In continuation of the efforts and activities undertaken by the Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA) and to strengthen the distinguished relations with its strategic partners, a joint meeting was held yesterday between the association, led by Dr. Yousrey El-Sharkawi, and the Burundian Embassy in Cairo. A high-level delegation from Burundi participated in the meeting, including the Minister of Infrastructure, representatives from the Burundian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance, as well as the Burundian Ambassador to Egypt, coordinated with the Egyptian Ambassador to Burundi. The meeting aimed to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in infrastructure and construction, with the goal of developing strategic partnerships between the two sides.
Several major companies that are members of the Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association attended the meeting, alongside three chairpersons of specialized committees: the Committee for Construction and Building, the Committee for Transport and Logistics, and the Committee for Government Relations and Corporate Communications. Representatives from the top 15 Egyptian contracting and infrastructure companies were present, including leading firms in construction, roads, airports, energy, water, sewage, and digital infrastructure, such as: Arab Contractors, Orascom, Hassan Allam, Tabarak Holding, Al-Radwan Contracting, El-Sewedy, Giza Cables, Egytrans, Scor Grass for Industry and Investment, and Sama Crete.
Dr. Yousrey El-Sharkawi, EABA Chairman, expressed his happiness in hosting the Burundian delegation, noting that this meeting reflects the depth of the strategic relations between Egypt and Burundi and enhances efforts for bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, which is considered the cornerstone of economic development. El-Sharkawi emphasized that such meetings open new horizons for cooperation in implementing construction and development projects that contribute to strengthening the ties between African countries and support their growth.
El-Sharkawi also stressed the important role played by the Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association in providing strategic investment opportunities aimed at developing the infrastructure of African countries. He added that the association seeks to facilitate communication between Egyptian and African companies, which enhances sustainable development opportunities and supports economic growth in sister African countries like Burundi, through projects that achieve mutual benefits and establish long-term partnerships.
In concluding his remarks, El-Sharkawi expressed his anticipation for the next meeting to be held in Burundi, considering it an important step towards signing contracts and implementing strategic projects that contribute to supporting and developing infrastructure. He confirmed that the association is working diligently to enhance cooperation between the two sides and welcomes joint working opportunities that serve the sustainable development goals of both countries.
Mr. Dieudonné Dukundane, the Burundian Minister of Infrastructure, Housing, and Public Works, affirmed that he came to Egypt with a government team to learn from the Egyptian experience, discuss and understand, and invite serious Egyptian private sector entities to work in Burundi and agree on future working mechanisms to present a good model and shape the future of Burundi’s economy. He praised the diligent and fruitful role of the Egyptian-African Businessmen Association.
Mr. Omar Ntizimirwe, the Burundian Ambassador to Egypt, expressed his gratitude to the Egyptian-African Businessmen Association for organizing this fruitful meeting, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between Burundi and Egypt in infrastructure sectors. He pointed out that Burundi considers Egypt a key strategic partner in developing its construction sectors, contributing to tangible progress in infrastructure projects that are a foundation for economic development in Burundi.
Ntizimirwe also confirmed that his country looks forward to enhancing cooperation with major Egyptian companies with extensive experience in contracting, energy, water, and digitization. He expressed Burundi’s readiness to create an attractive investment environment that contributes to mutual benefits for both parties.
During the meeting, several promising projects that could be implemented in Burundi were discussed, including energy, water, and sewage sectors, as well as developing digital infrastructure and information technology. Attendees addressed the possibility of signing partnership agreements aimed at supporting vital economic sectors that meet the needs of the Burundian market and drive the development wheel in the country.
Representatives from Egyptian companies expressed special interest in providing sustainable and advanced solutions based on the latest global technologies, enhancing the efficiency of Burundian infrastructure, and contributing to the Burundian government’s aspirations to improve basic services for its citizens. Everyone emphasized the significance of this meeting as the beginning of a fruitful and long-term partnership between the Egyptian and Burundian sectors, which would open new horizons for mutual investments and strengthen economic relations between the two countries.
