Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Hegazy, former Assistant Foreign Minister, emphasized that African integration and collective action serve as the first line of defense against the challenges facing the continent, including economic and security issues. These challenges comprise political changes, pressures between some countries, and risks posed by extremist and terrorist groups, as well as sudden military coups.
Ambassador Hegazy highlighted that stability and institutional governance are the natural prerequisites for successful development and investment in Africa. The continent faces additional problems, such as disruptions to food value chains due to the Russian-Ukrainian war and economic pressures in the energy sector resulting from the US-Israeli confrontation with Iran. These factors exert pressure on the security and stability of the continent.
The Ambassador noted that the scene in the Egyptian city of El Alamein reflects the creation of an African will capable of managing the development process from within, without relying entirely on external assistance, as was the case for decades after independence. This is achieved through implementing projects that reflect African priorities and financing them via African institutions.
He cited the Julius Nyerere Dam as an example of African capability in executing large-scale projects. The dam, which serves the future of Tanzania, was made possible by $3 billion in funding and is currently operated by Tanzanian engineers. This represents a value-added element to African collective work.
Ambassador Hegazy's statements were made during a phone interview with the Egyptian channel Extra News. His comments come as Africa seeks to bolster its integration and address the pressing challenges it faces. The continent is striving to unlock its development potential through internally driven initiatives.
The Egyptian government has been actively promoting African integration and cooperation. The recent forum held in El Alamein, which brought together leaders and policymakers from across the continent, underscored the importance of African-led solutions to the region's development and security challenges.
In conclusion, Ambassador Hegazy's remarks highlight the critical role that stability and institutional governance play in fostering development and investment in Africa. As the continent continues to navigate its complex challenges, the need for African-led initiatives and collective action has never been more pressing.
Key points
- Stability and institutional governance are essential for development and investment in Africa.
- African integration and collective action are critical in addressing the continent's challenges.
- Internally driven initiatives are vital for unlocking Africa's development potential.
