Cairo: Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, convened with ambassadors from seven African countries, including Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Cameroon, Uganda, and Senegal, as part of the First Egyptian-African Economic Conference organized by “Al-Ahram Hebdo” newspaper. The meeting, themed “The Africa We Want: Integration and Partnership for the Future,” focused on boosting cooperation and creating a joint economic future in Africa.
According to African Press Organization, the discussions revolved around strengthening joint relations between Egypt and other African nations to tackle continental challenges, enhance infrastructure projects, increase trade, and foster partnerships between private sectors. Minister Al-Mashat emphasized President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s commitment to boosting integration with African countries to build a collaborative economic model.
Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of African countries
working together, leveraging their collective resources to play a significant role in the global economy. She noted Egypt’s dedication to resolving conflicts that hinder development across the continent. The Minister also stressed the pivotal role of Egypt’s private sector in African infrastructure development and expressed openness to sharing development expertise.
The Minister underscored the role of Joint Committees, such as the Egyptian-Algerian Joint Committee, in fostering cooperation and exploring new collaboration areas. She also addressed the green transition, highlighting Africa’s potential to become a hub for renewable energy, supported by partnerships with the World Bank to make renewable energy accessible to millions.
Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out the involvement of international institutions like the African Development Bank in promoting private sector participation. As Egypt’s Governor at the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), she noted a growing interest
in African cooperation, with the EBRD expanding its operations to include Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Ministry’s launch of a South-South and Triangular Cooperation Strategy in 2024 was also discussed, aiming to expand development solutions and build cross-border partnerships, reinforcing Egypt’s historical role in supporting Africa.
The African ambassadors expressed appreciation for President El-Sisi’s efforts in promoting African integration and recognized Minister Al-Mashat’s contributions through economic diplomacy. They proposed initiatives to enhance inter-African tourism, education, health, communications, and governmental and private sector exchanges, highlighting Egypt’s potential to redirect tourist flows towards other African destinations.