The Norfund Conference 2023 took place against a backdrop of rising interest rates, inflation and food and energy crises makes it more important than ever to understand the challenges and opportunities of investing in developing markets.
Below you will find recordings of the conference where international experts, Norfund’s own team, partners and portfolio companies, and leading Norwegian politicians discussed:
- Investing while food prices soar
- Finding new solutions in challenging industries
- Doing solid investments in fragile states
- Targeting net zero in the midst of an energy crisis
Welcome
12.30-12.35
Olaug Svarva, Chair of the Norfund Board
Investing while food prices soar
12.35-13:00
A combination of factors has caused food prices to skyrocket. Though global prices have stabilized, domestic food price inflation persists, especially in many African countries. What kind of challenges does this pose for investing in companies that can drive sustainable development? How can an investor like Norfund make a difference through investing in the food value chain?
Moderator: Ylva Lindberg, EVP Strategy and Communications
| Panel | |
|---|---|
| Pindie Nyandoro | Regional Director Southern Africa, Norfund |
| William Nyaoke | Regional Director East Africa, Norfund |
| Naana Winful Fynn | Regional Director West Africa, Norfund |
Bridging the gap
13.00-13.10
The financing gap for climate and development is greater than ever before. What is Norfund’s role as an investor in closing the gap and what have we achieved in 2022? Featuring highlights from the launch of our Annual Report.
With Tellef Thorleifsson, Norfund CEO
Finding new solutions in challenging industries
13.10-14.00
Industrial development is essential to drive economic growth and job creation in developing countries. However, many of these industries have significant greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts, as well as challenges linked to working conditions. How can these industries drive both job creation and green growth?
Moderator: Elida Unneberg, Analyst, Norfund
| Speakers | |
|---|---|
| Kobby Adams | Commercial Director, CBI Gh Ltd |
| Dilanka Jinadasa | Group CEO, Hela |
| Anja Bakken Riise | Leader, Future in Our Hands |
| Ellen Cathrine Rasmussen | Executive Vice President, Scalable Enterprises, Norfund |
Doing solid investments in fragile states
14.30-15.00
By 2030, it is estimated that two out of three people living in extreme poverty will be in fragile and conflict affected states. These countries sorely need investments to create jobs and reduce poverty. However, the risks are plentiful and investors reluctant. What investment opportunities can be found in fragile states, and is it possible to succeed?
Moderator: Bernt Brun, Vice President Funds, Norfund
| Panel | |
|---|---|
| Saad Aouad | CIO, 54 Capital and Chair of Board, SAMANU |
| Judy Kinyanjui | Investment Director, Financial Inclusion, Norfund |
Targeting net zero in the midst of an energy crisis
15.00-15.30
Higher energy prices are slowing growth, while generous renewables subsidies are offered in the West. In India, with the world’s fastest growing energy demand, coal is on the rise again. What happens to the investment landscape in India when capital is moving towards the industrialised economies?
Moderator: Mark Davis, Executive Vice President – Renewable Energy, Norfund
| Panel | |
|---|---|
| Vivek Subramanian | CEO, Fourth Partner Energy |
| Terje Pilskog | CEO, Scatec |
| Sandy Khera | Country Manager & CEO, Enel Green Power India |
Panel discussion with politicians
15.30-15.55
Moderator: Mathilde Emilie Thue, CEO, Norwegian-African Business Association (NABA)
Please note: this panel was held in Norwegian.
| Panel | |
|---|---|
| Anne Beathe Tvinnereim | Minister of International Development, Centre Party |
| Kari Elisabeth Kaski | Member of Parliament, Socialist Left Party |
| Nikolai Astrup | Member of Parliament, Conservative Party |
| Dag Inge Ulstein | Member of Parliament, Christian Democratic Party |
Closing
15.55-16.00
With Ylva Lindberg, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Communication, Norfund