The meeting highlighted the strategic role of the private sector in deepening economic ties, increasing trade volumes, and attracting joint investments within the framework of Africa's promising growth landscape.
Minister Abdelatty emphasized that the Ministry places
utmost priority on coordinating with African governments to create a favorable
business environment for Egyptian firms. By removing procedural and regulatory
hurdles, the Ministry aims to enhance the competitiveness and accessibility of
Egyptian businesses in regional markets.
The Minister identified several high-priority sectors for
expansion:
Infrastructure & Energy: Leveraging Egypt’s proven
expertise in power and construction.
Transport & Logistics: Facilitating smoother trade
corridors across the continent.
Agriculture & Healthcare: Including pharmaceuticals and
food security initiatives.
Banking & Finance: Strengthening the presence of
Egyptian financial institutions to support cross-border trade.
SMEs: Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in their
regional scaling efforts.
The Minister underscored the role of the Egyptian Agency of
Partnership for Development (EAPD) and the funding mechanisms for the Southern
Nile Basin countries. These entities serve as vital tools for capacity building
and knowledge transfer, which in turn pave the way for sustainable Egyptian
investment.
Dr. Abdelatty also highlighted the importance of the African
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging Egyptian companies to form
consortia and strategic alliances to maximize their competitive edge and
increase export volumes under the agreement.
"Africa represents a promising consumer market with
massive growth potential," Abdelatty stated. He noted that Egyptian
companies already enjoy a prestigious reputation on the continent, particularly
in development and urban construction. The Minister encouraged the transfer of
Egypt’s successful development model to brotherly African nations to achieve
mutual prosperity.
The meeting concluded with an open dialogue on mechanisms to integrate diplomatic missions with economic delegations. Moving forward, the Ministry plans to intensify the participation of private sector representatives in official foreign visits and economic missions to solidify long-term partnerships and secure Egypt's economic footprint in Africa.