In all, some 280 people attended from 40 different countries, 14 of them on the African continent. The African delegates represented 66 percent of the total number of participants.
“The inaugural AfricaPVSEC was successfully concluded and fulfilled its important promise and mandate to link Africa-based PV professionals and academics with their global counterparts," said Prof. Vivian Alberts, of the University of Johannesburg and a PV industry representative.
"This historical event therefore contributed significantly towards the establishment of strategic technical partnerships and business opportunities within the African countries," Alberts continued. "The future events will be organized in close cooperation with all the relevant role players and stakeholders in order to ensure an even broader participation and interaction between world-leading scientists, business leaders and political role players”.
Over the two-and-a-half days of the conference, attendees saw 63 presentations covering a wide range of issues.
In addition, two industry-targeted sessions offered insight into the reality and targeted future of photovoltaics in the southern part of Africa. The first CIGS thin-film modules manufactured in Africa were also on display in the exhibition hall.
"I was greatly impressed by the intense interaction between different sectors during the last 3 days," said Dr. Giovanni De Santi. " We now need to build on this and create a concrete framework for the continued success " he commented during his closing statements."
A steering committee to be chaired by Prof. Alberts has been established for the preparation of the next event, which is expected to be held early in 2015.
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