EFG Hermes’ annual meet shines light on MENA investment opportunities

EFG Hermes held its 10th Annual London Investor Conference at the Emirates Stadium, from September 9 to 12.

This year’s event, themed A New Era of Opportunities, explored transformative innovations in capital markets and regulatory developments while highlighting investment prospects across the global economy.

The conference’s plenary session, held on September 10, featured opening remarks from Karim Awad, Group CEO of EFG Holding.

The session included a panel discussion titled Shaping Tomorrow: Insights from Saudi Arabia’s Capital Markets Leaders, which featured Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Bin Hassan, board commissioner of the Capital Market Authority (CMA), and Mohammed Al-Rumaih, CEO of the Saudi Exchange.

The discussion focused on the advancements and future of Saudi Arabia’s capital markets.

On September 11, Mohamed Farid, executive chairman of the Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority, participated in a fireside chat titled Regulations as a Catalyst for Growth: Unleashing Innovation in Capital Markets, Insuretech, and Fintech. The discussion explored how regulatory frameworks and innovations are driving growth in capital markets and fintech sectors.

This year’s conference is hosting over 102 presenting companies and 590 guests, including institutional investors and fund managers from 138 global investment firms.

The event aims to facilitate meaningful connections and provide insights into the MENA region’s evolving investment landscape.

EFG Hermes’ investor conference is a key platform, says Karim Awad

Karim Awad commented, “We are at a pivotal moment in the MENA region where structural reforms and technological advancements are creating a dynamic investment environment. The London Investor Conference serves as a platform for idea exchange, partnership building, and uncovering opportunities aligned with the region’s growth trajectory.”

Recent projections from the IMF show improved economic resilience in the MENA region, with GDP growth expected to rise from 2 per cent in 2023 to 2.8 per cent in 2024, and further to 4.2 per cent in 2025.

This growth is driven by easing inflation and robust oil production. Oil exporters are projected to see a growth rate of 2.9 per cent in 2024, up from 1.9 per cent in 2023.

Mohamed Ebeid, co-CEO of EFG Hermes, stated, “Investors are increasingly recognising the potential in the MENA region, fuelled by structural reforms and emerging industries such as fintech and renewable energy. This conference is an opportunity to bridge global investment interests with regional opportunities, fostering economic resilience and sustainable growth.”

The London Investor Conference follows EFG Hermes’ successful One-on-One Conference in Dubai and is set to further strengthen connections between regional listed companies and global institutional investors.