Sasol, the international integrated energy and chemical company and the non-profit Bedaya Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Guidance, have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on providing technical business support to Small and Medium Enterprise development in the chemical, energy and related sectors in Qatar.

Saleh Al Khualifi, Head of Bedaya Centre said, “The entrepreneurial spirit is making a comeback with the next generation in Qatar and the region. We welcome Sasol’s collaboration with Bedaya Center to support SMEs in Qatar with their technical know-how and experience in the chemical and energy sectors. This is a great example of giving back to the community and supporting the diversification of the local economy.”

“Sasol is pleased to support entrepreneurship in Qatar through this partnership with Bedaya Center. Small firms are the backbone of a flourishing and diverse economy. It is in our company’s heritage to support the communities in which we operate, from our native South Africa to here in Qatar. Through our JV venture with Qatar Petroleum, ORYX GTL, and community partnerships, we are proud to be making a positive mark here in Qatar today and in the future,” said Marjo Louw, President, Sasol Qatar.

“I am happy to have this opportunity and privilege to work and be guided by Bedaya Center and receive technical support from Sasol. The support for me and my partner Nora Al Thani, started right from the feasibility studies phase of our project” Added Fatima Al Mohannadi, a young entrepreneur benefitting from the partnership.

The Bedaya Center MOU builds on Sasol’s support for Enterprise Qatar's Al Fikra initiative last month. Sasol lent its support as the technology partner for the 2013 National Business Plan Competition.

Per the MOU, Bedaya will identify and refer entrepreneurs and SMEs that it believes will benefit from technical business support to be offered by Sasol. These selected projects will be in the chemical, energy and related sectors. Sasol will impart its SME development experience, knowledge, best practices to the SMEs. In turn, Bedaya will provide business support to the entrepreneurs, including business plans, feasibility studies, market analysis, marketing strategy and operational plans.

Bedaya is a non-governmental organization with a mission to connect young people, ages 18-30, with enterprise and financing opportunities.  Its approach is to mobilize interest, investments, knowledge, resources and action to drive large-scale, comprehensive youth training, accreditation, entrepreneurship, access to finance, and development initiatives

Ends

Issued by :

Jack Saba, Corporate Affairs Manager, Sasol Qatar
Direct telephone +974 4499 9505; Mobile +974 5510 4880;
jack.saba@sasol.com

For Sasol Limited:

Alex Anderson, Group Media Manager
Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3295; Mobile +27 (0) 71 600 9605;
alex.anderson@sasol.com

Jacqui O’Sullivan, GM: Group Communication
Direct telephone +27 (11) 441 3252; Mobile +27 (0) 82 883 9697;
jacqui.osullivan@sasol.com