Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates, in cooperation with the North Africa Office of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), concluded a three-day workshop aimed at helping Egyptian businesses benefit from opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The workshop was attended by more than 80 participants from Egyptian companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, business associations, chambers of commerce, government bodies, and UN agencies. Discussions focused on trade rules, rules of origin, certification procedures, and access to African markets.
Mohamed El Hady, Director of Egyptian Economic Affairs and Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the AfCFTA offers significant opportunities for Egyptian companies to expand exports and investments across Africa. He also pointed to the ministry's HAFEZ platform, which provides financial, technical, and advisory services to support private sector expansion.
Kaitlin Kariko, Economic Affairs Officer at the ECA North Africa Office, said that Egypt exported around $50 billion worth of goods globally last year, while exports to the rest of Africa remained below $8 billion, accounting for about 15% of total exports. She said the figures reflect substantial untapped opportunities for Egyptian exporters under the AfCFTA, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The workshop focused on strengthening the private sector's capacity to increase intra-African trade and make better use of opportunities created by the continental free trade agreement. The Inauguration of the State Strategic Command Headquarters “The Octagon” in the New Capital President Sisi inaugurates 'Octagon' Strategic Command headquarters in New Capital The Inauguration of the State Strategic Command Headquarters “The Octagon” in the New Capital President Sisi inaugurates 'Octagon' Strategic Command headquarters in New Capital