African leaders are gathering in Egypt for a three-day business summit aimed at strengthening Cairo's presence in the region. The inaugural Alamein Africa Forum, set to take place in the Mediterranean city of Alamein, will bring together over 20 heads of state and government representatives, business leaders, and development institutions. Egypt is seeking to reassert its influence in Africa, where China and Gulf states, particularly the United Arab Emirates, have become major players.
Egypt's push for African influence comes after years of focusing on the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The country is also trying to rally support for its dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Egypt sees as a threat to its share of Nile waters. The forum is expected to provide a platform for African countries to sign agreements and foster economic growth. Egypt's deputy foreign minister for African affairs, Mohamed Abu Bakr Saleh, emphasized that the forum is an African platform, enabling countries to collaborate and sign agreements.
The Alamein Africa Forum will focus on key sectors such as infrastructure, trade, agriculture, healthcare, mining, technology, and renewable energy. According to officials, Egyptian investments across Africa are estimated to be around $14 billion, with flagship ventures like Tanzania's $3 billion Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project. The project was built by a consortium led by Egyptian companies, demonstrating Egypt's commitment to investing in African infrastructure.
Despite Africa's vast resources, trade within the continent remains limited. In 2023, trade within Africa totaled $192 billion, accounting for only 15 percent of the continent's total trade. This is in contrast to Asia, where intra-regional trade accounts for over 55 percent, and Europe, where it accounts for over 70 percent. Africa also attracted around $70 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, a fraction of the $1.6 trillion invested globally.
The dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the GERD continues to be a major concern. Ethiopia says the dam is vital for economic growth, while Egypt sees it as a threat to its Nile water supplies without a binding operating agreement. Over a decade of negotiations has failed to yield a settlement, and Egypt's position on the issue remains unchanged. Saleh stressed that Egypt's water security is an existential issue.
The Alamein Africa Forum is expected to become a biennial event under an African Union mandate. The forum aims to provide a platform for African countries to collaborate, sign agreements, and foster economic growth. With over 20 heads of state and government representatives attending, the forum is seen as a significant step towards strengthening African economic ties.
The gathering highlights the need for Africa to exploit its vast resources more effectively. According to Saleh, Africa possesses vast resources, but they are not being utilized to their full potential. The forum provides an opportunity for African leaders to discuss ways to increase intra-regional trade, attract foreign investment, and drive economic growth.
Key points
- Egypt is hosting the Alamein Africa Forum to reassert its influence in Africa.
- The forum aims to foster economic growth and increase intra-regional trade.
- The dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the GERD continues to be a major concern.
