The capital of Zambia, Lusaka, witnessed the launch of the major International Investment Forum on the morning of July 16, under the patronage of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema. Organized by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), the forum brought together more than 1,000 participants from over 20 countries. Egypt participated in this inaugural edition with an official delegation from the private sector, represented by the Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA) led by Dr. Yousrey Elsharkawi, along with five of the association’s leading and active member companies operating across the African continent, including Arab Contractors, Oxygen House, and Rslan Group, all of which took part actively in the conference sessions and events. This participation comes in response to the directives of the political leadership of both countries and as a follow-up to the recommendations of the Zambian President’s official visit to Cairo in February. The embassies of both nations are working closely to translate these recommendations into tangible outcomes. The forum began with an opening session featuring key remarks from representatives of COMESA, the European Union, Chinese and British investment authorities, the head of the Zambia Development Agency, and Zambia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry. The session concluded with a comprehensive address by President Hichilema, in which he highlighted Zambia’s readiness to welcome joint investments, outlined the improved administrative frameworks supporting investors, and praised Egypt, notably commending the Egyptian Ambassador during his speech. Following the opening, Dr. Yousrey Elsharkawi met with the Zambian President in the presence of Egypt’s Ambassador, where he affirmed the strong presence of the Egyptian private sector in Zambia and the intent to expand further through serious investment. The Egyptian delegation then engaged in a series of important bilateral meetings with several Zambian ministers and senior officials to discuss investment entry and exit processes, trade and banking facilitation, and opportunities in healthcare, construction, and the supply of household appliances to the Zambian market. Dr. El Sharkawi emphasized that Zambia is a land of promising opportunities and can serve as a gateway to southern Africa, with significant potential for partnerships with local stakeholders. The day concluded with continuous meetings both within and beyond the forum, facilitated by the tireless efforts of the Egyptian Embassy and Commercial Office in Zambia, in cooperation with various private sector groups.
