Demetrios Papathanasiou

Global Director, Energy and Extractives The World Bank

Dr. Demetrios Papathanasiou leads more than 100 professionals at the Global Units of the Energy and Extractives Global Practice of the World Bank. He coordinates the overall strategic direction of the Practice, advances the knowledge and learning agenda for the Bank’s energy and extractives professionals, and oversees corporate reporting, trust funds, and partnerships for the Practice. Working with the Extractives team he is refocusing World Bank efforts to support countries to responsibly develop their mineral resources and create investments for value addition in emerging markets.

Dr. Papathanasiou has worked for more than 20 years with the World Bank Group on Energy and Infrastructure in Africa, Latin America, East Europe and the Balkans, South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific Islands.

A professional Electrical Engineer, Dr. Papathanasiou holds an MSc in Environmental Technology and a PhD in Energy and the Environment from Imperial College in London, UK.

2024 Agenda Sessions

World Bank

The demand for energy transition minerals (ETM) needed for the global energy transition is expected to increase significantly in the future. This presents Africa with a unique opportunity to promote economic development, diversify industries, and reduce carbon emissions. To support Africa in meeting the growing demand for ETM, a coordinated approach involving the World Bank, international and regional partners, and authorities is necessary.

This event will focus on the unique opportunity for Africa to leverage the mining sector for domestic revenue mobilization and broader structural development. It will emphasize the need for mining countries to benefit beyond mining and highlight the importance of value chain development in Africa to generate development opportunities.

The event will discuss approaches for increasing supply response capabilities, regional development opportunities, renewable energy investments, value addition, human capital formation, and governance. It will emphasize the potential benefits and opportunities for the African mining industry in the context of the global energy transition and decarbonization efforts. Additionally, it will explore how the World Bank can play a role in supporting African countries in maximizing the benefits of the mining sector through dialogue, investment derisking, and assistance in creating enabling environments for responsible mineral investments.

During the panel discussion, government representatives and industry leaders will come together to delve deeper into the demand for energy transition minerals (ETM) and its potential impact on Africa's economic development and carbon emissions reduction. The discussion will focus on exploring strategies and opportunities for Africa to leverage its mineral resources in a sustainable and beneficial manner.

By bringing together key stakeholders, this event aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing to ensure that Africa can harness its mineral resources to drive sustainable development and contribute to the global energy transition.

Monday 05 February 14:00 - 15:00 Insiders Stage

Industry Intel

Add to calendar 02/05/2024 14:00 02/05/2024 15:00 World Bank The demand for energy transition minerals (ETM) needed for the global energy transition is expected to increase significantly in the future. This presents Africa with a unique opportunity to promote economic development, diversify industries, and reduce carbon emissions. To support Africa in meeting the growing demand for ETM, a coordinated approach involving the World Bank, international and regional partners, and authorities is necessary.

This event will focus on the unique opportunity for Africa to leverage the mining sector for domestic revenue mobilization and broader structural development. It will emphasize the need for mining countries to benefit beyond mining and highlight the importance of value chain development in Africa to generate development opportunities.

The event will discuss approaches for increasing supply response capabilities, regional development opportunities, renewable energy investments, value addition, human capital formation, and governance. It will emphasize the potential benefits and opportunities for the African mining industry in the context of the global energy transition and decarbonization efforts. Additionally, it will explore how the World Bank can play a role in supporting African countries in maximizing the benefits of the mining sector through dialogue, investment derisking, and assistance in creating enabling environments for responsible mineral investments.

During the panel discussion, government representatives and industry leaders will come together to delve deeper into the demand for energy transition minerals (ETM) and its potential impact on Africa's economic development and carbon emissions reduction. The discussion will focus on exploring strategies and opportunities for Africa to leverage its mineral resources in a sustainable and beneficial manner.

By bringing together key stakeholders, this event aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing to ensure that Africa can harness its mineral resources to drive sustainable development and contribute to the global energy transition. Insiders Stage Africa/Johannesburg

Mining for energy – can Africa seize the green moment?

•   How can Africa take advantage of the energy transition to enhance mining and the green mineral value-chains?
•   With a lack of sufficient investment into energy infrastructure, particularly in South Africa, where has this left the industry?
•   How can energy insecurity for miners affect Africa’s potential yearly green minerals output, as well as its future mineral exploitation capabilities?
•   Are renewable energy projects, as well as wheeled power projects a realistic alternative for mining and processing operations?
•   What are the benefits of ensuring energy security for the mining industry, and what are those benefits for the wider community?

Tuesday 06 February 11:50 - 12:30 Governments Stage

Intergovernmental Summit

Add to calendar 02/06/2024 11:50 02/06/2024 12:30 Mining for energy – can Africa seize the green moment?
•   How can Africa take advantage of the energy transition to enhance mining and the green mineral value-chains?
•   With a lack of sufficient investment into energy infrastructure, particularly in South Africa, where has this left the industry?
•   How can energy insecurity for miners affect Africa’s potential yearly green minerals output, as well as its future mineral exploitation capabilities?
•   Are renewable energy projects, as well as wheeled power projects a realistic alternative for mining and processing operations?
•   What are the benefits of ensuring energy security for the mining industry, and what are those benefits for the wider community? Governments Stage Africa/Johannesburg

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