Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi delivered a closing speech at the 8th African Union (AU) coordinating meeting held in New El Alamein City on October 4, 2026. According to Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shinawy, President Sisi expressed his gratitude to the attendees for their distinguished visions, which reflect the results of their tireless efforts to enhance cooperation and integration in Africa. The meeting aimed to promote African unity and discuss ways to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.
The discussions during the meeting highlighted the progress made in implementing various projects and the efforts towards achieving continental integration and development. The participants also acknowledged the challenges facing the continent, emphasizing the need for collective efforts and cooperation to overcome these obstacles. President Sisi stressed that continental integration has become a strategic choice and a necessity to address these challenges, based on the firm belief in the unity of destiny and goals among African nations.
The closing statement of the meeting provided a clear roadmap for advancing regional and continental integration efforts. President Sisi emphasized the importance of accelerating economic and trade integration through the full activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He also highlighted the need to develop and connect transportation and energy networks, as well as provide sustainable and innovative financing for development programs and projects in collaboration with continental financial institutions.
President Sisi also underscored the importance of linking sustainable development, economic growth, and peace and security in Africa. He stressed the need to enhance conflict prevention efforts, develop early warning mechanisms, and consolidate post-conflict reconstruction and development initiatives. The President also emphasized the role of the African Union's Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development in Cairo and the need to increase its budget to enable it to perform its duties more effectively.
On the sidelines of the meeting, President Sisi attended the opening of the "Africa El Alamein Business Forum" on Saturday, which brought together a group of African investors. The President expressed his interest in the participants' views on ways to support and activate economic and trade integration efforts in Africa. The forum provided a platform for leaders to engage with the private sector and explore opportunities for investment and cooperation.
President Sisi extended his appreciation to his brother, President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, for his wise leadership of the African Union during the current year. He also expressed gratitude to the heads of regional economic communities, the African Union Commission, and other stakeholders for their efforts in supporting the integration and development of the continent.
In conclusion, President Sisi reiterated Egypt's commitment to working and cooperating with its African brothers to achieve a safe, stable, and prosperous Africa. The President's speech reflected Egypt's dedication to promoting African unity and cooperation, as well as its efforts to support the continent's economic and social development.
Key points
- President Sisi emphasized the importance of accelerating economic and trade integration through the full activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- The President highlighted the need to link sustainable development, economic growth, and peace and security in Africa.
- President Sisi expressed his gratitude to the attendees for their distinguished visions and efforts in promoting African unity and cooperation.
