The global energy landscape is shifting fast, and nowhere more so than in Africa, where new markets are emerging, and investment is accelerating.
For energy developers with the ambition to operate internationally, we have the people, the contacts and innovative technologies to support you.
Here’s what we’re seeing, and where the window of opportunity is wide open.
Emerging Opportunities in Africa
Africa is home to more than 1.5 billion people across 54 countries, yet around 600 million of them still have no access to electricity.
Central to Africa’s energy transformation is the Mission 300 initiative to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030.
According to the Energy Industries Council (EIC), over 818 energy projects have been announced across Africa since 2020, with an estimated $929 billion in capital expenditure expected on projects starting up by 2031. Of those, 436 are renewable and power generation projects, with a further 91 energy transition projects due to start by 2031.
A key opportunity for developers is the South African Power Pool (SAPP) – a 12-country electricity market spanning Southern Africa. B&P are already working with and talking to the developers involved.
Connecting Clients on the Ground
While the opportunities in Africa are huge, there are, of course, challenges too. Relationships, local presence, and timing are critical. Being in the right room or knowing the right people makes a huge difference.
Our regular, on-the-ground presence in Africa is one of our most valuable assets. This is combined with our well-established contacts and strong relationships with EIC and the Africa Scotland Business Network (ASBN). Our Director of International Development, Pete Gettinby, has recently spoken about the opportunities and challenges at events for both organisations.
These connections can’t be built from a desk in the UK, and it’s something developers who work with us benefit from directly.
It’s not just about who we know, though. From a technology perspective, our industry-leading geospatial analysis can help developers identify viable project locations and assess grid capacity for a wide range of projects, such as data centres, analyse large-scale crop health, and map mining activities.
Led by our research, land information and GIS specialists, we utilise high-resolution satellite imagery and site suitability modelling to provide actionable insights.
Wider Global Opportunities
Africa is, of course, not the only market where we can support clients. Our International Business Development team are leading engagement with partners in France, enabling access to project pipelines and procurement processes linked to the delivery of the country’s ambitious new energy roadmap.
B&P also remains firmly committed to the Middle East, where we have built strong client and partner relationships and continue to support large-scale energy developers and projects.
Why choose B&P as your International Business Development Partner?
Four things that set us apart when it comes to exploring international energy markets:
- We’re already there: our regular presence on the ground in Africa, France and the Middle East means we know the markets, the projects, and the people.
- We cover the full development journey: from site suitability and grid assessment through to geospatial analysis and stakeholder engagement, we can support developers at every stage of early-phase development.
- We bring geospatial expertise: our mapping and remote sensing capabilities can be applied to support a wide range of projects, giving clients a richer picture of the environments they’re developing in.
- We’re part of a wider network: B&P is connected to the Africa Scotland Business Network and works alongside organisations including the Energy Industries Council – ensuring our clients benefit from the latest market intelligence and industry relationships.
If you’re an energy developer looking for international opportunities, or already active and looking for specialist support, we’d love to talk.
Get in touch with the B&P International team to find out how we can support your next project.