The business of keeping peace in Africa

Sept. 11, 2012 - PRLog -- 10 September 2012—WALDWICK, NJ--More than US$5billion is budgeted this year to sustain 90,000 United Nations personnel throughout Africa to quell violence and maintain order there.  (United Nations Peacekeeping Fact Sheet  31 July 2012)

The U.N.’s Chief of Procurement Service, John (Sean) Purcell, shared, “These missions require all types of products, services and the latest technology—and there is nearly endless opportunity for private business to provide them.”  He added, “Conversely, the entire effort benefits immensely from the expertise and the cooperation of the U.S. and African private sectors.”

Kallman Worldwide Inc. recruits and manages U.S. companies at defense tradeshows around the world and has conversations with hundreds of American businesses a year.  

Tom Kallman, president and CEO, said, “We have learned that many of them are interested in participating in the Africa peace support industry. But to be viable partners in this mission, they need to know where the best opportunities are for their business, how to navigate rules and regulations, and what the region’s future looks like. They need to make the right contacts and have access to decision-makers. “

Working with the U.N., U.S. government, and private industry, Kallman partnered with
the U.S. Commercial Service South Africa (CSSA), to host the U.S.-Africa Peace Support Industry Symposium.  Johan Van Rensburg, Senior Commercial Specialist at the CSSA, said, “The event will provide the tools and information interested companies are seeking, and encourage business-to-business discussions on how U.S. and African private sectors can contribute to peace support in Africa.”

The seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 September 2012 in Centurion, South Africa, the day prior to the opening of Africa Air & Defence exhibition, which also takes place in Centurion.

The meeting will be keynoted by Mr. Purcell, who has global oversight of all U.N. Secretariat procurement activity.

Johan Potigeter Senior Researcher, Institute for Security Studies (an established think tank working in the area of African human security) and Duncan M. Lang (Africa and South Asia Desk Officer--International Armaments Cooperation, Office of the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense--Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) will also speak and will lead expert panel discussions..

Kallman commented, “This distinguished group of speakers will provide companies with the highest-level insight on contracting opportunities, DoD  [U.S. Department of Defense] and NGO [non-governmental organization] procurement and tendering procedures, regulatory requirements, technology requirements and regional cooperation throughout Africa.  

“We’re also particularly pleased to have the U.S. Defense Attaches from DR Congo, Liberia, Darfur, South Sudan, Abyei, Uganda/Entebbe, and the Cote d’Ivoire to share their experience and advice as well.“

Other sessions will address maritime and land surveillance, and network and communications interoperability.

Attendees will be invited to meet with the day’s speakers and other distinguished guests at a VIP reception following the symposium.

The U.S.-Africa Peace Support Industry Symposium begins will be held at the Leriba Hotel and Spa in Centurion, South Africa on Tuesday, 18 September 2012.  Companies interested in attending the event or who have questions about the Peace Support Industry  should contact Justin Griffing at justing@kallman.com or +1 201-251-2600 X103.

Media Alert:
Members of the media are encouraged to attend the symposium for photo, video and interview opportunities. Contact Carole Lotito at carolel@kallman.com or +1 201-251-2600 X126 to pre-arrange appointments.

Kallman Worldwide Inc.
Kallman Worldwide is the recognized leader in global business development, strategy, and implementation.

Established in 1963, the international tradeshow organizing company represents and promotes a carefully-selected portfolio of leading industry events.

Best known for its award-winning “U.S. International Pavilions,” Kallman shares its decades of experience to provide advice and assistance to globally-minded companies as they establish or increase their business abroad through international trade shows. trade missions and conferences.

The Kallman group of companies has been involved with more than 700 exhibitions in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the U.S.A.  The company specializes in aerospace, defense, maritime, energy, mining, oil and gas and healthcare.  

www.kallman.com