Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty has inaugurated the "El Alamein - Africa Business Forum," a new platform aimed at fostering economic dialogue and cooperation among African nations. The forum, held in the city of El Alamein, brings together governments, continental institutions, business communities, and private sectors to translate decisions into tangible investments and projects. This initiative seeks to solidify economic integration, recognizing that partnerships are essential for transforming decisions into real opportunities.
The forum's establishment is a direct result of a decision made by the African Union in February 2026, during its summit in Addis Ababa. This decision mandates the organization of the forum biennially in El Alamein, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Agency (NEPAD), and the African Import-Export Bank. The event reflects a shared aspiration to evolve the tools of African economic cooperation and enhance the role of the private sector in the continent's integration and development.
Minister Abdelatty emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in driving growth and creating jobs in Africa. He noted that the sector is indispensable for promoting trade, investment, and building value chains, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of African economies. The forum's agenda is designed to merge political vision with institutional expertise and practical capabilities, allowing for a comprehensive examination of African economic development issues from multiple perspectives.
The "El Alamein - Africa Business Forum" serves as a unique platform that convenes various stakeholders invested in advancing investment, trade, and development in Africa. This includes governments that set the stage for favorable investment climates, businesses capable of converting political will into concrete projects, and financial institutions that provide necessary funding mechanisms. The forum aims to bridge gaps and synergize efforts to promote African trade, investment, solidarity, and integration.
According to Minister Abdelatty, the forum is not a one-off event but part of an ongoing process aimed at forging sustainable partnerships and translating political commitment into tangible outcomes and projects. It offers a collective space for aligning efforts to tap into Africa's capacities and potential, thereby elevating living standards and achieving the aspirations of its people.
The event is being held under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, highlighting Egypt's commitment to supporting African cooperation and development. The forum's discussions and outcomes are expected to contribute significantly to the discourse on economic integration and cooperation in Africa, setting the stage for future collaborations and initiatives.
As the forum unfolds, participants are expected to engage in extensive dialogue on strategies to overcome barriers to trade and investment, leveraging the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other regional economic communities. The ultimate goal is to create a more integrated and economically vibrant Africa, where the private sector plays a leading role in shaping the continent's future.
Key points
- The "El Alamein - Africa Business Forum" was launched to foster economic dialogue and cooperation among African nations.
- The forum aims to translate political decisions into tangible investments and projects, emphasizing the role of the private sector.
- The event is a result of a decision made by the African Union in February 2026.
