The EastWest Institute and Gallup are hosting a panel discussion "Prospects of the East African Energy Market" on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at 901 F St NW, Washington, DC.

Panelists will discuss the implications of East Africa's emergence as a leading oil and gas producer, the result of fresh discoveries that have brought new hope to the region. The steady flow of positive news regarding these findings is a clear testament to the commercial opportunities that exist in East Africa. As exploration intensifies and production continues to increase, investment in the region will expand further. This could transform East Africa into one of the world's fastest growing markets.

The panel will feature Tewodros Ashenafi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SouthWest Energy and member of the EastWest Institute's Board of Directors; Jon Clifton, Partner, Gallup Government; Raymond Gilpin, Director, Center for Sustainable Economies, United States Institute of Peace; and Abdeta Dribssa Beyene, former Director for African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Participants will discuss East Africa's complex operating environment. While the threats might not be as grave as those in other parts of the continent, companies must navigate a number of challenges ranging from political risk to physical insecurity. To take full advantage of these opportunities, the region must drive through reforms across a diversified economy covering energy, services, manufacturing, tourism, mining and construction, and quickly improve infrastructure while creating better functioning institutions and legal systems. Without such progress, investors may still shy away from the region.

To RSVP and for further information, please contact Raymond Karam at rkaram@ewi.info or +1(646)243-2319.

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