Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized Egypt’s strong belief that African integration is crucial for the continent’s future prosperity and global standing, aiming to develop a unified market to significantly increase intra-African trade and investment.
The Premier’s remarks were made during his participation in an event announcing the establishment of the African Trade Centre (ATC) for the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in the New Administrative Capital (NAC).
The event was attended by Hassan Abdullah, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), George Elombi, Chairman of Afreximbank, Professor Benedict Oramah, former President of the Bank, Khaled Abbas, Chairman and Managing Director of the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD), Afreximbank board members, and a host of ambassadors and businessmen.
Madbouly noted that the ATC’s establishment in the NAC highlights Egypt’s central role in driving continental economic integration and trade facilitation.
The Center will serve as a vital hub for commercial information, capacity building, innovation, and continental networking, positioning Egypt as a continental gateway for investments and diplomacy.
The ATC, which is the first of its kind in North Africa, strongly supports the expansion of trade and investment opportunities.
The Prime Minister stated that this step marks a “milestone” in Egypt’s partnership with Afreximbank, a partnership built on trust, shared purpose, and a common vision for Africa’s economic renaissance.
Madbouly said the unified market facilitates economies, drives industrialization, and encourages the development of regional value chains, helping the continent move away from its historic reliance on exporting raw materials.
He clarified that integration enhances Africa’s collective bargaining power on the global arena, attracts foreign direct investment (FDI), and is crucial for addressing shared challenges such as poverty reduction, job creation for youth, and developing essential cross-border infrastructure (like road and energy networks). He stressed that continental integration is the key to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth and securing Africa’s rightful place as a major player in the global economy.
