Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has emphasized the importance of economic integration in achieving peace and stability in Africa. During his speech at the 8th Mid-Year Coordinating Meeting of the African Union and Regional Economic Communities, el-Sisi stated that economic integration is a crucial tool for building peace. He highlighted that increased economic interdependence among African countries would lead to greater stability and prosperity.
El-Sisi expressed Egypt's support for the full activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which came into effect in 2019. He noted that this would create a real African market, leveraging the continent's huge production capacity, increasing intra-African trade, and supporting industrialization, technology transfer, and job creation. Egypt's presidency of the African Union in 2019 played a significant role in pushing for the agreement's implementation.
The meeting, hosted by Egypt in the New El Alamein city, brought together African leaders and heads of regional economic communities to discuss the African Union's priorities for 2026. The main theme for the year is ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063. El-Sisi commended the African Union for choosing this theme and endorsing the Africa Water Vision and Policy 2063.
El-Sisi urged African countries to work together to prepare and adopt the first executive plan for the Africa Water Vision and Policy 2063. This would help achieve continental water security, promote stability, and support sustainable development. Egypt values the importance of cooperation in addressing Africa's water challenges and ensuring a sustainable future.
The 8th Mid-Year Coordinating Meeting of the African Union and Regional Economic Communities aims to enhance coordination and integration among regional economic communities in Africa. The meeting also seeks to promote institutional development within the African Union and activate the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement. These efforts are crucial in achieving the African Union's objectives and promoting economic growth.
The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement has the potential to transform Africa's economy by creating a single market for goods and services. It aims to increase intra-African trade, attract investment, and promote economic growth. Egypt believes that the agreement's full activation would have a positive impact on the continent's economic development and stability.
The meeting in New El Alamein city demonstrates Egypt's commitment to African cooperation and its role in promoting economic integration and stability on the continent. As the host country, Egypt is working closely with other African nations to advance the African Union's priorities and foster a more integrated and prosperous Africa.
Key points
- Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi calls for full activation of African Continental Free Trade Area
- El-Sisi emphasizes economic integration as a tool for building peace and stability in Africa
- African leaders meet to discuss priorities for 2026, including sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems
