Afreximbank is a leading multilateral financial institution
in Africa. Afreximbank works to build platforms that enable African countries
to enhance intra African trade, foster innovation, and engage more effectively
in the global economy.
The African Trade Centre will be the first of its kind in
North Africa. The Centre will strongly support the expansion of trade and
investment opportunities. The Centre will also contribute to consolidating
Egypt’s position as a driving force in shaping the future of trade in Africa.
The establishment marks the beginning of a new chapter in Africa’s trade
transformation.
Madbouly delivered a speech during the event. The Prime
Minister stated that the day marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s
partnership with Afreximbank. He explained that the partnership is firmly
rooted in trust, shared goals, and a common vision for Africa’s economic
renaissance.
He affirmed that the establishment of the African Trade
Centre affiliated with Afreximbank in the New Administrative Capital reflects
Egypt’s pivotal role in advancing continental economic integration and
facilitating trade. He added that, as the host country of Afreximbank’s
headquarters, Egypt takes pride in strengthening this cooperation through a
pioneering centre that will serve as a vital hub for trade information,
capacity building, innovation, and continental connectivity.
The Prime Minister stressed that Africa’s integration as a
single continent is essential for its future prosperity and global standing.
The Prime Minister noted that this integration aims to create a single market
that would significantly boost intra African trade and investment.
He explained that the unified market facilitates economies
of scale, accelerates industrialization, and encourages the development of
regional value chains. He added that this approach helps the continent overcome
its historical dependence on raw material exports.
Madbouly pointed out that integration strengthens Africa’s
collective negotiating power on the global stage and attracts foreign direct
investment. He emphasized that integration is critical to addressing shared
challenges, including poverty reduction, job creation for youth, and the
development of urgently needed cross border infrastructure such as road and
energy networks. He underlined that continental integration is key to achieving
sustainable and inclusive growth and securing Africa’s rightful position as a
major player in the global economy.
The Prime Minister noted that strong African economic
alliances are essential for Egypt’s continued prosperity and its progress
toward sustainable development. The Prime Minister explained that these partnerships
open vast and growing African consumer markets to Egyptian exports. The Prime
Minister added that this contributes to diversifying foreign exchange sources
and significantly boosting trade through frameworks such as the African
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).