East & Central Africa to Discuss Transport Development in its Drive to Support Regional Growth

May 4, 2012 - PRLog -- At the top of the agenda will be the discussion on latest development opportunities across this rapidly developing region.

As a region, East Africa comprises about 26% of Africa's population and 16% of Africa's combined GDP in 2009 current prices. Regional GDP growth was aided by rising oil output in Sudan, mineral exports in Ethiopia and Tanzania, robust trade output from Kenya and economic reforms in Rwanda. Growth is expected to remain strong with foreign investments in oil and mineral exploration in Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia, along with a pipeline of large infrastructure projects in the Central, Northern, North-South Corridors.

Efficient transportation corridors are keys to economic development, and thus rehabilitation projects and new infrastructure investments are needed to keep the region prospering. This 3rd Summit addresses the weak transport infrastructure in East & Central Africa and focuses on the key factors in ensuring a functioning road network, including road planning, design, operation and optimization of rail assets, and regional connectivity. The Summit will discuss the latest investment projects from Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, and other countries in region.

The two-day Summit will be officiated by Hon Omari Nundu, Minister, Ministry of Transport, Tanzania.

This year’s distinguished panel of speakers includes representatives from regional government authorities and industry stakeholders: Akashambatwa Lewanika, CEO, Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA); Philip Wambugu, Director of Infrastructure, East African Community (EAC); Meshack Kidenda, Director General, Kenya National Highway Authority; Capt Dukundane Dieudonne, Director General, Burundi Maritime, Port and Railways Authority; Sipho Khumalo, CEO, Cross Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA), South Africa; Nelson Nyangu, Director of Planning, Ministry of Communications and Transport (MCT), Zambia; Atama Gabriel Richard, Principal Infrastructure Officer, Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Uganda; Dr Twagira Elias Mathaniya, Director General, Rwanda Transport Development Agency, Rwanda; Eng Dr Michael M Odongo, Executive Director, Uganda Road Fund; among several others.

Industry representatives that will be sharing the 2012 Roads & Rail platform include: Nduva Muli, Managing Director, Kenya Railways Corporation; Paul Runge, Managing Director, Africa Project Access, South Africa; Klaus Findt, Partner, Chief Operating Officer, Global Infrastructure - Africa, KPMG Services, South Africa; Peter Copley Pr Eng, Ops Evaluation Specialist, Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA), South Africa; Martin Fleetwood, Secretary, Rail Working Group, United Kingdom; among several others.

The Summit is endorsed by the Ministry of Transport (MoT), Tanzania and the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). Also supporting the Event are the Tanzania Truck Owners Association (TATOA) and the Rail Working Group (RWG).

The CEO of the conference organizing company, Magenta Global Pte Ltd, Singapore, Ms Maggie Tan, said: “This is the premier Summit to tackle the road and rail infrastructure challenges facing East & Central Africa. The Summit will facilitate the exchange of fresh information, present new projects and engage industry stakeholders on viable project models for sustainable development of the transport infrastructure in East & Central Africa.” Ms Tan encouraged all companies and organizations to contribute to the development of this sector by being part of this key event.

The event will be held at the Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Magenta Global Pte Ltd

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