Transforming African Infrastructure with Local Partnerships and Innovation
EGB Engineering has demonstrated significant expertise and strategic capabilities in delivering major infrastructure projects in Africa. This insight consolidates key takeaways from a recent discussion with experts involved in African infrastructure projects, highlighting the critical success factors and requirements for UK suppliers looking to enter this market.
Key Insights for EGB Engineering:
Local Partnerships:
Success in African markets is heavily reliant on local partnerships. Understanding the local landscape, regulatory frameworks, and political environments is crucial. Partnering with local entities can provide the necessary market insights and connections to relevant agencies and stakeholders.
Quality and Track Record:
African infrastructure projects demand high standards of quality and a proven track record. UK companies must showcase their past performance and adherence to quality standards to gain trust and secure contracts.
Competitiveness and Differentiation:
The market demands products and services that offer unique value propositions not readily available locally. UK companies must differentiate themselves by offering innovative and superior products while ensuring competitive pricing.
Commitment and Capacity:
Demonstrating a strong commitment to project delivery and possessing robust manufacturing and service capacities are vital. EGB Engineering, with its emphasis on innovation and value engineering, can leverage these attributes to meet the high expectations of African clients.
Navigating Risk and Speed:
Addressing the perceived and real risks associated with African markets is essential. UK companies often add a risk premium, which can make them less competitive. Understanding and mitigating these risks, coupled with the ability to deliver projects swiftly, can enhance competitiveness.
Project Spotlight:
Solar PV Module Project in AfricaChallenge:
EGB Engineering faced a multi-faceted challenge involving EPC delivery that required extensive technical support and management of suppliers and stakeholder interfaces. This included the manufacture and supply of key components such as solar PV modules. Performance yield underwriting was dependent on thorough validation, verification, and certification of these components to ensure the project’s bankability for future refinancing.
Solution:
EGB Engineering assumed the role of EPC Technical Support, focusing on component and system-level validation, testing, integration, and certification of the solar PV modules and interfacing systems. This comprehensive support extended to operation and maintenance, knowledge transfer, and an overarching growth strategy.Results:Sourced the most efficient and cost-effective components, including solar PV modules.
Identified the optimal route for achieving performance yield validation and certification at both component and system levels.
Developed and implemented a plan to characterise and certify solar PV module performance yield.
Provided technical support for component-to-system level integration during commissioning and power evaluation.
Assisted in securing the final generation license and supported performance underwriting and project refinancing.
Facilitated knowledge transfer and lessons learnt activities.
Offered ongoing operation and maintenance support, contributing to plant optimisation.
EGB Engineering’s success in this project underscores its capability to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions tailored to the unique demands of African infrastructure projects. By leveraging these insights, EGB Engineering can continue to build strong partnerships and deliver exceptional results in the African market.
Discover invaluable insights from industry experts on how EGB Engineering bridges the capabilities gap in African infrastructure projects through tailored solutions, leveraging UK supply chain expertise, and partnering with local in-country suppliers:
