The second edition of the African Economic Forum, themed "Investment - Manufacturing - Innovation: Building Africa's Future," will take place on November 28, 2026, at the Naguib Mahfouz Hall in Cairo. The event is organized by Al-Ahram Hebdo and will bring together high-level officials, decision-makers, and economic leaders from Egypt and various African countries. The forum aims to provide a strategic platform for dialogue on the future of Africa's economy.
The forum will feature a range of participants, including former Prime Minister Engineer Ibrahim Mahlab, former Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Hussein Issa, and Dr. Hala El-Said, Advisor to the President for Economic Affairs. Other attendees include ministers and officials from Egypt and Africa, ambassadors and representatives of African diplomatic missions, and leaders of international and regional financial institutions.
The forum's agenda includes discussions on key issues related to Africa's development, such as transforming government visions into executive policies that stimulate investment and manufacturing. The event will also explore ways to deepen economic integration, expand markets through collective partnerships and cross-border projects, and enhance the role of international and regional financial institutions in financing development and investment projects.
The forum will focus on maximizing the use of Africa's natural resources, transitioning from exporting raw materials to local manufacturing, and promoting innovation and technology. The event will also examine ways to support the development of a competitive production base, enabling the continent to benefit from its human and economic potential and turn it into drivers of growth.
The second edition of the forum is an extension of Al-Ahram Hebdo's efforts to support African economic dialogue and provide a platform for decision-makers, business communities, and financial institutions to discuss challenges and propose solutions. The event aims to promote cooperation and integration, contributing to the development of a more capable African economy that can face crises and seize opportunities.
The forum's model is based on a triple helix of innovation, investment, and manufacturing, aiming to accelerate Africa's economic transformation. The event is expected to attract over 500 participants from various African countries, representing more than 30 countries, and covering 30 vital economic sectors.
The timing of the forum is significant, as it coincides with critical global events, including the activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The forum will provide an opportunity to evaluate the results of the past year and highlight opportunities for strategic transformation, from exporting raw materials to high-value local manufacturing and investing in promising African youth.
