Driving Continental Integration Through Strategic Partnerships

The Egyptian government, alongside the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), has issued a strong call for South African businesses to actively participate in the upcoming Alamein Africa Forum. The forum is positioned as a critical platform to accelerate investment partnerships, deepen regional integration, and implement Agenda 2063—the continent’s strategic framework for development.

Ambassador Ahmad Sharief of Egypt to South Africa highlighted that the forum represents an opportunity to forge new commercial pathways and strengthen connectivity between South Africa, North Africa, and global markets. He emphasized that “Africa’s future must be built by African hands,” noting the continent possesses both abundant market potential and capital but requires stronger connections to realize its full promise.

The Egyptian economy has demonstrated resilience despite challenging global conditions, achieving 5% growth alongside a 2% primary surplus—a testament to the country’s economic management. This performance underscores Egypt’s growing role in Africa’s development architecture and its commitment to continental integration.

Capitalizing on Emerging Opportunities

AUDA-NEPAD CEO Nardos Bekele-Thomas echoed this sentiment, praising Egypt’s leadership in advancing Agenda 2063. She noted that with 41% of African economies projected to grow above 5%, the continent remains a significant investment frontier driven by its young population, expanding consumer markets, digital innovation, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Alamein Forum will feature investor matchmaking platforms, deal rooms, and targeted dialogues aimed at facilitating tangible transactions across key sectors including infrastructure, energy, industrialization, and digital transformation. Organizers are seeking to move beyond policy discussions toward concrete investment outcomes.

The Private Sector’s Crucial Role

Bekele-Thomas emphasized that Africa’s next phase of growth requires greater mobilization of domestic capital and enterprise. With more than US$500 billion in regional infrastructure projects currently underway, the continent needs both public and private investment to achieve its development goals.

South African businesses were specifically encouraged to participate given their industrial capacity, financial sophistication, and experience operating across the continent. The message from Pretoria was clear: Africa’s future depends on stronger partnerships that translate ambition into tangible implementation.