SPOTLIGHT
HARNESSING THE WIND
Three missions: Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe. One goal: Deepen our impact where it is needed the most
A frica is a continent of huge potential, abundant resources and rich promise. But also a continent of poverty, struggle and broken dreams. And yet a continent that can kindle hope and inspiration as expressed in movies like “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind”. Against all odds – and his father – the young schoolboy William prevails in securing his village’s economic survival. It is not only a moving story of what determination and tenacity can achieve. It is also an inspiration for everyone who works on the continent’s development. For the OPEC Fund, engagement in Africa is at the heart of our mandate and mission. Securing basic needs, ending hunger, securing access to a ff ordable energy, providing clean water – the most fundamental
development goals guided our activities. Today, about half of the OPEC Fund’s portfolio is in Africa with total approved commitments amounting to US$13.1 billion. This financial support is key, but it is the result not only of constructive negotiations and crystal clear business calculations. Development work is based on commitment and the establishment of personal relations. To blossom and flourish they need care and attention, just like projects need permanent monitoring and surveillance. Missions to project sites provide an ideal opportunity to combine these two aspects of the duties of an operations leader as the following reports from the ground illustrate.
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