Mr CJ Venter

Opportunity Development and Partnerships

Highly proficient in developing new markets, strategic partnerships and large-scale integrated infrastructure projects, CJ is the Chief Growth Officer for Bigen.

With almost 30 years of experience as a professional engineer, CJ’s highly-regarded expertise in infrastructure programme design and development and proficiency in project, construction, integrated resource and stakeholder management, has seen Bigen partnering successfully with international companies in Norway, Canada, UK, USA and various African countries.

He has also conceptualised and managed numerous capital development and large-scale infrastructure programmes and BoTT (build, operate, train and transfer) projects.

CJ’s well-honed skills in partnership relations and integration are expertly brought to bear on his responsibilities for the Group’s partnership and integration initiatives, as well as international finance, project delivery and management consultancy services in West Africa and elsewhere on the continent.

His hands-on approach to construction and materials management and exceptional people skills consistently add significant value to managing SPVs (special purpose vehicles) for large multi-disciplinary infrastructure development programmes, as well as developing small and emerging contractors.

Key projects and responsibilities have included conceptualising the Africa Infrastructure Preparation Facility (AIPF) and PRISM, an incorporated partnership in project risk screening and mitigation and establishing the Bigen partnership programme with multi-disciplinary consultancy, international development and turnkey delivery partners.

CJ has led the design and development of targeted, affordable housing projects and irrigation schemes, as well as materials-handling, ship-loader manufacturing and installation and mining infrastructure development support in Ghana, Namibia, Kenya, Zambia, Botswana and Uganda through the Australia Africa Partnership Programme. In addition, he has managed the implementation of 2,500 projects of the National Disaster Management Emergency Reconstruction Programme valued at R3.2 billion and bulk water supply schemes and sewage and water treatments works, as well as large-scale water supply and sanitation projects that include the Mpumalanga BoTT Programme, Clanwilliam and Taung Dams and the Winterveldt Small Contractor Development Programme.

‘”I believe that Africa offers us opportunities that will set new examples of succeeding despite adversity. The African Continental Free Trade Area will boost intra-African trade and create a market of around 1,3 billion people with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of USD2,3 – trillion that will unlock industrial development. It is a challenge that we should all embrace”.ited.