Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi inaugurated the ninth edition of the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPS 2026) on Monday in Cairo, underscoring the country’s growing role as a central platform for global dialogue on the future of energy. The high-profile event, held at the Al-Manara International Conference Center and Egypt International Exhibition Center, brought together senior government officials, international leaders, and executives from major global energy companies at a time of heightened geopolitical instability affecting global energy markets.
Among the prominent attendees was Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, alongside Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi. Industry leaders, including executives from major international firms such as Apache Corporation, also participated, reflecting continued investor interest in Egypt’s energy sector.
In his keynote remarks, President Sisi described EGYPS as an increasingly influential international platform for exchanging perspectives on energy, which he characterized as a cornerstone of global economic stability. He emphasized that the sector is navigating one of its most complex periods in modern history, citing overlapping crises including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The president warned that disruptions to energy production and investment cycles can take years to reverse, stressing the importance of maintaining steady operations even amid uncertainty. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to honoring its financial obligations to international energy partners, stating that outstanding payments to companies operating in the sector are expected to be settled by mid-2026—a move seen as critical to sustaining foreign investment flows.
President Sisi also highlighted Egypt’s strategic cooperation with Cyprus and the European Union in the energy sector, particularly in natural gas. He pointed to ongoing efforts to integrate Cypriot gas fields into global markets through Egyptian liquefaction infrastructure, positioning Egypt as a key transit and processing hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The conference comes as global energy markets face mounting pressure from geopolitical tensions. According to assessments by the International Energy Agency, the current crisis ranks among the most severe in terms of its impact on supply chains and pricing dynamics. President Sisi noted that the dual shock of supply shortages and rising prices is already affecting fuel, fertilizer, and agricultural markets, with particularly harsh consequences for developing economies.
In a notable geopolitical appeal, President Sisi reiterated calls for de-escalation in ongoing regional conflicts, warning that prolonged instability could have far-reaching repercussions for the global economy. He emphasized the need for coordinated international efforts to restore stability, urging major powers to play a decisive role in ending conflicts that threaten energy security.
On the sidelines of the event, Egypt and Cyprus signed a framework agreement to expand cooperation in natural gas, further strengthening bilateral ties. The agreement is expected to accelerate joint development projects and enhance infrastructure connectivity between the two countries.
Christodoulides, speaking during the conference, praised Egypt’s role as a reliable regional partner and reaffirmed the strategic importance of energy cooperation between Egypt, Cyprus, and the European Union. He noted that energy remains a central pillar of the growing partnership, particularly as Europe seeks to diversify its energy sources.
Beyond conventional energy, President Sisi called on companies to scale up investments in renewable and alternative energy sources, framing the transition as essential to mitigating the current crisis and ensuring long-term sustainability. Egypt has increasingly positioned itself as a regional leader in renewable energy, with large-scale projects in solar and wind power attracting international attention.
The opening of EGYPS 2026 reflects Egypt’s broader ambition to consolidate its status as a regional energy hub bridging Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. As global markets grapple with uncertainty, Cairo is leveraging its geographic position, infrastructure, and partnerships to play a more prominent role in shaping the future of energy.
