CONFERENCE AGENDA
Wednesday 15 February 2023
10:00 10:15
Ministrial Keynote Speech
Transforming Egypt into a regional energy trading hub
Egypt is increasing its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to help solve Europe’s energy challenges, following disruption to supply amidst geopolitical tensions, with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources declaring that Egypt aims to export $8.5 to $10 billion worth of natural gas during the fiscal year 2022/23. This keynote speech will outline Egypt’s prospects in the global LNG market as well as the government’s strategy to attract regional FDI in the aftermath of geopolitical instability
Attendee Insights:
This Keynote will provide insights on investment opportunities as part of Egypt’s strategic roadmap to establish itself as a regional energy trading hub and exporter of gas and LNG globally.
10:15 11:00
Panel Discussion
Capitalising on investment opportunities in North Africa and the East Mediterranean
The West’s sanctions against Russia have prompted Europe to reduce its dependence on a single oil and gas supplier. In response to the current energy crisis, the EU is turning to the North African and East European region for gas supplies to satisfy short-term needs. With its abundant resources and strategic location, how is the region taking advantage of this opportunity? And what opportunities are there for investors?
Attendee insights
Financial and economic experts will provide a deep dive on the potential investment opportunities offered by the recent signing of the trilateral MOU between Egypt, Israel and the EU.
11:00 11:45
Panel Discussion
Solving Europe’s gas supply in the short and long term through targeted investments
As Europe braces for a challenging winter amidst current geopolitical unrest, global natural gas markets are projected to remain tight well into 2023 due to the industry’s lack of investment in LNG. With the EU looking to secure alternative supplies and reduce its dependency on Russian gas, demand for LNG is anticipated to increase 150% between 2022 and 2040.
There has been a recent ramp-up in new supply projects to strengthen Europe’s energy security in the short term, with investment only likely to accelerate. But in the long run, what investment decisions should policymakers undertake to rebalance Europe’s natural gas market with dependable, affordable, and sustainable energy?
Attendee insights
Energy leaders will examine strategies and the required investment needed that will allow Europe to transition away from dependence on Russian gas and ensure energy security while continuing to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
11:45 12:30
Panel Discussion
Accelerating decarbonisation and energy security through public private partnerships
NOCs in the North Africa and East Mediterranean region are extensively using the public-private partnership (PPP) financing model to gain access to private capital and new expertise. Several significant international collaborations have recently been formed in the region with projects aimed to support climate change strategies; but can public-private partnerships be the key to attracting more foreign investments in decarbonisation and energy efficiency technologies? Will the region’s public-private partnerships expand to fund future projects and achieve energy security?
Attendee insights
This panel will discuss the role of public-private partnerships in delivering long-term oil, gas and energy infrastructure projects while examining the investment models that enable governments to achieve energy security without having to increase direct state capital spending.
Mateus da Costa
Director of Exploration and Research Innovations
National Authority of Petroleum and Minerals (ANPM)
12:30 13:30
Lunch
13:30 14:15
Panel Discussion
Overcoming the market impacts of ESG investment constraints
With oil and gas ESG benchmarks a major factor for banks and investors, these conditions continue to affect the industry’s access to capital. With ongoing calls for ESG criteria standardisation and a consistent set of reporting disclosure, how are oil and gas companies managing short-term investment needs? Is sustainability-linked finance the solution? And long-term, where will oil and gas investment come from when banks and private equity firms cease funding?
Attendee Insights:
A must attend session for energy leaders and investors to develop a holistic view of ESG reporting standards to ensure the long-term survival of the industry.
Hind Chawki
Head of Financial Market, MENAP, and ESG Lead for Global Credit Markets
Standard Chartered Bank
14:15 15:00
Panel Discussion
Africa Focus: The role of natural gas to drive economic growth and reduce energy poverty
Energy access is the primary factor in boosting African countries’ economic and social growth. According to reports, more than 600 million people in Africa lack access to energy and clean cooking solutions. Natural gas resources have been suggested as a solution to energy poverty by African leaders, with Africa owning over 9% of the world’s gas reserves and generating around 6% of global natural gas. What are the financial challenges in building new gas infrastructure in developing countries? How can government bodies and investors eradicate energy poverty through green finance?
Attendee insights
This session examines the prospects and constraints for natural gas investment to foster economic growth and alleviate energy poverty.
Zakaria Dosso
Managing Director - Africa Energy Investments Corporation
African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO)
15:00 15:45
Panel Discussion
Financing the Energy Transition
Following the Paris agreement, governments and policymakers remain committed towards driving a global transition to clean energy. It is estimated that the cumulative investment on physical assets to accelerate net-zero, being approximately $9.2 trillion through to 2050, including technology, infrastructure, and natural resources. The question is how global economies can deploy capital and prioritise the investment decisions needed to accelerate the transition. What technologies must companies invest in and implement into their business models to minimise greenhouse gas emissions?
Global net-zero targets can only be achieved if sustainable financing is available to help developing nations achieve decarbonisation – what regulatory frameworks are required to enable a just and affordable energy transition for emerging economies?
Attendee insights
Financiers and climate experts will examine the importance of balancing investment priorities to ensure an affordable, accelerated just transition.
15:45 16:30
Panel Discussion
The evolving role of a CFO as a catalyst for digital transformation
The role of a CFO and finance department has changed as a result of the oil and gas industry’s adoption of digitalisation in order to keep up with the ongoing developments of new digital transformation operations that are restructuring the operating landscape and reaping the benefits of increased productivity, higher efficiency, and increased cost savings. What essential elements must be reported to internal stakeholders in order to shift attitudes towards digital transformation? How can CFOs ensure a return on investment through digitalisation whilst also considering net-zero targets?
Attendee insights
This discussion will evaluate the evolving role of CFOs and finance departments to drive digitalisation across the business for revenue optimisation, organisational efficiency and financial reporting transparency.