Matthew Harwood

Matthew Harwood is Chief Strategy Officer for Climate Investment where he is responsible for developing the firm’s strategy and for leading the measurement and reporting CI portfolios’ GHG emissions reduction progress. Matthew joined Climate Investment in 2021 and is a Board member of CI portfolio companies, ICA-Finance and Econic Technologies. Matthew brings extensive experience of both Energy and Climate through his 30 years working in Strategy, Sustainability and Operational roles. Before joining Climate Investment, Matthew led the development of the Energy Transition strategy at McDermott, delivered the divestment of Lummus Technology as part of the company’s restructuring, and the Hydrogen and Battery strategy at Johnson Matthey. Prior to those roles, Matthew was responsible launching businesses in Offshore Wind and Carbon Capture at Petrofac. Matthew also spent time in strategy and M&A roles in Iberdrola with a strong focus on renewables and the energy supply business. Matthew has a PhD and Post Doctorate in Atmospheric Science and is a Chartered Engineer. Matthew is based in London.

Session Overview

Thursday, 7 November

10:00

10:00 - 10:45

Powering Africa’s energy system by catalysing in-country growth through local resources

Africa's vast natural resources - including agriculture, minerals, traditional fuels, and renewable energy - hold the key to unlocking energy access and security. By developing these resources sustainably and building climate-resilient energy infrastructure, African nations can create jobs, generate revenue, and stimulate markets, trade, and economic growth. To overcome the hurdle of limited financing and investment, governments, businesses, development banks, investors, and civil society must work together to create supportive policies and actions. This collaboration will ensure balanced energy security and net-zero ambitions, ultimately achieving universal energy access in Africa.

Attendee insights:

Gain insights into the opportunities for in-country growth within African nations and the crucial role of financing access and collaboration in unlocking this potential.