Monday, 25 May 2026
El-Sisi pledges support for Africa’s unity and development
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi today welcomed African ministers, heads of delegations, and representatives from the African Union Commission and regional economic communities to Cairo for the Second Ministerial Conference of the “Russia-Africa” Partnership Forum. The meeting, attended by Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty, highlighted Egypt’s commitment to strengthening cooperation for Africa’s peace, security, and sustainable development.
In his keynote address, President El-Sisi warmly greeted the delegates to “their second home, Egypt,” underlining the gathering’s key role in fostering strategic partnerships and advancing the African Union’s “Agenda 2063 — The Africa We Want.” He noted that despite the continent’s many efforts, African development still faces significant hurdles such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient financing, and heightened risks.
President El-Sisi outlined Egypt’s five-pillar vision for Africa’s development:
1. Supporting implementation of strategic corridors and logistics zones.
2. Boosting cooperation in energy and electricity interconnection.
3. Promoting agricultural development and food security.
4. Enhancing intra-African trade.
5. Advancing cooperation in telecommunications, information technology, and artificial intelligence.
He expressed Egypt's dedication to expanding investments across Africa, noting over $12 billion in Egyptian investments and more than $10 billion in bilateral trade with African countries. Egypt has also established an Export and Investment Risk Agency to further encourage development ties.
Additionally, Egypt continues its capacity-building support through the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development, which has delivered over 700 training programs across several fields, tailored to African countries’ priorities.
Addressing the importance of fair and equitable use of transboundary resources, President El-Sisi emphasized the necessity for joint action, particularly regarding shared waters like the Nile. He noted Egypt’s long history of working with neighboring countries on water management and related development projects, reiterating that unilateral actions that threaten the rights or stability of downstream nations are unacceptable.
With Africa’s stability closely linked to its development, President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s support for peace in regions such as the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. He announced plans for Egypt’s participation in the African Union’s new mission in Somalia and highlighted Egypt’s comprehensive approach to combating terrorism—one that integrates security, development, intellectual, and social dimensions. Egypt seeks to share its experience and institutions, including Al-Azhar and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, with African partners.
El-Sisi pledged to strengthen Africa’s voice in international forums, advocating for United Nations Security Council reform and fairer global financial systems to better represent African interests. He also underlined Egypt’s active role in post-conflict reconstruction efforts across the continent.
In an interactive dialogue after his speech, President El-Sisi stressed Africa’s vast but underutilized resources, from water to livestock, calling for effective management and value-added industries to better serve African markets and foster export growth. He warned that the absence of stability undermines investment and development, while reaffirming that the stability of one African nation should never come at the expense of another.
Highlighting Egypt’s respectful approach to international relations, President El-Sisi stated that Egypt’s only condition in Nile water negotiations with Ethiopia is safeguarding its own rights while seeking a binding legal agreement. He noted Egypt has never threatened its neighbors, believing that disagreements must be resolved peacefully.
Visiting African ministers thanked Egypt for its leadership in promoting peace and development throughout the continent and the Middle East. They praised the country’s developmental projects and called for Egypt’s continued support in advancing African prosperity.
President El-Sisi concluded by wishing all delegates a fruitful conference in Cairo and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to helping Africa achieve stability, growth, and hope for all its people.