Driving change
Propelling the Future

The Mongolia Economic Forum 2026 marks a decisive step in unlocking the country’s economic transformation through a clear, investment-driven national roadmap. With major reforms in industrial development, green energy, digital infrastructure, and trade liberalisation, Mongolia is positioning itself as a rising hub for international capital and sustainable growth in Central Asia.

The recent presentation by Evolen and Ecoanalítica on Venezuela highlighted dynamics increasingly shared by frontier markets. These trends strongly resonate with current developments in Central Asia and Mongolia, where the energy transition and emerging connectivity corridors are reshaping the attractiveness of extractive investment flows.

Step By Steppe had the pleasure of participating on May 06, 2026, in the Forum organized by the AFD Group (AFD, Proparco, and Expertise France). They hosted a high-level forum to address the unprecedented demand for critical minerals—lithium, cobalt, and rare earths—essential for the global net-zero path.

As a strategy firm at the intersection of energy and industry, we’ve synthesized the key operational shifts discussed during the event

Our firm had the pleasure of participating in HOF Days 2026 at our alma mater, a conference that provided sharp insights into the major shifts reshaping geopolitics, industry, and finance. From the move toward security over optimization to rising resource tensions and the return of the State, discussions highlighted a clear reality: we are facing a paradigm shift, not a cyclical crisis. The key challenge ahead will be to reconcile sovereignty, economic efficiency, and responsibility in an increasingly fragmented world.

The visit to the Rungis International Market, the world’s largest fresh food market, was an opportunity to discover just how interconnected the world is.

Products from over 100 countries are traded right here.

We are persuaded that this place opens the door to deeper cooperation - fostering not only trade, but also the exchange of culinary cultures and the richness of gastronomic traditions.

Following a high-level discussion hosted by MEDEF International on March 18, 2026, Mongolia is increasingly emerging as a strategic partner for French businesses.
The meeting highlighted a shift from exploratory engagement to long-term investment opportunities, driven by shared priorities in energy, infrastructure, and economic transformation.

Step By Steppe was pleased to have taken part in the Mongolia–EU Investors’ Roundtable in Brussels and to contribute to the dialogue on strengthening investment cooperation between Europe and Mongolia.

A great step forward with the signature of our MoU on cooperation in geothermal energy and strategic minerals.

Mongolia: Growth, Megaprojects and Strategic Opportunities

Mongolia is entering a high-growth phase (+5% average growth; +60% FDI in five years), creating strategic opportunities for French companies in energy, infrastructure, and innovation.

Following the Business France webinar and ahead of its official business mission to Mongolia in June 2026, Step By Steppe is supporting French partners in positioning themselves within this accelerating market.

Step By Steppe attended the February 24 conference at the Salon International de l'Agriculture 2026>, where policymakers, researchers, and pastoral leaders discussed the strategic role of pastoralism in climate resilience, food sovereignty, and sustainable land management.

The event highlighted growing Franco-Mongolian cooperation, the momentum of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists led by Mongolia and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the recognition of pastoralism as a forward-looking ecological and socio-economic infrastructure.

The EU currently consumes around 8 million tonnes of hydrogen per year, mainly for refining and industry. Less than 1% of this hydrogen is renewable today. EU targets aim for 40 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030, yet only a few hundred MW are operational so far.

Green hydrogen production costs in Europe often range between €4–7/kg, driven by energy prices, land constraints and permitting delays. This gap between ambition and execution opens the door to international partnerships.

Today, Mongolia’s energy system remains highly dependent on coal, while its hydrogen ecosystem is not yet built. This creates a rare opportunity to design a low-carbon energy pillar from the ground up, leveraging international technology, capital and know-how.

Le Figaro – Executive Insights

In Le Figaro’s Executive Insights section, Batchimeg Dashtseren, CEO of Step By Steppe, shares her analysis on why Mongolia deserves greater attention from European and French companies seeking to diversify their value chains and invest with a long-term vision.

Mongolia is emerging as a strategic partner for Europe, offering concrete opportunities across responsible cashmere production, highly skilled human capital, renewable energy, advanced technologies, and a stable business environment.

Step By Steppe, a French strategy consulting firm with a deeply multicultural team, is proud to announce the successful completion of its mission in Central Asia, marked by high-level meetings, meaningful exchanges, and a shared vision for the region’s economic future.

In continuity with the regional “the 5+1 strategy” framework, discussions focused on new avenues of cooperation between Central Asian companies, Mongolia, and France. Thanks to productive meetings with institutions dedicated to attracting foreign investment, Step By Steppe is currently identifying and mapping the specific needs of Uzbek and Kazakh companies.

Step By Steppe conducted a prospecting mission in Mongolia and Central Asia during the first two weeks of December 2025. This mission is part of the company’s international development strategy and aims to identify cooperation opportunities in key sectors for both local and European economies.

On November 12, 2025, our firm took part in the conference organized by the National Committee of French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE), in partnership with the Ecological Transition Expert Group and the Île-de-France and Hauts-de-Seine Committees.

The event gathered leading public and private stakeholders to discuss critical metals and their essential role in ensuring France’s and Europe’s industrial and energy sovereignty.

On November 6, 2025, Step By Steppe attended the Annual Conference of the Asia Center at Ifri (Paris), dedicated to exploring strategic autonomy amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.

On June 24, 2025 Step By Steppe had the privilege of contributing to an international business mission organized with the support of Bpifrance, aimed at exploring the economic potential of Mongolia.

From July 8 to 9, Step By Steppe had the privilege of taking part in the Mongolia Economic Forum held in Ulaanbaatar — a high-level gathering of policymakers, business leaders, and international partners focused on Mongolia’s strategic development priorities.

On June 4th, Step By Steppe had the honor of participating in an official visit to Orléans, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the city's friendship with Mongolia—an event held as part of the 60th anniversary of Franco-Mongolian diplomatic relations.

A memorable evening was held on May 14, 2025, to celebrate the 60 years of diplomatic relations between France and Mongolia, organized by the Embassy of Mongolia in France.