Amanze Chinonye
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi used an African Union summit in Egypt to push for faster continental economic integration, holding talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other African leaders on expanding trade, investment and development cooperation on Sunday, Oct. 4, Prime Business Africa reports.
During his meeting with Ramaphosa, El-Sisi backed stronger economic ties between Egypt and South Africa and welcomed the establishment of a joint business council to deepen private-sector engagement. He said closer cooperation between the two countries could contribute to broader economic integration across Africa.
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Ramaphosa welcomed Egypt’s role in promoting African cooperation and expressed South Africa’s interest in strengthening ties with Cairo. He also invited El-Sisi to make a state visit to South Africa.
The two presidents discussed regional security, conflict resolution and irregular migration, as well as the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian issue.
El-Sisi also met Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, with talks focused on strengthening trade and investment ties. Egypt pledged to work closely with Ghana as it prepares to assume the African Union chairmanship in 2027.
In separate talks with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, El-Sisi discussed cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, irrigation, land reclamation and energy. The two leaders also backed efforts to increase bilateral trade and private-sector investment.
The meetings were held during the eighth African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, which brought together African heads of state and representatives of regional economic communities to discuss continental integration and implementation of the AU’s Agenda 2063 development framework.
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At the close of the meeting, El-Sisi called for faster implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, urging African countries to build regional production and supply chains, expand manufacturing and increase intra-African trade instead of relying heavily on exports of raw materials.
He also called for greater investment from African businesses and financial institutions and improved transport and energy links to facilitate the movement of goods and capital across borders.
El-Sisi said economic integration should advance alongside efforts to maintain peace and stability, urging African states to address disputes over borders and shared natural resources through dialogue, consultation and international law.
The talks in New Alamein formed part of a broader programme of political and economic engagements around the AU meeting, allowing Egypt to pursue bilateral partnerships while advancing its broader push for deeper economic integration across the continent.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
