President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi arrived in Moscow on October 28, 2026, to attend the third Russia-Africa Summit. The summit brings together African leaders and Russian officials to discuss trade, investment, energy, agriculture, security, and technology. This visit reflects growing efforts by both sides to expand cooperation and create new economic opportunities. El-Sisi is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral relations and ways to advance joint projects.
Egypt has become one of Russia’s most important economic partners in Africa, with cooperation spanning trade, energy, food supplies, and industrial development. Trade between Egypt and Russia reached approximately USD 10.5 billion in 2025, more than doubling since 2021. Russian wheat and metal products account for a significant part of these exchanges, while Egypt exports fruit and vegetables to Russia. This growth in trade highlights the strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
One of the most significant projects discussed during El-Sisi's visit is the El Dabaa nuclear power plant on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Russia’s state nuclear company, Rosatom, is building the country’s first nuclear power station, which is planned to have four reactors with a combined capacity of 4,800 megawatts. This project aims to enhance Egypt's energy capabilities and support its growing economy.
Another major initiative is the planned Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The project aims to attract Russian manufacturers to produce goods in Egypt for local consumption and export to markets across Africa and the Middle East. This industrial zone is expected to create new opportunities for economic growth and job creation in Egypt.
Egypt and Russia are also exploring cooperation on a grain trading and storage hub. The proposed initiative aims to improve grain storage, processing, and distribution, potentially strengthening Egypt’s role in regional food supply chains. This project could have a significant impact on food security in the region.
Russian and Egyptian officials have also discussed agricultural machinery, fertiliser supplies, agricultural technology, and processing facilities. These areas could create opportunities to develop local production and improve the movement of agricultural goods. Enhanced cooperation in these sectors could boost Egypt's agricultural sector and improve food production.
The meeting between El-Sisi and Putin builds on previous summits held in Sochi in 2019 and St. Petersburg in 2023. The ongoing dialogue between the two leaders is expected to further solidify the partnership between Egypt and Russia, leading to new economic opportunities and joint projects that benefit both nations.
Key points
- Egypt and Russia are expanding economic cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and agriculture.
- The El Dabaa nuclear power plant and the Russian Industrial Zone are significant projects discussed during El-Sisi's visit.
- The proposed grain trading and storage hub aims to improve food security in the region.
