EABA Launches Three Economic Trade Missions to Congo, Uganda, and Burundi

In its ongoing efforts to enhance economic cooperation and expand trade partnerships between Egypt and African countries, the Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA) is intensively preparing to launch three trade missions to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Burundi. These missions are being organized in fruitful collaboration with the ambassadors of the respective countries and will involve the participation of leading Egyptian companies, aiming to open new horizons for trade exchange and boost opportunities for mutual investment.

These initiatives align with Egypt’s political leadership’s directives to strengthen cooperation with African nations, particularly in light of the agreement between Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo to enhance coordination and consultation for the mutual benefit of both nations and the African continent at large. This was reinforced during a recent phone call between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Congolese counterpart, Felix Tshisekedi.

Dr. Yousrey El-Sharkawi, Chairman of EABA, stated that these missions form part of the association’s strategy to bolster economic partnerships and support Egypt’s direction toward sustainable and robust commercial relations with African markets. He emphasized, “Egypt’s presence in African markets is not only an economic opportunity but also a serious commitment to shared development.” He added that such initiatives underscore Egypt’s pivotal role in the African continent, especially amidst global economic challenges that require united African efforts to achieve stability and growth.

El-Sharkawey highlighted EABA’s extensive coordination with official entities and local partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Burundi to ensure an environment conducive to helping Egyptian companies understand the needs and demands of African markets. He stated, “These visits aim to unlock new avenues for cooperation and foster economic integration between Egypt and African nations, building long-term partnerships across the public and private sectors in both regions.”

The missions also reflect Egypt’s vision of economic integration with Africa, focusing on leveraging the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). EABA is keen to promote partnerships across various sectors such as industry, agriculture, energy, construction, and technology, supporting Egypt’s leadership role on the continent.

Details of the Missions

  • Democratic Republic of Congo (November 23–28, 2024):
    Organized in collaboration with Mr. Georges Okitepeza, Chairman of the Congolese Chamber of Commerce, this mission aims to enhance trade cooperation between Egypt and Congo. The agenda includes bilateral meetings with over 100 private sector companies and 44 government-owned enterprises, participation from four Congolese ministers, and discussions with various government entities. Field visits to local markets will provide Egyptian companies with firsthand insights into investment opportunities and market demands.
  • Uganda (December 1–6, 2024):
    EABA, in cooperation with Ajof, an EABA member company, will host the Egyptian-Ugandan Business Forum in Uganda’s capital. Targeting multiple economic sectors, the forum will feature over 14 Egyptian companies and 144 Ugandan companies. Activities will include panel discussions, workshops, and market visits to explore investment opportunities and foster partnerships between Egyptian and Ugandan businesses.
  • Burundi (December 5–6, 2024):
    Coordinated with Ambassador Omar Ntizimbera, Burundi’s Ambassador to Egypt, the mission will include a roundtable event titled “The First Burundi Investment Conference,” held under the patronage of Burundi’s President. The event will feature participation from 10 prominent Egyptian companies specializing in infrastructure, construction, and other sectors, alongside representatives from various Burundian ministries, including finance, foreign affairs, trade, and tourism. The mission aims to expand bilateral cooperation and create new investment opportunities to support sustainable development in both countries.

EABA is committed to maximizing the impact of these missions. Preparatory meetings with stakeholders and African ambassadors have been held to ensure alignment on mutual goals and economic development for the continent. These missions are expected to pave the way for enhanced trade and investment cooperation, reinforcing Egypt’s leadership in driving economic partnerships across Africa.

In conclusion, these trade missions reaffirm EABA’s dedication to fostering economic ties between Egypt and African countries, serving the interests of all parties, and promoting economic integration across the continent.

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