednesday, October 8, 2008
 

MATCHMAKING BREAKFAST: "CONNECTING SMALL BUSINESSES"

Description

As economies develop and expand, small- and medium-sized businesses in Africa are no exception. However, finding partners, resources, skills, products, and capabilities in the right time and place can be a daunting challenge. Based on highly favorable reviews for past efforts, CCA will reprise a true “matchmaking” breakfast networking session. Small businesses will have an opportunity to describe who they are and what they offer or need as partners.

MODERATOR
• Ms. Terri O’Connor, Director Global Government Affairs and Public Policy, Motorola
• Ms. Diane Willkens, President, Development Finance International

Plenary Four
"FINANCING: DYNAMIC FINANCING OPTIONS”

Plenary Description

Africa’s financial and capital markets are expanding at unprecedented levels resulting in dynamic financing options for businesses investing on the continent. Key growth sectors where these financing options are being employed include: power, telecommunications, and transportation infrastructure. Panelists will discuss the evolving infrastructure project financing landscape in Africa, the availability of strong local partners, and the many challenges and opportunities on the continent. In addition, panelists will address specific opportunities for American companies and organizations to increase their lending activities in Africa

SPEAKERS
• Honorable Robert Mosbacher, President and CEO, Overseas Private Investment Corporation
• Mr. Tim Turner, Director, Private Sector Operations, African Development Bank
• Honorable James Lambright, Chairman and President, Export-Import Bank of the United States
• Honorable Obiageli Ezekwesili, Vice President for the Africa Region, The World Bank

MODERATOR
• Mr. Terry Dunmire, Director of Business Development, DynCorp International
 

CONCURRENT MORNING WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOP M
“ICT: CONNECTING THE UNCONNECTED”
Sponsored by Motorola

Description

Millions of people in developing countries around the world have little to no access to information and communication infrastructure or technology, preventing them from experiencing the substantial social and economic benefits that it can provide. Little network connectivity and computerization exists in remote and rural areas to provide such applications as e-education, e-health, e-commerce, and e-government that could fuel socio-economic growth. In order to bring internet access and network connectivity to underdeveloped areas of the world, there are a variety of issues that must be addressed – from unique environmental challenges to concerns about infrastructure and cost. This session will discuss innovative wireless broadband solutions and services that meet multiple connectivity needs in varied environments for service providers, enterprises, and state and local governments in helping to bridge the digital divide and bring the next billion people into the ranks of the connected worldwide.

SPEAKERS
• Mr. Andrew Gill, Director of Business Development Africa, Motorola
• Mr. Leon N’tale, President, Microcom
• Mr. Andrew Mack, Principal, AMGlobal Consulting

MODERATOR
• Ms. Marie Royce, Managing Director, Global Strategic Initiatives Global Government Affairs, Alcatel-Lucent

WORKSHOP N
“PORTS: AN ESSENTIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE GROWTH OF AFRICA”
Sponsored by Lonrho PLC

Description

Efficient, secure, and reliable ports provide the fundamental gateways vital for economic growth of Africa. Across the continent, a combination of the lack of ports, congestion, and poor port management stifles the opportunities for economic development. If a country cannot import, export, and service the requirements of industry and government, it will not develop. The integration of shipping, road, and rail support infrastructure is equally important. This workshop will discuss the requirements for new ports, current port infrastructure, port security, and the necessity to improve this indispensable import and export infrastructure for Africa.

SPEAKERS
• Mr. Aldwin Wight, Chairman and CEO, Arlington Associates
• Mr. Peter Albeck, General Manager of Ports and Shipping, Lonrho Plc
• Mr. Ali Mansoor, Financial Secretary of Mauritius, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development

MODERATOR
• Mr. Geoffrey White, Director and CEO, Lonrho Plc

WORKSHOP O
“FINANCING OPPORTUNITIES”

Description

The demands for African infrastructure are impressive by any measure. Multilateral and bilateral development organizations as well as private sector funders are working overtime to commit additional resources to design, fund, and implement a significant portfolio of new projects, thereby increasing business opportunities for U.S. firms. Development Finance International will provide an in-depth review of the infrastructure opportunities, including expected funding and timing. Case studies of successful pursuit strategies will be highlighted.

SPEAKERS
• Ms. Diane Willkens, President, Development Finance International
• Mr. James Polan, Vice President of Small and Medium Enterprise Finance Department, Overseas Private Investment Corporation

WORKSHOP P
“CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: PRIVATE SECTOR SOLUTIONS”

Description

In addition to selling needed equipment and services, many members of the private sector seek to benefit and enhance the vitality of the communities where they do business, especially by providing funding to improve local education and health infrastructure. Companies achieve this by making strategic grants and by donating equipment and/or services to NGOs and other stakeholders. This session will showcase and discuss some successful corporate social responsibility programs in Africa that could be replicated elsewhere on the continent.

SPEAKERS
• Ms. Erin Mote, Manager of Resource Development, CHF International
• Dr. Leslie Mancuso, President and CEO, Jhpiego
• Dr. Ingo Konrad, General Manager for Corporate Affairs and Industry Intelligence, Daimler
• Ms. Eileen Sweeney, Director, Motorola Foundation

MODERATOR
• Mr. Victor Barnes, Director of the HIV/AIDS and Health Initiative, The Corporate Council on Africa

WORKSHOP Q
“CONTRACTING IN THE SECURITY AND PEACEKEEPING SECTORS”

Description

With the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) becoming operational this month, U.S. Government support of security-related programs in Africa will experience an increase, at the same time commercial opportunities for the American private sector are expected to increase. AFRICOM and American diplomatic missions on the continent will be required to work closely together with each other and respective African governments. The African Peacekeeping Program (AFRICAP) encompasses logistics support, construction, military training and advising, maritime security capacity building, equipment procurement, operational deployment of peacekeeping troops, aerial surveillance, and conference facilitation. It is critical that administrative processes by which firms qualify and compete for future material and service contracts be available and clearly understood. The workshop is intended to focus on the exchange of information that the U.S. Government and potential contractors and subcontractors consider essential to facilitate future commercial processes.

SPEAKERS
• General James Jamerson (Ret.), Corporate Vice President of Africa Programs, Lockheed Martin
• Mr. William Clontz, Vice President, MPRI
• Mr. Chris Alexander,  Lincoln Group
• Mr. Thomas Bayer, Director of Crisis Response and Stabilization, AECOM

MODERATOR
• Mr. Larry Julihn, Senior Vice President, Samuels International

WORKSHOP R
“MCC’S $4.5 BILLION INVESTMENT IN AFRICA: A GUIDE TO INFRASTRUCTURE PROCUREMENTS”
Sponsored by the Millennium Challenge Corporation

Description

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has committed more than $4.5 billion in funding for 11 African countries. Of this amount, nearly $3 billion will finance roads, ports, energy, potable water, and sanitation. It is important to MCC, and to the “MCA entities”, that the most qualified firms compete for the contracts to execute projects. This session will focus on giving companies the information they need to evaluate and act upon contracting opportunities. Panelists will give an overview of MCC’s infrastructure projects and procurements in Africa as well as a detailed description of the processes for bidding on these projects.

SPEAKERS

• Ms. Jeanmarie Meyer, Senior Director of Program Procurement Policy, Millennium Challenge Corporation
• Ms. Maureen Harrington, Vice President of Policy and International Relations, Millennium Challenge Corporation
• Ms. Carol A. Hessler, Managing Director, Millennium Challenge Corporation
• Mr. Jonathan Bloom, Deputy Vice President, Millennium Challenge Corporation

MODERATOR
• Mr. Matthew McLean, Vice President of Congressional and Public Affairs, Millennium Challenge Corporation

   Plenary Five
"ENVISIONING AFRICA IN 2020”

Plenary Description

Africa’s economic growth depends on expanding infrastructure investments, improving the investment climate, harnessing skill for innovation, and building institutional capacity across the continent. The Envisioning Africa in 20/20 closing luncheon identifies opportunities, constraints, and strategic choices that face African businesses in their quest for achieving the economic growth necessary. Business opportunities do exist in Africa, and the CCA’s 2008 Infrastructure Conference: Connecting the Continent provides the forum for American businesses to develop sustainable trade relationships with African businesses.

SPEAKERS
• Ambassador John A. Simon, United States Mission to the African Union
• General Anthony Zinni, Executive Vice President, DynCorp International
• Ambassador Mary Yates, Deputy Civilian, United States Africa Command

MODERATOR
• Mr. Terry Dunmire, Director of Business Development, DynCorp International

OFFICIAL CLOSING
• Mr. Stephen Hayes, President and CEO, The Corporate Council on Africa