Economic powerhouse India has been named Partner Nation for the 20th West African Mining & Power Exhibition – the first time in the show’s 20-year history. Long rated the best trade show in West Africa, this biennial event benefits from broad regional government support and comprehensive industry participation. WAMPEX takes place from 28 to 30 May at the Accra International Conference Centre in Accra, Ghana.

“WAMPEX is a highly versatile networking platform enabling all stakeholders and decision makers in the mining and power sectors across the ECOWAS countries to explore business and growth opportunities,” observes John Thomson of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of the event. Over 100 companies in the mining and power sector will showcase their products and services at WAMPEX, from industry-specific equipment, technology and services to consumables.

Indian Business Confederation On-board

“India is extremely proud to be the Partner country for WAMPEX 2014”, says Victor Monteiro, Marketing Manager of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and managed business association. Founded 118 years ago, CII has over 7 100 private and public sector members. “Its advisory and consultative role aims to create a sustainable environment for the development of India, partner industries, Government and civil society,” explains Monteiro. “The WAMPEX partnership meshes very well with India’s strategic growth and development plan.” 

Diversified and Booming Power Sector

“The Indian metals and mining industry is expected to more than double - from US$ 141.9 billion in 2011 to US$ 305.5 billion in 2015,” continues Monteiro. “India’s power sector is one of the most diversified in the world, using coal, lignite, natural gas, oil, hydroelectric and nuclear power, as well as wind and solar energy generation. India has the fifth-largest electricity generation capacity globally.”

High Profile Participation

“A high-level delegation representing large Indian companies will be participating at WAMPEX, exploring investment and supply opportunities to related industries in West Africa,” says Monteiro. These companies include Elektrolites Power; Keromiyons Intech; Robot Components; Forech India; Kishore Vadilal; Involute Tooling Corp; New India Electricals and NIE Power & Engineering.

A key focus for India is iron ore, since West Africa has significant high-grade deposits of the mineral, and the region boasts low entry barriers and significant future revenue potential. West Africa is attracting increasing attention from international mining giants such as Rio Tinto and GlencoreXstrata. Research shows global demand for iron-ore will potentially double by 2030, and suppliers like Australia and Brazil are unlikely to meet this massive demand. West Africa, however, looks capable of filling this deficit, with 20 potential new iron ore mines in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Mauritania, estimated to produce a combined output of up to 600-million tons a year.

Resources for Indian Growth
“Mining the resources India needs for its economic development is pivotal to sustaining its remarkable rate of growth in the years ahead,” comments Dilip Khanna, a partner at Ernst & Young, India. “The next level of growth for India will come from the African continent.”
About WAMPEX
This is the 11th International Exhibition for suppliers to West Africa’s rapidly growing mining and mineral resources sector. International suppliers of mining equipment, technology, services and consumables, as well as those companies offering power generating equipment, transmission and distribution equipment and technology, will showcase their products and services.

The event is organised by Exhibition Management Services in association with EPI Events and Projects International Limited.

Contact Serean at Exhibition Management Services. Tel+27 (0)11 783 7250. Fax +27 (0)11 783 7269. E-mail: marketing@exhibitionsafrica.com

WAMPEX and WAMPOC takes place from 28 to 30 May 2014 in Accra, Ghana.

For more information on WAMPEX, contact Serean Thomson at + 27-11-783 7250, e-mail: www.exhibitionsafrica.com