Friday 04 Apr
The African Cooperation Committee of the Federation of Egyptian Industries, headed by Dr. Sherif El-Gabaly, in cooperation with the Future of Digital Countries (FDC) Summit, the regional platform for digital industry, held a special Suhoor, Tuesday, in the presence of a group of African ambassadors, headed by Dr. Mohamed Lombring, Ambassador of Cameroon and Dean of African Ambassadors, and a number of foreign ambassadors, headed by Ehab Awad, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for African Affairs, and a number of other assistants to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and members of the House of Representatives, in addition to a number of heads of export councils.
Dr. Sherif El-Gabaly opened the event with a speech in which he emphasized the importance of the event as a platform for discussing the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) and its role in promoting Egyptian exports to African markets. He also noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a strategic step toward the continent's economic integration, contributing to reducing customs barriers and increasing trade volume among member states by up to 52%.
El-Gabaly also highlighted Africa's vast
natural resources and growing population, making it a promising market. He
emphasized the importance of increasing the involvement of Egyptian companies
in this market to boost exports and improve the global image of Egyptian
products.
El-Gabaly reviewed the countries
participating in the 17-nation targeted Free trade initiative, including Egypt,
Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania, stressing the need to activate the initiative to
ensure maximum benefit from trade agreements. He called for the need to develop
sustainable export strategies, stimulate investment in the industrial sector,
and enhance regional cooperation with African countries.
He also explained the challenges facing
Egyptian exporters, such as weak infrastructure, language and cultural
barriers, and varying customs procedures. He also pointed to available
opportunities, such as promoting bilateral trade and focusing on agricultural
products and technology.
During the event, El-Gabaly announced that
the Regional Digital Industry Summit (FDC Summit) will be held from April 28 to
30, 2025. It will bring together thought leaders and decision makers to discuss
technological innovations and achieve economic development. The summit will
also include dialogue sessions and business meetings between representatives of
the Egyptian private sector and African countries, to enhance trade and
investment opportunities.
He further emphasized the importance of
joint work between governments and the private sector to activate initiatives
and agreements and adopt new strategies that contribute to enhancing investment
and trade.
In the same context, Engineer Tarek Shabaka, Chairman of the FDC Summit Organizing Committee, said: “We are proud to collaborate with the African Cooperation Committee of the Federation of Egyptian Industries to enhance African participation during the seventh session, which will host a group of ministers and decision-makers from the African continent and highlight several topics that will effectively contribute to establishing a real platform capable of shaping the future of African digital innovations. A number of African universities, research centers, startups, and innovators will participate in the event.”
He explained: "The targeted strategic
partnerships and expertise exchange that the African Group will provide at this
summit will contribute to accelerating the pace of digitalization and economic
inclusion regionally. It will also enable all parties to chart a roadmap for
innovative projects that enhance our digital capabilities and contribute to
achieving sustainable development in Africa."
He added: "We are keen to engage all
stakeholders and decision-makers in African affairs at the FDC Summit to
exchange ideas and develop strategies that enhance Africa's digital
development, through joint programs and digital initiatives that will develop
innovative technology projects that contribute to supporting economic
performance indicators and digital development."
Engineer Shabaka clarified that these visions are in line with Egypt's efforts to become a hub for innovation in Africa by creating a collaborative environment that fosters the exchange of knowledge and expertise and provides appropriate technological solutions that meet the continent's needs.
