Al-Ahram Hebdo launches Egyptian-African Economic Conference with call to deepen continental integration

Speaking at the event, held as part of Al-Ahram’s 150th anniversary celebrations, Al-Mashat said the continent is at a pivotal moment, with its natural resources, expanding markets, and young workforce positioning it as one of the world’s most dynamic investment destinations.

She said Egypt is committed to supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through policies that advance cross-border industrialization, develop regional value chains, and mobilize new financing tools to attract large-scale investment.

The minister added that Egypt’s development strategy aligns with continental priorities in infrastructure, digital transformation, and sustainable industrial growth. Upgrading transport corridors, energy interconnections, and logistics networks, she said, is essential to shifting Africa from a supplier of raw materials to a competitive production base.

Former prime minister Ibrahim Mahlab, delivering a keynote address, noted that the conference coincides with Africa Industrialization Week, offering a timely platform to push forward a common vision for economic integration. He said AfCFTA’s real potential lies not only in tariff reductions but in building industrial partnerships, joint manufacturing platforms, and harmonized regulations that can expand production and export capacity across the continent.