24–26 JUNE 2025 / MARRIOTT MENA HOUSE, CAIRO
CAIRO, EGYPT
EVENT HOST | ORGANIZED BY |
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MENA Steel Forum
SCHEDULE
| Tuesday, 24 June 2025 | |
| 08:00–09:00 | Registration and Coffee |
| 09:00–09:30 | Welcome and Introduction AIST MENA Member Chapter Chair Karim Badr |
| 09:30–10:00 | Keynote Presentation "Building the Future: Advancements in Steel Rebar for Egypt's Infrastructure" Gamil Iskander, Head of Projects Division – Board Member, Ezz Steel |
| 10:00–12:00 | Industry Leader Panel Steel demand in the MENA region continues to navigate significant challenges, including global overcapacity, geopolitical uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and fluctuating energy costs. Despite these hurdles, regional producers are advancing strategic investments to enhance sustainability and align with global climate objectives. In this session, industry leaders from the MENA region and the U.S. will share insights on the evolving landscape, exploring both the challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of the steel sector. Moderator: Ronald Ashburn, Executive Director, Association for Iron & Steel Technology |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00–15:00 | Technological Advancements and Innovation in Steel Manufacturing Moderator: Ashraf Hanna, CEO and Steel Industry Technical Expert, MelTTEch Solutions Inc. Panelists: Mostafa Khamis, Key Account Manager, Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpA Enea Paquali, Key Account Manager Egypt, SMS group Paolo Stagnoli, Director, Marketing and Sales, EAF & LF, Tenova S.p.A. |
| 15:00–15:30 | Coffee Break |
| 15:30–17:30 | Green Steel Production and Sustainability As the MENA region prioritizes sustainable industrial development, green steel production plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and meeting global climate commitments. This panel will explore cutting-edge technologies, including hydrogen-based direct reduction (HDR), electric arc furnaces (EAFs), and carbon capture solutions, that are transforming the steel industry. Experts will also examine strategies for aligning with COP28 goals and advancing sustainability in steel manufacturing. Moderator: Karim Badr, Technical Director – Ironmaking, RHI Magnesita Panelists: Manal Al Badawi, ESG and Sustainability Manager, EMSTEEL Group Soroush Basirat, Energy Finance Analyst, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis Jorge Martínez, Commercial Director, Tenova HYL Robert Montgomery, Senior Manager, Plant Sales–Middle East, Midrex Technologies |
| Wednesday, 25 June 2025 | |
| 09:00–10:00 | Registration and Coffee |
| 10:00–12:00 | Sustainability Endeavors in Iron Ore, Refractory and Graphite Electrodes This session will explore the vital role of sustainability in the metallurgical industry. It will examine innovative strategies and best practices focused on reducing environmental impact and improving resource efficiency in the production of iron ore, refractory materials, and graphite electrodes. By highlighting technological advancements, the session aims to offer valuable insights into building a more sustainable future in the steelmaking sector. It will also provide a unique opportunity for steel suppliers to showcase process improvements and demonstrate how they can support steel producers in reducing CO₂ emissions. Moderator: Mauro Bianchi Ferri, Managing Director, Acciarium Alliance |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00–15:00 | Academia and Industry Shaping the Future of the Steel Industry This session unites academia, industry experts and young engineers to explore data-driven problem-solving in the steel industry. Through case studies and discussions, panelists will highlight sustainability initiatives, material performance, and advanced steel manufacturing. The session aims to equip professionals with critical thinking skills to drive innovation and industry growth. Moderator: Iman El-Mahallawi, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, and Founding Director of Centre for Renewable Energy, The British University in Egypt Presentations:
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| 15:00–15:30 | Coffee Break |
| 15:30–17:30 | Stepping Into the Future: Case Studies and Success Stories in Technology Adoption Moderator: Karim Alshurafa, President, Vollmer America, Inc. |
| Thursday, 26 June 2025 | |
| 08:00-14:00 | Plant Tour: Ezz Steel, Sadat City |
| *All times are local to Cairo (GMT +2). All presentations will be in English. Schedule is subject to change and will be updated as additional details are confirmed. | |
