Wednesday 5 June - Programme
13:30 | Welcome Address
Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in the United Kingdom, Invest Africa
13:40 I Opening Remarks by Moroccan and UK Governments
H.E. Dr Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition & Sustainable Development, Kingdom of Morocco
The Rt Hon Clair Coutinho, Secretary of State for Energy Security & Net-Zero, United Kingdom
H.E. Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate for the Budget, Kingdom of Morocco
14:10 | Spotlight 1: Investing in Morocco - Morocco Now
This spotlight will provide an overview of Morocco’s business landscape, highlighting its role as a key gateway to Africa, and showcasing the tangible investment and trade prospects between Morocco and UK.
14:15 | Panel Discussion: Energy Powerhouse & Innovation
Morocco is primed to emerge as a hub for climate-friendly industrial energy. With strategic investments in research and innovation, the country is pursuing a resilient energy future to ensure sustainable energy transition without compromising energy security. Morocco is also well placed to export clean and competitive energy to its allies in Europe and beyond. Panellists will discuss how Morocco can strengthen its position globally as a provider of sustainable and renewable energy, highlighting the government’s commitment and policies to support foreign investment and collaboration in the energy sector.
Fatima-Zahra El Khalifa, Director General, Cluster Renewable Energy
Tarik Hamane, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy
Reda Hamedoun, Executive Director, NAREVA
Hanane Mourchid, Chief Innovation & Sustainability Officer, OCP Group
Paddy Padmanthan, Vice Chair, Xlinks
Aubrey Hruby, Senior Fellow, Africa Center, Atlantic Council (moderator)
15:15 | Networking Break
Delegates will have the opportunity to engage in networking, designed to facilitate focused discussions in the sectors of technology, pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, logistics, energy, agriculture and professional services.
15:30 | Spotlight 2: Connecting Africa and the World - Tanger Med
This session will showcase Tanger Med, one of the world’s largest industrial ports, which serves as a crucial hub – linking Morocco and the entire African continent to global markets.
Mehdi Tazi Riffi, Chief Executive Officer, Tanger Med
15:45 I Panel Discussion – Infrastructures & Connectivity: Road to the World Cup and Beyond
With six years remaining until the official kick-off of the 2030 World Cup, Morocco presents a multitude of infrastructure investment opportunities. These range from constructing new stadiums and upgrading existing facilities to improving transport infrastructure and enhancing digital connectivity. More broadly, the government has undertaken a series of ambitious infrastructure and industrial projects to accelerate its development and attract international investment, positioning itself as a global hub for trade and business. This panel will delve into the strategic initiatives launched by the Kingdom and explore future projects across various sectors that offer tangible opportunities for British and international investors.
Yassine Benjelloun, Senior Advisor for Morocco, African Infrastructure Investment Managers
Daniel Horner, Managing Partner, Dar UK (a Sidara Company)
Stephen Orr, President, British Chamber of Commerce Morocco, VP Strategic Development, Spirit AeroSystems
Mohammed Saadoune, Head of Rolling Stock Development, ONCF
Jihane Touzani, Director of Strategy and Planning, Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development
Geoffrey White, Chief Executive Officer - Africa, Agility
Badr Choufari, Growth Gateway & Partner, Boston Consulting Group (moderator)
16:35 | Panel Discussion – Financing the deal flow
Ahmed Arharbi, Director of Markets & Member of the Executive Committee, Casablanca Stock Exchange
Frederic Lucenet, Global Head, Manufacturing & Services, European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD)
Hicham Maaouni, Managing Director and Head of Corporate Banking, Treasury and Capital Markets, Bank of Africa UK Plc
Sameh Shenouda, Executive Director & CIO, Africa Finance Corporation
Othman Tlemcani, Director, Head of Financings & Monitoring of Participations, InnovX
Omar Ben Yedder, Group Publisher and Managing Director, IC Publications (moderator)
17:25 I Closing Remarks
17:30 | Networking Reception