The discussions focused on strengthening investment and trade integration between Egypt and African countries through innovative financing mechanisms to support exporters and investors. Talks also covered leveraging the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System to facilitate transactions, reduce dependence on foreign currencies, and enhance cooperation in sectors including mining, tourism and construction.

The meeting further explored ways to strengthen Egypt’s role as a continental re-export hub, support Egyptian trade with African markets through the export trading companies programme, and review frameworks governing Egyptian capital markets.

Farid said the ministry is working to directly link investment opportunities in Egypt with African markets to help attract regional and international investment flows.

He noted that the government continues to improve investment services, streamline cross-border trade procedures, expand digitalisation and simplify processes to strengthen the business environment and support expansion across African markets.

The minister highlighted promising investment opportunities in industry, tourism, construction and mining, stressing that cooperation with Afreximbank provides important support for deepening economic integration between Egypt and other African countries while expanding financing tools and local currency settlement mechanisms.

For his part, El Maayergi reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in African financing and intra-African trade, expressing appreciation for its longstanding partnership with Egypt.

He said Afreximbank views Egypt as a strategic partner in Africa’s economic integration agenda, citing the country’s infrastructure capabilities, geographic position, and progress in digitalisation and financial services as factors reinforcing its role as a regional trade and investment hub.

El Maayergi also reviewed the bank’s initiative aimed at positioning Egypt as a continental re-export centre by leveraging the country’s network of special economic zones, free zones and logistics infrastructure. The initiative seeks to facilitate the movement of goods between Africa, Asia and Europe under preferential rules of origin within the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

He added that Afreximbank has proposed launching a joint programme with the ministry and Egyptian export institutions to accredit a group of Egyptian export trading companies, helping consolidate and distribute Egyptian exports more effectively across African markets.

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The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Africa-France summit in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The discussions focused on enhancing political, economic, commercial, and developmental relations, according to a statement from the official spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy.

Sisi stated that Egypt seeks to continuously develop ties to meet both nations’ aspirations for prosperity, emphasising the importance of building upon the positive results of the Egypt-Chad joint committee held in Cairo in November 2025.

Deby expressed his country’s appreciation for its close relations with Egypt. He affirmed his intent to deepen cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and infrastructure development, to drive comprehensive development efforts. The Chadian president also praised existing bilateral cooperation in the health sector.

Reviewing regional developments of mutual interest, Al-Sisi underscored the necessity of safeguarding the national institutions of countries in the region to bolster their ability to face ongoing threats. The leaders also discussed mechanisms for resolving regional crises through peaceful means to protect state sovereignty and safeguard populations’resources, El-Shennawy added.

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Farid met with Alexander Osmolovsky, BUCE Chairperson, alongside senior exchange officials, to discuss ways to strengthen coordination and technical cooperation between the two sides, particularly in the fields of commodity trading systems and electronic trading technologies.

Discussions focused on enhancing institutional cooperation between the Egyptian Commodity Exchange and its Belarusian counterpart through the exchange of technical expertise, market information, and best practices related to the management and operation of electronic trading platforms.

During the meeting, the Belarusian side presented an overview of the BUCE, which is regarded as one of Eastern Europe’s largest commodity exchanges. Officials highlighted the exchange’s role in organising commodity trading and supporting trade flows, in addition to showcasing its electronic trading systems and technical services.

Farid said the meeting reflects Egypt’s broader strategy to deepen economic cooperation with Belarus and benefit from advanced expertise in digital trading technologies and electronic exchange systems.

“We are working to build an integrated economic partnership with Belarus based on trade, investment, and technology transfer,” he said, adding that coordination between the Egyptian and Belarusian commodity exchanges could contribute to the development of Egypt’s commodity trading ecosystem and create broader opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation.

The minister added that discussions also covered mechanisms for strengthening communication channels between the business communities in both countries and preparing the technical and institutional frameworks required to facilitate future trade and commodity exchange activities.

Farid stressed the importance of leveraging Belarusian expertise in the development of electronic trading systems, noting the ministry’s commitment to supporting technical cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange to modernise Egypt’s commodity trading infrastructure.

He also highlighted Egypt’s strategic advantages, saying the country possesses strong capabilities to become a regional hub for trade, logistics services, and re-export activities.

For his part, Alexander Osmolovsky expressed Belarus’s interest in establishing a long-term strategic partnership with Egypt and confirmed BUCE’s readiness to exchange expertise and support knowledge transfer in electronic trading and digital platform development.

Osmolovsky added that closer cooperation between the two sides would represent an important step toward strengthening broader economic and trade relations between Egypt and Belarus, particularly in light of Egypt’s strategic geographic position and expanding logistics capabilities.

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The figures were released in a statement issued by CAPMAS on the occasion of Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s meeting with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Monday. The visit included discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and participation in the inauguration ceremony of the new headquarters of Senghor University.

According to the agency, Egyptian exports to France rose to $1.14bn in 2025, compared with $1.09bn in 2024, marking an increase of 4.6%. Meanwhile, Egyptian imports from France declined by 1.6% to $1.82bn, down from $1.85bn a year earlier.

CAPMAS said Egypt’s key exports to France during 2025 included fertilisers valued at $313m, electrical machinery and equipment at $260m, vegetables and fruit at $88.4m, organic and inorganic chemical products at $81.4m, and ready-made garments at $70m.

On the import side, Egypt’s main purchases from France included pharmaceutical products worth $290m, electrical machinery and equipment worth $260m, vehicles, tractors, bicycles and related parts valued at $207m, grains worth $152m, and dairy products, eggs, and honey amounting to $71.4m.

The agency also highlighted strong growth in bilateral investment flows. French investments in Egypt climbed to approximately $767.1m during FY2024/25, compared with $483.8m in FY2023/24, representing an increase of 58.6%.

At the same time, Egyptian investments in France rose to $398.1m during FY2024/25, up from $238.3m in the previous fiscal year, recording growth of 67.1%.

CAPMAS further noted that remittances from Egyptians working in France increased to $99.7m during FY2024/25, compared with $71.1m in FY2023/24, reflecting growth of 40.2%.

Meanwhile, remittances from French nationals working in Egypt rose to $17.7m, up from $14.1m in the previous fiscal year, an increase of 25.5%.

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The joint meeting, organized with the Egyptian Commercial Service, brought together the Export Council and the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss ways to boost bilateral cooperation and position Romania as a gateway to the wider EU market.

The Romanian side was led by Iuliu Stocklosa, President of the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, joined by senior officials Laurentiu Margarit (Marketing & Communication), Iliuță-Sorin Enache (Immigration Office), and George Petrusan, Head of the Romanian Commercial Office at the Embassy.

Representing Egypt were Ali El-Zein, board member of CEC, Mohamed Mageed (Executive Director), Yehia El-Menshawy (Director of Business Development & International Cooperation), and Commercial Counselor Hassan Hariz.

Ali El-Zein underscored Romania’s growing importance as a strategic market for Egyptian chemical and fertilizer exports, citing competitive pricing, strong quality standards, and compliance with EU regulations.

Mohamed Mageed revealed that Egyptian chemical exports to Romania reached $220m in 2025, led by fertilizers ($165m), plastics ($37m), and intermediate chemicals ($15m). Other exports included glass, inks, paints, detergents, adhesives, and rubber products.

“These figures reflect significant potential for further growth, particularly amid rising demand in the Romanian market,” Mageed noted.

Yehia El-Menshawy emphasized that the meeting builds on prior coordination with Egypt’s commercial office in Bucharest, highlighting the council’s readiness to foster direct company-to-company connections and long-term partnerships.

Romanian President Stocklosa pointed to the geographic proximity and improved logistics between Egypt and Romania as key drivers for expanding trade. He praised Egyptian products for their competitiveness and alignment with European standards.

George Petrusan added that Egypt’s export council model offers a strong framework for facilitating business engagement, contrasting with Romania’s institutional trade structure, and supporting deeper cooperation.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued coordination between Egyptian and Romanian partners, aiming to translate opportunities into concrete ventures and higher trade volumes in the near term.

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Farid reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to deepening economic ties with African nations, particularly South Sudan, citing strong bilateral relations and shared development goals. He outlined Egypt’s ongoing reforms to create a more attractive investment environment, including streamlined procedures, enhanced investor services, and the one-stop-shop system, which has become a cornerstone of Egypt’s digital transformation in investment facilitation.

He welcomed opportunities for Egyptian investors in South Sudan, particularly in agro-processing, juice and concentrate production, and textile manufacturing. Farid also emphasized the role of The Sovereign Fund of Egypt in supporting joint ventures, mitigating risks, and encouraging private sector participation. He underscored Egypt’s support for regional economic integration frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, pledging technical assistance to boost intra-African trade.

Majak praised Egypt’s success in improving its investment climate, especially the one-stop-shop model, and expressed South Sudan’s interest in adopting similar reforms. He highlighted South Sudan’s promising opportunities in agriculture, food processing, and energy, supported by abundant natural resources. Majak revealed that his government is preparing to present specific projects to Egyptian investors, reaffirming South Sudan’s commitment to legislative and institutional reforms that strengthen partnerships and drive sustainable economic growth.

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According to the presidency, Al-Sisi reviewed ongoing projects during a meeting with senior military and executive officials, as part of preparations for the city’s operational phase. Discussions also covered the second phase of the Mont Galala project, with the president endorsing its implementation framework in partnership with the private sector.

Al-Sisi stressed the importance of completing projects to the highest international standards and within set timelines, underscoring their role in boosting investment, tourism, and employment. He also directed adjustments to the Ain Sokhna-Zaafarana road to improve safety and reduce traffic accidents.

The plan includes construction of residential and tourism towers along the Red Sea coast, a service marina, and hotels incorporating economic, medical, and educational facilities. Additional floating marinas will be developed to attract international companies and position Galala as a global centre for trade and maritime services.

To ensure sustainable development, Al-Sisi ordered the establishment of an integrated residential zone for city workers, complete with housing, schools, and essential services.

These projects form part of Egypt’s broader strategy to develop its eastern coastline and strengthen its role in the national economy through real estate, tourism, and service-sector investments.

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In an interview with Daily News Egypt, Eela underscored Finland’s global strengths in innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability, identifying key sectors for deeper cooperation, including ICT, healthcare, the green transition, and logistics.

She also emphasised Egypt’s strategic position as a regional hub, recent progress in improving the business climate, and a shared ambition to build a long-term, future-oriented partnership between the two countries.

What is the current volume of trade exchange between Egypt and Finland, and how do you see it evolving in 2026?

Trade relations between Egypt and Finland have developed steadily in recent years, reflecting a positive trajectory. However, despite this progress, considerable untapped potential remains to expand trade flows in both directions. We expect exports from both countries to continue growing gradually in 2026, supported by stronger economic ties and increased business engagement.

According to the latest full-year data for 2024, Finland’s exports to Egypt reached approximately €456m. Goods accounted for 94% of this total, while services represented just 6%. In a broader context, exports to Egypt still account for less than 0.5% of Finland’s total global exports, which stood at around €111bn, clearly indicating significant room for expansion.

Egypt holds a strategically important position for Finland. It is currently the largest destination for Finnish goods exports in Africa, surpassing markets in the GCC. Nearly 80% of Finnish exports to Egypt consist of forest-based products, including timber, paper, and pulp.

One of the most promising opportunities lies in the services sector. Globally, services account for around 35% of Finland’s exports, yet in Egypt they represent only 6%. This gap highlights strong potential for growth in digital services, consulting, and advanced technological solutions.

On the other hand, Egyptian exports to Finland reached €88m in 2024, with goods comprising 77% and services 23%. Key exports include fertilisers, chemicals, textiles, glassware, and agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables.

What is the current level of Finnish direct investment in Egypt, and which sectors hold the most promise?

Measuring Finnish direct investment in Egypt is not always straightforward, as many companies operate through global structures, meaning their investments are not always fully captured in country-level statistics.

That said, several prominent Finnish companies have established significant operations in Egypt. For example, Huhtamäki operates three manufacturing facilities and has obtained a Golden Licence, reflecting the scale of its investment. HMD Global has also set up large-scale mobile phone manufacturing operations in the country.

In addition, Nokia plays a major role in Egypt’s telecommunications landscape, running extensive regional operations from Cairo and contributing to digital infrastructure development across Africa. Meanwhile, KONE is actively involved in major construction and infrastructure projects, providing vertical transportation solutions.

Egypt is widely regarded as an attractive destination for foreign investment due to its strategic location, large market, and ongoing economic reforms. While governments can facilitate investment, decisions ultimately lie with companies. Our role is to provide accurate information and encourage Finnish firms to explore opportunities in Egypt.

We also encourage Egyptian stakeholders to engage directly with Finnish companies in Finland. Cooperation between the Finnish Embassy in Cairo and the Egyptian Embassy in Helsinki already provides a strong foundation for further growth.

Looking ahead, sectors such as machinery, ICT, and healthcare offer particularly strong potential for increased Finnish investment.

Finland is known for its leadership in digitalisation. What opportunities exist for cooperation with Egypt in this field?

Finland has developed a highly advanced ICT ecosystem and is globally recognised as a leader in digital transformation. Companies such as Nokia are at the forefront of innovation, including next-generation technologies like 6G.

One area where Finland excels is digital public services. For instance, it operates one of the world’s most efficient online taxation systems, developed by Solita, which simplifies compliance by automatically calculating taxes and preparing returns for approval.

In addition, a comprehensive digital government platform developed by Gofore enables citizens to access a wide range of public services online—from passport applications to vehicle registration—eliminating the need for physical visits.

Egypt has already made important strides through initiatives such as the Digital Egypt platform, creating a strong foundation for collaboration, particularly in exchanging best practices and developing more advanced solutions.

There are significant opportunities for cooperation in ICT, including artificial intelligence, data centres, secure mobile networks, and broader digital transformation initiatives. Digitalisation and AI, in particular, can substantially enhance productivity across key sectors of the Egyptian economy.

What joint efforts are underway in sustainability and the green transition?

Finland’s approach to sustainability is based on collaboration, long-term planning, and science-based policymaking, bringing together government, private sector, academia, and civil society.

One key initiative is Finland’s support for the “Switch to Circular Economy” programme, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Egypt under the name “One Circle”, which promotes resource efficiency and sustainable production.

A notable example is a refurbishment centre established by Nokia, focused on extending the lifecycle of mobile network equipment. The facility is already operational and has strong potential for expansion.

Finland also plays a leading role in the World Circular Economy Forum. Meanwhile, companies such as Wärtsilä are investing in breakthrough technologies, including power plants capable of operating on 100% hydrogen, an innovation with significant implications for Egypt’s energy transition.

What challenges do Finnish companies face in the Egyptian market?

We recognise and appreciate the significant efforts made by Egyptian authorities to improve the business environment. Reforms in areas such as customs management have been particularly noteworthy and send a positive signal to investors.

However, some challenges remain, particularly in customs clearance procedures and administrative processes. Addressing these issues will be important for enhancing Egypt’s competitiveness as a global logistics hub and gateway to Africa.

It is also important to note that Finland conducts its trade policy within the framework of the European Union, working closely with EU member states and the EU Delegation in Cairo to maintain continuous dialogue with Egyptian authorities.

Overall, while challenges persist, the trajectory is clearly positive, and ongoing reforms are expected to further improve the investment climate.

How does Finland view Egypt’s role as a logistics and trade hub?

Egypt’s strategic geographic location makes it ideally positioned to serve as a logistics and manufacturing hub for both Africa and the Middle East. Its access to major shipping routes and proximity to key markets offer clear advantages.

As a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Egypt provides access to a vast and growing African market. Many Egyptian companies already have a strong presence across the continent, creating opportunities for Finnish firms to collaborate and expand their footprint in Africa.

Are there emerging sectors that could drive future cooperation?

Yes, several emerging sectors offer promising opportunities. Finland has a vibrant gaming industry with annual revenues of nearly €3bn, led by globally recognised companies such as Supercell and Rovio Entertainment.

Finland also hosts Slush, one of the world’s leading startup events, connecting entrepreneurs with investors and global tech ecosystems.

Healthcare innovation is another promising area, particularly in women’s health, where Finland has developed specialised expertise through initiatives such as the Women’s Health Hub.

At the same time, Egypt’s dynamic and youthful startup ecosystem presents strong opportunities for collaboration. Initiatives like the Nordic Tech Hub in Cairo have already demonstrated the potential to connect Nordic innovation with Egypt’s development and sustainability goals.

Where do you see the greatest potential for strengthening cooperation in the coming years?

The priority is to continue expanding trade and investment flows in both directions. Finland and Egypt share a long history of commercial relations spanning more than a century, built on trust and mutual respect.

In today’s rapidly evolving global environment, strengthening these ties is more important than ever. The Finnish Embassy in Cairo and the Egyptian Embassy in Helsinki play a key role in facilitating business connections and supporting companies.

The establishment of the Finnish–Egyptian Trade Council and its Egyptian counterpart is another important step in strengthening institutional cooperation. These platforms will serve as key pillars in unlocking new opportunities.

Overall, the outlook for Finnish–Egyptian relations is highly promising, with strong potential to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, innovation, and sustainable development.

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The meeting forms part of preparations for the chamber’s upcoming “Door Knock” mission to Washington, which aims to deepen economic engagement and address key bilateral trade issues. Senior officials from the Ministry of Industry also attended.

At the outset, Hashem underlined the depth and resilience of Egypt-US relations, built on decades of cooperation across multiple sectors. He urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to reconsider temporary duties imposed on Egyptian rebar exports, noting that easing these measures would support the competitiveness of Egyptian steel in the US market.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding trade ties with the United States across a wide range of sectors, alongside efforts to attract further American investment into Egypt. He noted that ongoing discussions between officials from both countries are aimed at elevating bilateral economic relations to a more advanced level.

Hashem highlighted emerging opportunities for US companies in Egypt, particularly in data centres and artificial intelligence-driven industries that support industrial development. He also pointed to strong potential for US participation in renewable energy projects, including the development, installation, and operation of energy systems within industrial zones.

He stressed that the private sector remains a central partner in achieving Egypt’s industrial development objectives, adding that the ministry is currently reviewing the national industrial development strategy to better align with global and regional shifts. The updated strategy will prioritise key industries and reinforce supply chains to strengthen Egypt’s position within global manufacturing networks.

The minister also outlined ongoing efforts to streamline procedures for industrial land allocation, making it easier for investors to establish projects. In parallel, the government is advancing the concept of “productive villages” by leveraging regional competitive advantages, while providing small-scale industrial workshops, concessional financing, and technical support to integrate smaller enterprises into larger value chains.

In addition, Hashem revealed plans to introduce new sustainable financing mechanisms through industrial investment funds, enabling citizens to participate in funding promising industrial ventures. The first of these funds is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of the year.

He further noted continued coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to strengthen linkages between academic research and industrial needs, including plans to establish a technology park aimed at fostering innovation and commercialising research outputs.

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In a statement issued on Monday, the agency said the rise in the deficit was primarily driven by a sharp decline in exports, which fell by 20.3% to $3.6bn in January 2026, compared with $4.5bn a year earlier. The drop was largely attributed to lower export values across several key commodities, including fertilisers, which plunged by 47.1%, plastics in primary forms, down by 21.3%, dried legumes, down by 47.8%, and food pastes and miscellaneous food preparations, which edged lower by 0.4%.

Despite the overall decline, exports of some goods recorded notable growth. Fresh fruit exports rose by 35.1%, while petroleum products increased by 17.5%. Ready-made garments climbed by 7.3%, and iron products, including bars, rods, angles, and wires, grew by 5.6%.

On the import side, CAPMAS reported a 3.2% year-on-year decline, with total imports falling to $8.4bn in January 2026 from $8.7bn in January 2025. The decrease was mainly driven by reduced imports of petroleum products, down by 26.5%, raw materials of iron and steel, down by 10.2%, wheat, down by 11%, and plastics in primary forms, which declined by 16.4%.

However, imports of several other commodities increased, partially offsetting the overall decline. Natural gas imports rose by 3.6%, maize surged by 39.4%, passenger cars increased by 40.9%, and soybeans were up by 6.1%.

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