1. CISCO SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT B.V
LANDMARK PLAZA,
7TH
FLOOR,
ARGWINGS KODHEK RD, CAPITAL HILL,
P.O BOX 15707, 00100
NAIROBI, KENYA
TEL: 254 20 276 4000
FAX: 254 20 276 4001
Nairobi, February 19, 2008
Object: Mark Kriek’s activity in Emerging Africa
In my role as Business Development Director for Emerging Africa, I have had the opportunity to work
with Mark on several financing projects addressing the requirements of Governmental institutions in
Africa, within the frame of Country Transformation proposals.
In particular, Mark’s role has been pivotal in ensuring the financing proposal for Camtel, the State-
owned incumbent, landed in time and fashion.
Such proposal has been approved by the board and now awaits for Governmental guarantee in order
for the project to start.
On other projects, his support towards seeking adequate and innovative structured financing
proposals has resulted in projects where Cisco is back in the game; this is the case of Ethiopia,
Rwanda (through concessional financing) and Niger, amongst others.
I am personally very happy of Mark’s contribution to the area I am dedicated, as he has proved
imaginative, seeking alternatives, untiring in his efforts to meet the customer requirements.
His contribution to my activity is extremely relevant, as it offers solution to one of the areas of major
concern, financing of transformational projects.
His skills go beyond simple matchmaking in a market dominated by conventional thinking, as he
strives in search of innovative financing mediums that can in time offer a real competitive advantage
to the Company, thus mitigating the risk that dealing with emerging countries (and their international
ratings) entails.
His “rolodex” of contacts ideally complements a solid skill set in his field.
Michele Castegnaro
Director of BD, Emerging Africa