Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has called on African nations to transform rapid urbanization into a driver of economic growth, industrialization, and job creation. Speaking at the Alamein Africa Forum, Madbouly emphasized that Africa's urban population is projected to double by 2050. He argued that cities should be viewed as integrated economic, social, and environmental ecosystems, rather than just residential clusters. Madbouly's remarks were made in the presence of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
Madbouly highlighted Egypt's experience in spatial development and the construction of "fourth-generation cities," such as the New Administrative Capital, New Alamein, and New Mansoura. These cities serve as models of integrated planning, combining advanced digital infrastructure, climate resilience, and economic activity. Egypt is actively sharing this expertise across the continent through large-scale infrastructure projects executed by Egyptian firms. Examples include the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant in Tanzania and road and bridge projects in Uganda and Ghana.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Egypt's expertise is not theoretical, but rather practical and executable. He offered to share Egyptian knowledge in urban planning, facility management, and capacity building with African countries. Madbouly stressed that climate resilience and technology are essential for functional cities, enabling them to manage challenges like heatwaves, floods, and water scarcity. He also highlighted the importance of technology in resource efficiency, traffic management, and data-driven governance.
Madbouly addressed the critical challenge of financing urban development, acknowledging that states alone cannot bridge the funding gap for infrastructure and housing. He called for innovative partnerships between governments, the private sector, and development finance institutions. These partnerships should direct long-term capital toward sustainable urban infrastructure and affordable housing, preventing the expansion of informal settlements. The Egyptian government's 2025/26 fiscal plan targets the launch of 310,000 new housing units, including 285,000 designated for social housing.
The Alamein Africa Forum, co-organized by the Egyptian government, the African Export-Import Bank, and the African Union Development Agency, aims to promote greater economic integration and business cooperation across the continent. The forum, which opened on October 2, brings together around 1,500 African business leaders to discuss investment, trade, and economic cooperation. The event runs until October 4 in the northern Egyptian coastal city of El Alamein.
Madbouly concluded by highlighting the upcoming African Urban Forum as a vital platform for building concrete continental partnerships in smart cities, clean energy, and urban finance. The African Urban Forum was established following an AU committee meeting in Cairo in 2022. Madbouly's advocacy for integrated African urban planning is part of Egypt's efforts to share its expertise and promote economic growth across the continent.
The Alamein Africa Forum serves as a significant platform for African nations to discuss and address common challenges. By championing integrated urban planning, Madbouly has underscored the importance of cooperation and knowledge sharing in driving economic growth and development. Egypt's expertise in building new cities offers a valuable model for other African nations to follow.
Key points
- Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly calls for African nations to leverage urbanization for economic growth and industrialization.
- Madbouly highlights Egypt's expertise in building new cities, such as the New Administrative Capital and New Alamein.
- The Alamein Africa Forum aims to promote greater economic integration and business cooperation across the continent.
