BUILD AFRICA FORUM: A Forum to Fill the African Infrastructure Gap – BUILD AFRICA FORUM (February 5th – 7th 2014, Paris)

Brazzaville Unites Infrastructure Leaders for Development
MOSCOW, Russia, October 29, 2013/ — Attending the 8th International Energy Week 2013 in Moscow, Russia, Mr. Jean-Jacques Bouya, Minister at the Presidency for Spatial Planning and Delegate General for Major Public Works has announced that the Republic of the Congo will be hosting the BUILD AFRICA Forum (http://www.buildafricaforum.com). Held under the High Patronage of H. E. Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo, the premier international business & investment forum focused on infrastructure in Africa, will take place in Brazzaville from February 6th to 7th, 2014.

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The BUILD AFRICA Forum: a global response to the African infrastructure deficit
Africa’s infrastructure deficit severely hampers the continent’s competitiveness in the world market, decreasing productivity by 40% due to inadequate infrastructure. Despite numerous initiatives across the continent, Africa needs roughly $50 billion USD in annual investments to close its infrastructure gap. For the first time in Sub -Saharan Africa, the BUILD AFRICA Forum will provide a framework for practical exchange between the global players who are forging Africa’s development. For two days, from February 6th -7th 2013, over 500 leaders and experts from around the globe will gather to craft solutions to a question at the heart of public policy debate: How can we encourage social and economic development through new infrastructure in Africa?

A view of the African continent from the Republic of the Congo
10 years of intensive, accelerated investment and infrastructure planning, under the leadership of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and coordinated by the General Delegation for Major Public Works, have allowed the Congo to leap forward in terms of development, modernization and industrialization. As a spearhead for infrastructure development in Central Africa and organizer of the upcoming pan-African games in 2015, the Congo is an ideal springboard for practical reflexion, seeking to unleash the continent’s growth potential through new infrastructure.

Fast facts on infrastructure in Africa (Source: Development Research Brief, AfDB, 2009)

•          Less than 10% (in 10 countries) and less than 50% (in 33 countries) of roads in Africa are paved.

•          40% of the population lacks access to safe water and 60% of the population lacks basic sanitation.

•          Only 30% of the African population have access to electricity.

•          Africa has the lowest telephone penetration – 14% (the world average is 52%) and the lowest Internet penetration – 3% (the world average is 14%).

Quotes on infrastructure:
“The development of a country is only feasible if it is supported and propelled by appropriate the infrastructure.” Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo
“Basic infrastructure is a prerequisite for the development of the African continent. The Congo has endorsed a continental vision: Pointe-Noire harbour, as well as the road-rail bridge project from Brazzaville to Kinshasa have an undeniable regional orientation.” Jean-Jacques Bouya, Minister at the Presidency for Spatial Planning & the General Delegation for Major Public Works

Fast facts on the General Delegation for Major Public Works (DGGT):
Established by Presidential decree in 2002, the General Delegation for Major Public Works (DGGT) is an administrative and technical body responsible for the development of infrastructure in the Congo. It’s mission includes developing, signing, and overseeing government contracts and any public or private project worth more than 2 million dollars, conducting studies, launching calls for bids, and delegating project management.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Richard Attias & Associates.

For more information & press material, on BUILD AFRICA Forum please contact:
Julie Voiriot Tel: +33 661 87 29 76  Email: julie.voiriot@buildafricaforum.com