Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Friday, October 2, 2026, inaugurated the Egyptian-South African Business Council in a ceremony held during the Africa Automotive Investment Conference. The conference was organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and South Africa. The minister emphasized that the council's launch coincides with a significant momentum in Egyptian-South African relations, with frequent high-level political exchanges between the two nations.
Abdelatty highlighted the importance of translating this momentum into broader economic and investment cooperation, focusing on key sectors such as mining, minerals, industry, energy, renewable energy, agriculture, food industries, pharmaceuticals, transportation, logistics, ports, and infrastructure. He also stressed the benefits of Egypt and South Africa's membership in the BRICS grouping and South Africa's participation in Afreximbank, which can enhance financing opportunities and support joint projects between the private sectors of both countries.
The Foreign Minister emphasized the need to develop cooperation in transportation and logistics, connecting the north and south of the continent. This can be achieved by establishing mutual logistics zones, developing regular shipping lines, and utilizing the Suez Canal and ports of both countries to support trade and investment within Africa. Abdelatty expressed his hope that the Business Council will serve as an effective platform to convert available opportunities into tangible investments and projects.
The launch of the Egyptian-South African Business Council aims to strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries and support African economic integration. The council is expected to facilitate partnerships between the private sectors of Egypt and South Africa, promoting investments in various sectors. This initiative is part of Egypt's efforts to enhance economic cooperation with African countries and increase investments.
According to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Business Council will provide a framework for cooperation and dialogue between the two countries, enabling them to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The council's activities will focus on promoting trade, investment, and economic cooperation, as well as exchanging expertise and experiences.
The Egyptian-South African Business Council is expected to play a significant role in promoting economic cooperation between the two countries, which have a long history of diplomatic relations. The council's launch is a positive step towards strengthening ties and enhancing economic partnerships, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of both nations.
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has expressed its support for the Egyptian-South African Business Council, highlighting its potential to promote economic integration and cooperation within Africa. The bank's participation in the council's launch reflects its commitment to facilitating trade and investment across the continent.
Key points
- Egypt and South Africa have launched a Business Council to enhance economic cooperation and investments between the two countries.
- The council aims to promote partnerships between the private sectors of Egypt and South Africa, focusing on key sectors such as mining, industry, and infrastructure.
- The initiative is part of Egypt's efforts to enhance economic cooperation with African countries and increase investments.
