We chatted with Damien Howard, VP for Energy at DMG Events, about the 8-year-old Mozambique Gas and Energy Summit. This event has played a big role since the early days of Mozambique’s gas scene. We learned how it helps connect stakeholders, local Mozambicans, and offers networking and showcases for SMEs. Let’s dive into Howard’s insights.
What were the main highlights and objectives of the 2023 Mozambique Gas Summit Event and Exhibition (MGSEE), and what goals were achieved?
Mozambique Gas and Energy Summit is one of DMG’s longest-running events. It’s been fantastic partnering with ENH over the years, working from the beginning with the government to really understand the opportunities for the country.
For us, it’s always been about ensuring that the entire gas and energy value chain is represented. We are providing a platform in Mozambique for the international gas and energy community to engage with government project proponents, regional players, and, of course, local Mozambicans.
We strive to keep it entrepreneurial and innovative, ensuring there’s value and purpose. I believe the objectives are really being met from that perspective.
How has this edition of the event progressed in comparison to previous years?
For the first time ever, the Mozambique Gas and Energy Summit and Exhibition sold out all the exhibition space available on the promotional floor plan. This, for us, is a significant indicator of various factors. First, there’s a growing appetite for investment in Mozambique. Secondly, there are burgeoning opportunities in the energy sector in Mozambique, not just in gas and energy. We’re also witnessing a surge in opportunities in the renewables and new energy domains.
The exhibition has expanded considerably, with an influx of international delegates. In addition to the growth of the exhibition, we’ve had more country pavilions than ever before. This year, we featured a French pavilion, US pavilion, UK pavilion, and, naturally, the Italian pavilion. Our event attracted delegations from Congo, Tanzania, and substantial contingents from South Africa, Nigeria, the UAE, and the US. These developments have proven the success of this edition.
Has this conference had an impact on the industry both within Mozambique and beyond?
We have around 180 conferences and exhibitions worldwide, just in the energy sector. So, we try where we can, to ensure that there is interconnectivity and an interplay between all of these conferences.
So, whether it’s in China, Dubai, Calgary, or Maputo, we understand that there will always be opportunities in energy project development, whether it’s for investment, bidding, tendering, or even just learning.
We foster global interconnectivity among all the different types of energy. Our job isn’t just to provide the platform; it’s also to create opportunities between different nations because the global energy industry is so interconnected.
For example, the Nigerian delegation we brought offered perspectives on local content development in the oil and gas industry. In Nigeria, local content has been enshrined in law for 10 years.
All these discussions collaborate to elevate the global gas industry.
How do you foresee the future of MGSEE in Mozambique?
If, in 2012, we could have looked forward to 2023 and seen how far we’ve come, we would, of course, feel as we do now: super proud and very excited. We’ve been there every step of the way, witnessing opportunities arise and seeing them convert into tangible projects that are now delivering.
But what lies beyond that? We’re always striving not only to push our own boundaries and innovate but also to genuinely listen to and understand our community, our audience.
For our milestone event, the 10th edition, we envision establishing a local office. We have local offices in Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria, so for us, that would be a wonderful way to celebrate.
