Tue, 2016-11-22 11:45 To register for this event please click here

Africa has long been an energy rich continent attracting global businesses investing in oil and gas exploration and production, mining, and power sector development. But the downturn in oil, gas and core commodities prices since 2015 has significantly altered the dynamics of the African energy sector and how businesses perceive and manage risk across the continent.

The Business Council for Africa are delighted to be holding a joint event with Africa Matters Limited to discuss how energy sector operators can manage risk across the African continent in light of these new trends in the energy sector. Speakers will discuss strategies they have implemented to mitigate political risks, describing how effective engagement with governments and key stakeholders can de-risk investment and prevent or constructively resolve disputes.

BCA Members: Please register for this event by clicking ‘Get Tickets’ and then ‘Enter Promotional Code’ to register for your place without charge. Please contact  to receive your code

Meet the Speakers:

Dr Oliver Quinn, Director, Ophir-Energy

Dr Oliver Quinn joined Ophir in August 2013. Oliver has 15 years’ upstream Oil and Gas experience. He began his career as a geologist with Shell before moving to Fairfield Energy and more recently Hess Corporation where he held a variety of business development, technical and leadership roles. Oliver has been involved in E&P projects and business development across Africa, Asia, Europe, Russia and the Americas. Oliver has a BSc in Geology, a PhD in Petroleum Geoscience and is an alumni of London Business School.

Barry Lynch, Head of Energy Operations, Actis

Barry joined Actis in 2016 as Head of Energy Operations. Prior to Actis he spent 8 years with Mainstream Renewable Power as Managing Director Procurement, Construction and Operations with responsibility for delivering large scale wind and solar projects through the equity structuring, project financing and construction phases into operation in Europe, North America, Latam and Africa. Barry was an Executive Director and Board member of Mainstream and also sat on the boards of Aela Energia in Chile and Lekela Power in Africa since those businesses were founded by Actis and Mainstream.

Prior to joining Mainstream Barry spent 8 years with ESB International and was involved in the construction and operation of large scale thermal power plants. He undertook a number of roles including Group Safety Manager and Operations Manager for Asia with responsibility for 4 power plants in Pakistan and Malaysia.

Karim Maalioun, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs

Karim is a partner in the energy and natural resources practice with extensive experience in a variety of international transactional and advisory work in global growth markets, focusing in particular on energy projects across Africa.

His domain of expertise includes M&A, greenfield and brownfield projects, government contracts, privatisations, EPC and O&M agreements, project finance and government advisory. Having acted as director of several project companies in Africa and Europe, Karim has significant experience advising on a broad range of matters related to development, construction, operation, finance, corporate governance, compliance and dispute resolution including expert determination and arbitration proceedings.

Prior to joining Squire Patton Boggs, Karim was deputy CEO and General Counsel (EMEA) of ContourGlobal, a leading global independent power producer, where he was involved in complex and innovative power investment projects. Prior to that, Karim was a member of the corporate, finance and projects departments of both a major French law firm and a global US law firm where he acted for several investors on transactions and projects across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Ross Alexander, Executive Director, Africa Matters Limited

Ross is the Executive Director of AML. This role has required him to manage all of AML’s current and past client relationships across several sub-Saharan African countries; ensuring that AML delivers value and results for clients. Since joining AML in 2010/11, Ross has worked extensively in Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Uganda in particular. He has a strong understanding of business and politics in Africa and a significant network across the continent. Ross has particular knowledge of the Oil and Gas industry across the continent and also specialises in the fast moving consumer goods sector. Ross previously worked at PepsiCo and has a background in the UK private sector, specialising in business development, marketing and management.

Raphael Vermeir CBE

Raphael joined Conoco in 1979, working in marine transportation and production engineering services in Houston, Texas. He then handled upstream acquisitions in Europe and Africa and managed Conoco's exploration activities in continental Europe from Paris. He moved to London to lead the BD activities of refining and marketing in Europe and then transferred to Istanbul as managing director of Turcas. Back in London in 1999 he drove strategic initiatives in Russia and the Caspian and completed major A&D deals in the North Sea. After heading an integration team during the merger of ConocoPhillips, he took on positions in government and public affairs becoming head of external affairs Europe in late 2007. He was appointed President, Nigeria in 2011 and successfully sold the company’s interests in its Upstream companies and exited Brass LNG. He then became VP Government Affairs International until end 2015. He is now an independent consultant and chairman of the International Petroleum Week Programme Board. He is on the board of several charitable institutions.

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