Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi inaugurated the first Africa El Alamein Business Forum on October 3, 2026, in New El Alamein city. The forum is a result of an Egyptian initiative approved by the African Union, to be held every two years in El Alamein, organized by the Egyptian government, the African Union Commission, the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD), and the African Export-Import Bank.
The forum brings together a high-level participation of African heads of state, senior officials, and a selection of leaders and managers of international and regional financial institutions, as well as private sector leaders from Africa and the world. The event aims to enhance communication and partnership between African governments and private sector representatives, to maximize the role of the private sector in driving comprehensive and sustainable development in Africa.
The forum's agenda includes specialized sessions addressing priority economic and development issues for the African continent, as well as a showcase for major African companies and a dedicated area for start-ups. The event also features bilateral and multilateral meetings between government officials and business leaders, to foster cooperation, investment, and cross-border partnerships.
In his opening speech, President Sisi emphasized the importance of building a strong, modern state capable of keeping pace with global transformations. He highlighted that economic development cannot be achieved in unstable countries and that stability is a fundamental requirement for investors, producers, and farmers to operate in a secure environment.
President Sisi also stressed the need for African countries to support each other, respect national sovereignty, and prioritize peaceful solutions to conflicts and crises. He noted that Egypt has always been at the forefront of supporting development and economic initiatives in Africa, believing that the continent's renaissance and independence are a legitimate right that must be preserved.
The forum provides a strategic platform for mobilizing efforts to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063 and translating African cooperation ambitions into tangible reality. It offers a unique space for the African business sector to interact with heads of state, discuss challenges facing the private sector, and build cross-border partnerships to drive economic integration and achieve development goals.
The event also aims to boost intra-African trade, promote economic integration, and mobilize partnerships to implement development projects, expand financing and investment opportunities, and support promising and emerging economic sectors.
Key points
- The forum is part of Egypt's efforts to support African development and economic integration.
- The event brings together high-level participants from across the continent and the world.
- The forum aims to drive economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.
