A consortium of development partners in the United States of America met with President Peter Mutharika at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in McLean, Virginia to present their proposal to invest in power resource development in Malawi.
Following that meeting which was described by President Mutharika to be a success and more likely to result in the company investing in Malawi to provide Solar Energy, I caught up with Mr. James C. Nicholas, The Executive Partner for Global Business USA, LLC about the consortium prospects of doing business in Malawi and his impressions of the sit down they had With the President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. George T. Chaponda
The following is our QA:
Maravi Post: Mr. Nicholas can you briefly tell us what services your Company intends to bring to Malawi?
James Nicholas: Developing solar projects in Malawi requires a dedicated team of partners (Global Business Resources USA, LLC, Flatbush Solar, LLC, Kunsons Consulting Ltd and Erie Consulting Ltd.)Who will work in conjunction with the Ministries of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining and Finance? The Team will develop and construct a photovoltaic power plant based on the conditions discussed with the Ministry. The Team will also develop mini-grid and off-grid solar project to facilitate rural electrification. The project will also provide training and create jobs for the Malawi work force.
Maravi Post: How long have you been in Business and in what other African countries are you doing business?
James Nicholas: GBR and its Development Partners have been in business more than 20 years. The Team is doing business in Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Senegal and others. The Team brings extensive experience in all aspects of renewable energy project finance and development. It has received MOU’s from the Governments of Cameroon and Nigeria to develop and construct solar power plants to generate between 100-500 MWs of power. The Team is also involved in real estate projects in Cameroon.
Maravi Post: You had an audience with Malawi President Peter Mutharika on your interest to do business in Malawi?
James Nicholas: The Team met with the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to outline our capabilities and interest in assisting Malawi achieve its goal of doubling energy output by 2020. We recognize that a vibrant energy sector is required to fuel economic growth and industrial development.
Maravi Post: What was your assessment of the meeting and what do you see as your prospects in providing your services to Malawi?
James Nicholas: The meeting was very positive and productive. President Mutharika was very engaged which resulted in an excellent two-way exchange of information and ideas. We discussed future direction and ways in which we can work together.
Maravi Post: Anything you would like to add?
James Nicholas: The Development Team is Ready, Willing and able to develop and implement a Renewable Generation Project to assist the Malawi Government in carrying out its vision of increasing its power supply and facilitate economic development. The Team will work closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining and its technical team to structure and implement the project. The success of the Project is incumbent on Government Support to fast track the required permits and approvals and agreement on a Power Purchase Agreement which is attractive to Project investors.
