The U.S. Trade and Development Agency and FCS held the U.S-South Africa Power Industry Supplier Conference in Johannesburg in October 16 - 19, 2006. This conference was organized in cooperation with South Africa's electric utility and state-owned electricity supplier, ESKOM.

At the conference ESKOM and other South African power sector project sponsors presented their plans for the rapid build-out of electric power in Southern Africa in the short term. In addition, ESKOM encouraged its South African suppliers to meet with appropriate American conference delegates. This event provided and excellent platform to ESKOM suppliers and affiliates to become possible joint venture partners or agent/distributor candidates for American exporters of equipment, service or software.

South Africa and the region as a whole are currently experiencing unprecedented economic growth. This rapid growth has generated a sudden and unanticipated demand for electricity production, transmission and distribution equipment and services. ESKOM is actively seeking U.S. suppliers to help them meet the challenges. The conference was the ideal venue to assist American exporters to understand ESKOM's requirements in detail and find the appropriate partners on the ground to meet ESKOM's demand.

For more information about upcoming projects in the sector, and for a copy of the Projects Resource Guide, please contact Beki.Ndimande@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov or +27 11 778 4808.