The Azerbaijan Infrastructure Investment Dialogue was held in
Baku on September 26, 2026, jointly organized by the State Oil Fund
of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) and BlackRock, one of the
world’s leading asset management companies.
Held under the patronage of President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as part of the 2nd Azerbaijan International
Investment Forum, the Dialogue focused on investment opportunities
in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, energy
infrastructure, as well as strategic transport and logistics
corridors.
The Dialogue brought together senior Azerbaijani government
officials, along with executives from international investment
institutions, infrastructure companies and global business
organizations.
Key discussions
The first panel session, dedicated to “Artificial Intelligence
and Digital Infrastructure,” was moderated by Charles Hatami, CEO
of BlackRock and Global Head of the Financial and Strategic
Investors Group.
The session featured Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil
Jabbarov, Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad
Nabiyev, Nagi Hamiyeh, President and EMEA Head of Temasek Global
Investments, and Howard Bovil, CEO of Coravel, ACS.
The participants discussed the application of artificial
intelligence technologies, expanding data processing and storage
capabilities, strengthening digital connectivity and
digitalization, as well as investment opportunities in these areas.
They also exchanged views on the importance of cooperation between
the public and private sectors in developing digital
infrastructure.
The second panel, titled “Energy Infrastructure,” was moderated
by Eric Varvel, Partner and Global Head of Capital Formation at
Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).
The panel featured Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy Parviz
Shahbazov, SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf, Omar N. Al-Midani,
President and CEO of Vision Invest, and Patrick Lammers, CEO of
Skyborn Renewables.
The discussion focused on the development of energy
infrastructure, changing investment priorities in the sector,
energy security and the growing role of renewable energy. The
participants also discussed opportunities to attract institutional
investment to energy projects and prospects for expanding
public-private sector cooperation in developing sustainable and
reliable energy infrastructure.
The Dialogue concluded with a panel session on “Strategic
Transport and Logistics Corridors.”
The session was moderated by Mustafa Riffat, CEO and Chief of
Staff of GIP, and featured Rahman Hummatov, Azerbaijan’s Deputy
Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Kirill Rubinski, CEO
of NEQSOL Holding, Todd Boehly, Chairman and CEO of Eldridge
Industries, and Jim Butler, Chief Financial Officer of Gatwick
Airport.
The final panel examined ways to expand investment in transport
and logistics infrastructure, strengthen regional connectivity and
develop strategic transport corridors. Azerbaijan’s role in
transport routes connecting regional markets and the opportunities
the country offers in this area were also among the key topics
discussed.
Key outcomes
The three panel sessions held as part of the Dialogue
highlighted the importance of long-term institutional capital and
public-private cooperation in developing infrastructure, which
forms the backbone of the modern economy.
Bringing together Azerbaijani government officials and senior
representatives of international investment institutions,
infrastructure companies and global businesses, the event served as
an important platform for exchanging views and experience on
investment priorities, emerging market trends and infrastructure
development prospects.
The discussions provided an opportunity to consider Azerbaijan’s
infrastructure priorities in the context of global investment
trends, while also highlighting the country’s role in strengthening
regional connectivity and transport links.