INTERVIEW
OIA HAS A GREAT PASSION FOR AFRICA
Ambuj Chaturvedi , Executive Director , Overseas Infrastructure Alliance ( OIA ), speaks to Kanchi Batra , Business Editor , The Diplomatist , about OIA ’ s presence in Africa and its future plans .
You have been at the helm of Overseas Infrastructure Alliance ( OIA ) for more than a decade now . How do you feel being part of a leading EPC company ?
We have been working with Africa for the past ten years ; each day has been a rewarding and learning experience . I feel lucky to have been given this chance . Africa is unique in every sense ; it ' s a continent however it ' s still regarded as a country . Everyone has their own definition of Africa and what to expect of it . It cannot be boxed into one thing . For us , Africa symbolises growth and hope . There are so many technologies which will take shape in Africa that will be beneficial to the world ; I ' m confident of that . The African private sector is writing its own story which is a positive sign .
A lot of people still think of Africa as a risky and uncertain continent , but then , of course , companies like OIA are setting an example and are determined to transform the image of the continent . How do you see OIA as a proactive and innovative contributor to the development of Africa ?
We have faced numerous challenges across the different countries where we have been working . Yet , we do not fall back ; we get up and go another round with a new project . There are various similarities between the opportunities which we are developing in Africa and which can be implemented in India and vice versa .
With a great legacy of working in Africa , OIA ’ s brand continues to evolve . It has achieved a high level of excellence in delivering successful projects in Africa . Shed some light on the rural electrification projects executed by OIA in Rwanda and its positive impact .
OIA ' s journey in Rwanda started in 2012 with a small RE project of $ 1.43 mn in Gikomero Sector . This project was not only completed on time by OIA , but a certificate of appreciation by the local mayor was also issued to the company for excellent groundwork . It is only because of our dedication , hard work on the ground and better understanding on the clients in Rwanda that OIA has secured 6 back to back projects in the country , funded by World Bank & African Development Bank . Out of these six projects , three have already been handed over to the client and one is on the verge of being handed over . Two recently awarded projects are in the early stage of surveying . From $ 1.43 mn to winning bigger projects of $ 10 mn , it was indeed a tough journey for OIA while working in hilly terrain , but the hard work was satisfying as this has brought happiness on faces of thousands in the region . That ’ s the real reward and satisfaction for us . With projects executed by OIA , over 12,000 new consumers now have access to energy , and by end of 2019 , this number will double to more than 27,000 consumers . Providing access to energy to masses is our contribution and it ’ s the major step towards the growth of Rwanda !
Under President Paul Kagame , Rwanda has become a bulwark of good governance . How do you see Rwanda growing under his leadership ?
Rwanda , in President Kagame ' s regime , has seen a tremendous growth . Being a landlocked country and with limited natural resources , it was not easy to build the country after the unfortunate Genocide . But the kind of atmosphere President Kagame has provided in doing business with ease in Rwanda is praiseworthy . Today Rwanda ranks at the 41st place ( as per World Bank ) in ease of doing business in the world . This conducive business environment has become possible because of the security situation , law and order in the country , political stability , low corruption and a positive attitude of President towards growth and development . The initiatives taken by the current government are really appreciable . Be it the umuganda day ( for community work ) or car-free day ( to fight against pollution and for better fitness of the nationals ) or getting a company registered in Rwanda ( within 8 hours ) or liberalising country entry by visa on arrival , with each step President Paul Kagame is taking the country forward on the path of growth .
What is OIA ’ s aspiration for expansion in Africa ?
Agriculture , technology , education , financial inclusion and , the most important , infrastructure are areas where any company of India can enter and create a business for at least another 20 years without having to worry about intense competition . OIA has a great passion for Africa ; in last one decade we have delivered prestigious projects and made our presence felt in various countries across the continent . Going forward , OIA would continue its endeavour of deeper penetration in the existing markets and at the same time explore newer markets and sectors in Africa . At the end of the day , we at OIA always aspire to contribute projects that can be instrumental for the multifaceted growth of the African nations and bring smiles on faces of masses . •
2018 • RWANDA • 17