Cairo: In a significant diplomatic engagement, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, convened a meeting with ambassadors from seven African countries, including Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Cameroon, Uganda, and Senegal. This gathering was part of the activities surrounding the First Egyptian-African Economic Conference, organized by Al-Ahram Hebdo under the theme ‘The Africa We Want: Integration and Partnership for the Future.’
According to African Press Organization, the meeting focused on the collective efforts required to foster development across Africa and enhance the relationships between Egypt and other African nations. It emphasized the need to counter challenges faced by African countries, strengthen joint infrastructure projects, elevate trade exchanges, and boost joint investments. Minister Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of creating effective partnerships between the private sectors of these nations.
Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s commitment to enhancing cooperation and integration with African countries, aiming to build a shared economic future. She asserted that joint African action is crucial to addressing challenges and conflicts, advocating for a development model that leverages the exchange of expertise. The Minister stressed that the continent’s development hinges on stronger ties and integration, given Africa’s abundant resources and its potential to play a pivotal role in the global economy.
The Minister noted Egypt’s dedication to resolving disputes that hinder development, emphasizing its historical role in supporting Africa’s interests. She discussed Egypt’s active involvement in infrastructure projects, such as the Cairo-Cape Town project, and its ongoing collaboration to share expertise in project feasibility studies and development finance.
Dr. Al-Mashat also highlighted Joint Committees as innovative tools for deepening relations, citing the recent meeting of the Egyptian-Algerian Joint Committee as an example. She pointed out Africa’s potential to become a renewable energy hub, emphasizing the continent’s collaboration with the World Bank to provide renewable energy to 300 million people.
The Minister acknowledged the African Development Bank and other international bodies for their advocacy of increased private sector participation. She noted the expanding global interest in African cooperation, as evidenced by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s inclusion of Sub-Saharan African countries in its operations.
Dr. Al-Mashat announced the Ministry’s launch of a South-South and Triangular Cooperation Strategy in 2024, aimed at maximizing development solutions and fostering cross-border partnerships. She reaffirmed that Egypt’s integration with African nations is a continuation of its longstanding support for the continent.
During the meeting, the African ambassadors expressed gratitude for President El-Sisi’s efforts to promote African unity and solve continental challenges. They also commended Minister Al-Mashat’s role in advocating for Africa’s interests through economic diplomacy.
The ambassadors proposed initiatives to enhance inter-African tourism by connecting Egyptian tourism networks with those of other African countries, thereby promoting eco-tourism and benefiting from Egypt’s tourist appeal. They also suggested increased cooperation in education, health, communications, and knowledge exchange between government and private sectors across Africa.