Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouli recently participated in a session on development corridors and logistical pathways in Africa, highlighting the importance of efficient transportation systems for economic growth. The session was part of a series of high-level African events held in Egypt from October 2-4, 2026. Madbouli emphasized that economic and logistical connectivity are crucial for countries to achieve growth and enhance their competitiveness. He noted that recent global economic developments have shown that transportation and logistics efficiency are no longer just supporting elements of economic activity but have become integral to economic security.
Madbouli stressed that Africa has a historic opportunity to redefine its development corridors, moving beyond traditional transportation routes to create integrated systems for economic and social development. He stated that these corridors should connect production areas to consumption centers and markets, incorporating transportation, energy, communications, logistics, and industrial and urban areas. This vision aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which requires the free movement of goods and services, reduced trade costs, and facilitated movement of people.
The Egyptian Prime Minister identified the current challenge as not only building infrastructure but also integrating these assets into a cohesive system that generates economic value. He emphasized that successful corridors must connect agricultural or mining areas to industrial centers, ports, or markets, while providing necessary energy, logistics, and digital infrastructure. Madbouli also noted that planning for these corridors must be proactive, with basic infrastructure preceding or coinciding with urban and industrial growth.
Madbouli highlighted Egypt's experience in developing the New Alamein city as a comprehensive urban center, combining economic, service, and tourism activities. He stated that Egypt aims to create cities that can absorb various economic activities and connect them to modern basic infrastructure networks. The Prime Minister also reviewed Egypt's efforts to develop an integrated network of roads, railways, sea and dry ports, logistics areas, and river transport, as well as expanding green and sustainable transportation.
The Prime Minister discussed Egypt's work on seven integrated logistics corridors to connect industrial, agricultural, and mining production areas to sea ports. He also mentioned the connection between Red Sea and Mediterranean ports through dry ports and logistics areas. Madbouli emphasized that Egypt's geographical location allows it to serve as a hub between Africa, the Mediterranean, and global markets.
Madbouli stressed that the security of development corridors is as important as their establishment and development. He stated that a secure corridor requires a comprehensive vision that integrates road, railway, port, and vital facility safety with navigation security, supply chain protection, and cyber threats. The Prime Minister cited Egypt's experience with the Suez Canal, which is not only a shipping route but also a vital lifeline for international trade.
The VICMED project, which aims to create a shipping route connecting Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea, was highlighted as a key initiative. Madbouli stated that the project is currently in its second phase and will provide an efficient and sustainable transportation system for East African countries. He emphasized the importance of integrated planning, institutional frameworks, and harmonized regulations to ensure the success of these corridors.
Key points
- The VICMED project aims to create a shipping route connecting Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea.
- Egypt is working on seven integrated logistics corridors to connect industrial, agricultural, and mining production areas to sea ports.
- The security of development corridors is as important as their establishment and development.
