Speakers

Ms. Mariana Bárcena is a Director at DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, where she currently leads the Infrastructure & Energy, Global Equity division. She is responsible for the origination, structuring, and portfolio management of direct equity and fund investments in global infrastructure and energy markets. With over two decades of experience in development finance, Ms. Bárcena has held several  leadership roles at DEG, including Director of Politics & Management Affairs, Global Debt & Equity Risk Evaluation, Direct Equity & Private Equity Funds, Latin America, and Corporate Debt, Latin America. Her expertise spans investment strategy, risk analysis, and portfolio management across emerging markets. Throughout her different responsibilities she has contributed to DEG´s Impact.Climate.Retunrs strategy, with a focus on impactful and sustainable investments that drive inclusive growth and climate resilience. Ms. Bárcena holds a degree in Economics from Georg August University Göttingen, Germany.

DEG

DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH is a leading European development finance institution and part of the KfW Banking Group, a AAA-rated German financial institution. DEG provides long-term financing and advisory services to private enterprises in developing and emerging markets, supporting sustainable economic growth and job creation. Its financing instruments include debt, mezzanine, and equity, tailored to the needs of businesses across sectors such as infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, agribusiness, and financial services. DEG operates in over 80 countries, with a portfolio exceeding €11 billion. In 2024 alone, it committed €2.5 billion in new investments. DEG plays a key role in mobilizing private capital for impactful development, guided by its strategic focus on impact, climate, and returns. Through its partnerships and expertise, DEG contributes to the global transformation toward inclusive, climate-resilient economies.