African heads of state and government and business leaders gathered in Egypt on Saturday for the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum, focusing on trade, investment, and economic integration across the continent.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi opened the forum in New Alamein, a city located on Egypt’s Mediterranean North Coast. The forum, alongside high-level African Union meetings, runs from October 2 to 4.
Presidents who convened in Egypt include Evariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), Joao Lurenco (Angola), John Mahama (Ghana), and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia). Libya’s Presidential Council Chairperson Mohamed Al Menfi, Tanzania’s Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, and Uganda’s Vice-President Jessica Alupo also attended the forum.
The meeting, also attended by African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, brings together African and international policymakers, investors, and economic institutions. It comes as governments seek to deepen intra-African trade and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
‘Practical’ intra-African trade measures urged
Sisi called for stronger links between businesses, improved access to information on markets, and practical measures to increase trade within Africa. He also highlighted stability and strong institutions as foundations for investment and development.
AU Commission chief Youssouf urged countries to turn development ambitions into projects that are properly prepared, financed and implemented. Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who is also the chairperson of AU, called for stronger cooperation among governments, investors, and businesses to develop bankable projects.
Afreximbank President George Elombi stressed the role of African financial institutions in supporting trade and responding to economic shocks.
Dangote Group Chief Executive Aliko Dangote called for greater harmonisation of regulations, standards, payments, and border procedures to reduce business costs and support industrialisation.
Multi-sectoral focus
The forum’s agenda covers infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, digital transformation, critical minerals, and regional value chains.
Organisers expect the meeting to help move priority projects towards financing and strengthen economic partnerships across Africa.
