Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

The Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI) and the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) have jointly announced the establishment of the AAMFI Infrastructure Financing Facility for African Union Development projects, a major initiative to accelerate infrastructure development across Africa. The announcement was made during the Luanda Infrastructure Financing Summit, held under the theme “Cutting the Cost of Capital: Financing Africa’s Infrastructure”. A Declaration of Intent to establish the Facility was signed by representative of AUDA-NEPAD and AAMFI in the presence of African Heads of State, Heads of African Multilateral Financial Institutions, senior government officials as well as members of the private sector

H.E João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, speaking at the Summit noted that:

“Africa must finance its own future by mobilizing our collective resources to build the roads, power grids, and digital networks that will connect our markets, energize our industries, and empower our people”, commending AUDA NEPAD and AAMFI for their work on the initiative.

The Facility’s first phase will focus on five (5) priority projects, to be followed by an additional six (6), spanning energy, transport, water, and ICT sectors. Together, they represent a continent-wide effort to strengthen connectivity and unlock economic potential in Northern, Western, Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa. All projects are aligned with the African Union’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and Agenda 2063, reinforcing the shared vision of an integrated and prosperous Africa. The Facility provides an initial commitment of up to USD 1.5 billion towards the financing of the projects, including up to USD 100 million in project preparation financing, following the completion of necessary institutional and technical processes.

The initiative underscores the continent’s renewed commitment to addressing its infrastructure financing gap through home-grown and coordinated mechanisms.

Conceived as a continental coordination platform, the Facility bridges the gap between project preparation and financing, promotes standardized investment frameworks, and facilitates blended-finance solutions. It also serves as a proof of concept for the eventual establishment of the African Union Development Fund, reinforcing Africa’s capacity to structure and direct its own infrastructure financing.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Samaila Zubairu, Chairperson of AAMFI and President & CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, said:

“This initiative crystalizes Africa’s collective ambition to take charge of its own development financing. Through this Facility, we are shaping a coherent framework for infrastructure delivery and demonstrating our capacity to define, design, and finance the projects that will transform Africa’s economic landscape”.

Mrs Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, emphasized the alignment of the Facility with the African Union’s long-term transformation agenda:

“The Facility embodies African ownership in action — a practical bridge toward the operationalization of the African Union Development Fund and a testament to our determination to realize Agenda 2063 through innovative, collaborative, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.”

The establishment of the Facility marks a major milestone in strengthening Africa’s financial sovereignty and institutional capacity to mobilize and manage both domestic and international capital for transformative infrastructure. It also reflects AAMFI’s central role in consolidating Africa’s financial architecture and AUDA-NEPAD’s leadership in infrastructure-driven development.

A Cooperation Framework Agreement between AUDA-NEPAD and AAMFI will be formally signed on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in February 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI).

For more information, please contact:
Ms. Senait Afework
Communications & Programme Manager
Email: safework@aamfi.org

About AAMFI:
The Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI) is an alliance of African-owned and controlled multilateral financial institutions established to promote collaboration, cooperation, and coordination among its members in advancing Africa’s sustainable economic development and integration objectives. The members include Africa Finance Corporation (AFC); African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank); Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group); African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re); African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI); Shelter Afrique Development Bank (SHAF DB); East African Development Bank (EADB), Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), African Solidarity Fund (ASF); and ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company)

Launched in collaboration with the African Union Commission, AAMFI was inaugurated by African Heads of State on the margins of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union on 17 February 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Source: APO

The African Guarantee Fund (AGF) West Africa (https://AfricanGuaranteeFund.com/) Board has announced the appointment of Mr. Serge MIAN, as the Managing Director in charge of the subsidiary effective 3rd of November 2025. Mr. MIAN is a highly accomplished investment banker has had a sterling career having worked with top employers such as JP Morgan, EY, Deloitte based France and AXA Investment managers in the United States of America (USA).

He will be leading the team to expand AGF activities in both Francophone and Anglophone West Africa. His key responsibilities will include.

1. Ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal policies, aligned with Board guidelines.
2. Oversee daily operations, provide leadership, and achieve AGF’s West Africa mission, vision, and targets.
3. Drive business expansion, including geographic and product growth.

Mr. MIAN is an enthusiastic and seasoned professional with more than 20 years in the finance industry worldwide. Prior to AGF West Africa, Mr. MIAN worked for Orabank, the pan African banking group as Group Head of investments and investor relations. During his tenure, he successfully managed the fundraising mobilisation along with all strategic initiatives and projects within the Group.

Mr. MIAN began his career in finance initially with Axa Investment Managers in France followed by an overseas experience the United States at Addax Asset Management, an asset manager specialized in hedge fund investments, before joining Deloitte in France in 2006 as a risk management associate. Right after, he joined the Private bank unit of JPMorgan for 5 years as an Investment Advisor before heading back to Cote d’Ivoire to lead the M&A and fundraising practice inside the Transaction Services department of EY. Mr MIAN is a graduate of ENSEA, the Ivorian Engineering School of Statistics and Economics and HEC Paris. Mr MIAN is also a CFA charter holder.

While announcing his appointment, AGF Group CEO Mr. Jules Ngankam exhibited confidence in his leadership to drive the growth and expansion of AGF West Africa. His experience in various industries and continents will be more than valuable to AGF in its mandate to increase SMEs access to bank financing.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Guarantee Fund.

Contacts:
AGF Communications & PR
info.communications@agf.africa

About AGF:
African Guarantee Fund (AGF) is a specialized guarantee provider whose mission is to facilitate economic development and poverty reduction in Africa. To achieve this, AGF increases access to finance for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across key economic sectors through an array of guarantee products and capacity development assistance. Since inception, AGF has unlocked more than USD 5 billion in SME financing, through partnerships with over 250 partner financial institutions across 44 African countries. AGF is backed by the following shareholders and sponsors: The Government of Denmark through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), the Government of Spain through the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECID), the African Development Bank (AfDB), French Development Agency (AFD), Nordic Development Fund (NDF), Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU), German Development Bank (KfW), French Agency for Private Sector (PROPARCO), West African Development Bank (BOAD), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Techno Serve, Norad, Mastercard Foundation, African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) and Visa Foundation. African Guarantee Fund is rated AA- by Fitch Ratings.

For more information, please visit https://AfricanGuaranteeFund.com/.

Source: APO

Wingu Africa, the pioneering specialist provider of carrier-neutral, Tier III-standard data centres in East Africa, has entered a strategic partnership with Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com), the operator of the continent’s largest network of interconnected facilities.

The collaboration unites two major developers of critical African digital infrastructure to create a seamless platform that links the important East African markets of Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Tanzania with Africa Data Centres’ extensive footprint across South, West, and Central Africa.

The agreement creates reciprocal opportunities for both organisations, ensuring mutual benefits. By connecting their respective networks, the two companies are delivering a unified digital platform across some of Africa’s most important markets, enabling enterprises and service providers to scale securely, reliably, efficiently and seamlessly.

For Wingu Africa, the agreement represents a transformation from a regional leader into a continental player, opening new growth opportunities. It links its East African hubs with Africa Data Centres’ operations across seven additional markets, providing its customers with simplified access to new territories without the complexity of managing multiple providers. For Africa Data Centres, the partnership secures a stronger foothold in East Africa, opening the door to three of the region’s most strategically important markets.

“This partnership marks an important milestone for Wingu Africa and East Africa’s digital ecosystem,” said Demos Kyriacou, Deputy CEO, COO and Co-Founder of Wingu Africa. “By connecting our infrastructure with Africa Data Centres’ extensive network, we enable enterprises to operate across borders with the reliability and resilience they expect. It’s about making Africa’s digital economy easier to access, more predictable, and globally competitive.”

Africa Data Centres customers can now easily take advantage of Djibouti’s role as a vital submarine cable gateway. Ethiopia’s rapidly expanding digital economy and Tanzania’s fast-growing cloud and mobile services sector. By extending its reach into these hubs, the company enhances its pan-African platform. It strengthens its value proposition for enterprises, cloud providers, and content delivery networks seeking seamless expansion across the continent.

Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres, added: “Africa’s digital transformation depends on collaboration and scale. Partnering with Wingu Africa allows us to extend our reach into rapidly growing East African markets, giving ADC customers a stronger gateway into the region. Equally, Wingu Africa’s customers now benefit from the breadth of our pan-African presence. Together, we are building a truly interconnected platform that supports innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.”

The collaboration further supports governments and industry stakeholders by accelerating national digital agendas, encouraging cloud adoption, and fuelling the growth of financial technology. It enhances East Africa’s role as a gateway for investment and innovation while complementing Africa Data Centres’ continental presence. The commercial collaboration advances Africa’s position in the global digital economy. Both organisations are directly contributing to the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030), which calls for inclusive, secure, and scalable digital platforms as the foundation for long-term growth and for enabling digital transformation strategies adopted by governments across the combined coverage area.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.

About Africa Data Centres:
Africa Data Centres is the continent’s largest network of interconnected, carrier- and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. With a presence in key African markets including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and beyond, Africa Data Centres provides secure, reliable colocation and interconnection services that enable enterprises, cloud providers, and content delivery networks to scale across Africa. As part of Cassava Technologies, Africa Data Centres plays a central role in driving digital transformation and supporting inclusive economic growth across the continent.

Learn more at www.AfricaDataCentres.com

About Wingu Africa:
Wingu Africa is East Africa’s first specialist carrier-neutral data centre operator, with strategic locations in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Since 2012, the company has connected African businesses to global digital networks through secure, scalable, and high-performance colocation solutions. Built on technical expertise and regional insight, Wingu Africa ensures carrier neutrality, empowering clients with flexible connectivity options. Committed to excellence in infrastructure, security, and service delivery, Wingu Africa delivers world-class solutions tailored to East Africa’s unique digital landscape.

Learn more at www.Wingu.Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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President Isaias Afwerki attended the inauguration ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum held yesterday in Giza, overlooking Egypt’s three great Pyramids. The Grand Egyptian Museum is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization.

The museum, which is built on 300 thousand square meters around the Giza Pyramids, houses a collection of Egyptian artifacts from various periods of the country’s civilization, estimated at over 100 thousand items.

The museum, which meets global standards, will serve as a significant attraction for those interested in Egypt’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives from 79 countries, including 39 heads of State and Government.

It is to be recalled that during the meeting between President Isaias Afwerki and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on 30 October at the Al-Ittihadiya Palace, the two leaders discussed the further consolidation of bilateral ties between the two countries, as well as regional developments and trends, particularly the situations in Sudan and Somalia, and the security of the Red Sea.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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World Olympics Day was observed at the national level in Akordet on 1 November. The event was attended by senior Government and PFDJ officials, as well as heads of national and regional sports federations.

Mr. Michael Teklemicael, President of the National Olympic Committee, said that holding the event in Akordet aimed to recognize the role and contribution of the Gash-Barka Region in producing Olympians and to highlight the region’s vast potential in sports resources.

Noting the strong responsibility that comes with hosting the event, Mr. Idris Saleh, Director General of Culture and Sports in the region, expressed his conviction to nurture athletes who will bring pride to their names and nation in international sports competitions.

Ambassador Mahmud Ali Hirui, Governor of the Gash-Barka Region, noted that the research papers presented in connection with the event underscored the need for government institutions and the public to integrate sports development into their activities. He called for community-based initiatives to produce competent youth capable of excelling in international competitions.

The event featured cultural and educational programs marking the occasion, as well as mass sports activities.

World Olympics Day is being observed for the 77th time globally and for the 16th time at the national level.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) joins the international community celebrating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, which is commemorated annually on 02 November.

In December 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/68/163 on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity, giving due regard to the fact that the work of journalists often puts them at risk of intimidation, harassment and violence. In proclaiming 02 November as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the General Assembly unequivocally condemned all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers and resolved to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference. 

Journalists play a fundamental role in society, especially with regards to freedom of expression and the free flow of information. Silencing journalists stifles not only the flow of information, but it also impacts citizen’s ability to exercise their democratic rights. This important role is reflected in the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (the Declaration), adopted by the Commission to elaborate on the scope of Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which recognizes ‘the key role of the media and other means of communication in ensuring full respect for the right to freedom of expression, promoting the free flow of information and ideas, assisting individuals in making informed decisions and facilitating and strengthening democracy.’ [1]

In Africa, attacks against journalists continue to be on the rise and there has also been a rising trend of these attacks, apart from being perpetrated physically are also increasingly being conducted online. Digital attacks against journalists occur in a wide range of formats which are constantly evolving as new technologies emerge. The rise of digital violence, which is increasingly gendered disproportionately affecting women, with female journalists facing the brunt of this rising phenomenon. Silencing women journalists constitutes an attack on democracy.

Women in the media are especially at risk, facing targeted and disproportionate attacks in both digital and physical spheres. [2]  According to the International Center for Journalists, 73% of female journalists surveyed experienced online violence, with 25% of the messages they received threatening physical violence and 18% threatening sexual violence. [3]

‘While the digital realm should be a space of innovation and empowerment, it has become a battleground where women face harassment, intimidation, and violence.’ [4] Regrettably, the digital revolution has both exacerbated existing forms of gender-based violence, such as sexual harassment, stalking, hate speech, misinformation, defamation and impersonation and created new forms of abuse such as hacking, astroturfing, video and image-based abuse such as doxing, cyberbullying and online grooming. [5]  In addition, ‘AI-driven threats, including the spread of gendered disinformation, surveillance, deepfakes and other forms of harassment have developed with this emerging issue, also known as technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), become alarmingly prevalent particularly with the rise of generative artificial intelligence.” [6] 

In addition to constituting violations of Article 9 of the African Charter, which guarantees individuals the right to receive information, as well as the right to express and disseminate information, these attacks against women undoubtedly constitute violations of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol), which defines violence against women to include acts causing psychological or economic harm, or threats to undertake arbitrary restrictions on or deprivation of fundamental freedoms. In addition, its Article 3 guarantees the right to dignity and calls on States to implement appropriate measures to ensure the protection of every woman from all forms of violence particularly sexual and verbal violence.

This is buttressed by the Declaration which provides in Principle 5, that “the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information shall be protected from interference both online and offline, and States shall interpret and implement the protection of these rights in this Declaration and other relevant international standards accordingly.” Furthermore, Principle 20(6) requires States to “take specific measures to ensure the safety of female journalists and media practitioners by addressing gender-specific safety concerns, including sexual and gender-based violence, intimidation and harassment.”

In view of this emerging concern, the Commission adopted Resolution ACHPR/Res.522(LXXII)2022 on the Protection of Women Against Digital Violence in Africa [7] which called on States to, inter alia, review or adopt legislation aimed at combating all forms of digital violence, in addition to expanding the definition of gender-based violence to include digital violence against women including cyber-harassment, cyberstalking, sexist hate speech amongst other related violations.

During this year’s commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the Commission takes this opportunity to condemn all forms of violence against journalists, be it physical threats, murder, kidnapping, hostage-taking, intimidation, arbitrary detention and torture, as well as online harassment. In addition, in view of the pressing concern which has emerged during the digital era disproportionately affecting female journalists, the Commission unreservedly condemns this form of violence and calls on States to take concrete measures, such as the adoption of gender-responsive laws and policies in order to ensure an enabling environment in which all female journalists can work without fear of any form of harassment and intimidation. In addition, these violations, which include threats of sexual assault and physical violence, abusive language, harassing private messages, threats to damage their professional or personal reputations, digital security attacks, misrepresentation via manipulated images and financial threats, should be consistently investigated, with the perpetrators prosecuted and redress provided to the victims, including medical and psychological support. Equally important are public advocacy campaigns through which States can raise awareness on digital violence to ensure the protection of the rights of persons who face these violations. 

Online assaults targeting female journalists pose one of the most concerning threats to media freedom and the democratic process, which aids and abets impunity for crimes against journalists. Addressing this violence requires an intersectional approach involving a wide range of stakeholders, including States, social media platforms, journalist associations, civil society organizations among others. Tech companies, through which these abuses are circulated, are slow to support journalists who are being targeted, let alone block the attackers. The Commission remains committed to working with all stakeholders to address this, and all forms of crimes against journalists, in order to ensure real media freedom in Africa. Ending impunity for crimes against journalists remains a challenge of modern times. Unfortunately threats of violence and attacks on journalists are not properly investigated. This impunity emboldens the perpetrators of these crimes, whilst at the same time has a chilling effect on journalists. African States should therefore vocally condemn all attacks on journalists whenever they occur and whether they occur online or offline, vigorously investigate such attacks and judicial authorities should investigate and expedite prosecution of these crimes against journalists. Tech companies should increase risk assessments about online threats against journalists and take decisive action to deal with such rights violations via their service. Media actors have to better mobilise when there are such threats against their colleagues and campaign for justice. Civil society should demand that the rule of law applies with regard to the right of journalists and finally society as a whole should recognise that the safety of journalists contributes to them having access to reliable and credible information. When all these actors work together then the message will be sent to society at large that such attacks on journalists will not be tolerated. This will also contribute to creating a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without any interference is a public good for society at large. Journalists are the purveyors of credible information which contributes to having a functioning democracy. By ending the impunity for crimes against journalists, we are fortifying the flow of information and consolidating democracy.

Banjul, 02 November 2025

Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo
Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa
African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).

Source: APO

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ECOWAS strengthens mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution capacities of its senior officials at the Clingendael Institute of international relations in the Netherlands.

From 27 to 31 October 2025, in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands, senior officials, Special Representatives, Resident and Permanent Representatives, Members of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at ambassadorial level, as well as Members of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, participated in an advanced capacity-building programme on negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution. The training formed part of the 10th Edition of the Clingendael Academy Programme on Peace Negotiations and was organised by the Netherlands Institute of International Relations “Clingendael”, with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Throughout the five-day programme, participants strengthened their practical understanding of the principles and processes of negotiation and mediation, including the qualities of effective negotiators and mediators, the strategic application of mediation support, and approaches for building consensus among parties with diverse interests, values and beliefs. The training further provided insights into the distinctions between negotiation and mediation, the objectives and phases of mediation, and the contribution of mediation to sustainable peace outcomes.

The sessions also offered an opportunity to reflect on ECOWAS’ mediation engagements from a comparative perspective, highlighting achievements, challenges and lessons learnt to inform future interventions. Scenario-building exercises and group simulations enabled participants to analyse key conflict drivers, assess uncertainties, and develop scenario matrices to support informed planning and response strategies in mediation processes.

ECOWAS and the Clingendael Academy have collaborated since 2015 to strengthen the Commission’s regional conflict prevention and resolution capacities. Training approximately 750 diplomats and 2,500 professionals annually, the Clingendael Academy is recognised as one of the world’s leading independent diplomatic training institutions. By preparing practitioners to operate effectively in complex and politically sensitive international environments, it equips diplomats, mediators, peacebuilding practitioners, humanitarian personnel, civil society actors and government officials with the skills required to deliver impactful and sustainable peace efforts across the region and beyond.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with H.E. Dr. Amer Bisat, Minister of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Lebanon, to discuss avenues of joint cooperation within the activities of the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee in its 10th session, co-chaired by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation and the Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade.

At the beginning of the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat affirmed the depth and distinguished nature of Egyptian-Lebanese relations, as well as the political understanding at the summit level between the leaderships of both countries. She also highlighted the directives of the political leadership to continue developing and strengthening cooperation between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Lebanon across all fields, with a particular focus on enhancing economic and trade relations between the two nations.

H.E. emphasized the interest of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, in advancing cooperative relations with the Republic of Lebanon and elevating them to the level of strategic partnership. She stressed the government’s keenness to convene the 10th session of the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee and to ensure the regularity of its meetings, as it represents the most significant mechanism for coordinating economic policies and promoting cooperation between the two countries.

Dr. Al-Mashat noted that holding the 10th session of the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee will open broader prospects for cooperation in light of both countries’ commitment to promoting joint development. She reaffirmed Egypt’s support for its sister nation, Lebanon, in its efforts to restore security, stability, and development. The Minister also highlighted that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation will collaborate with the Lebanese side to enhance efforts to exchange expertise in economic and development policymaking, as well as in the fields of planning, development, and international cooperation.

H.E. further underscored the readiness of Egyptian companies—with their extensive experience and proven capabilities—to contribute to Lebanon’s reconstruction process. She pointed out that Egyptian companies have successfully participated in the implementation of major national projects, including the establishment of industrial and agricultural zones, modern urban communities, and numerous fourth-generation and smart cities.

For his part, H.E. Dr. Amer Bisat, Minister of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Lebanon, affirmed his country’s keenness to expand the scope of cooperation with Egypt and to benefit from its successful development experience. He also extended an invitation to H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat to participate in the First Beirut Investment Conference, scheduled to be held this November, aimed at stimulating investment in the Lebanese economy and discussing key related issues.

Both ministers emphasized the importance of continued coordination to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the 10th session of the Committee, and to strengthen cooperation between the relevant entities in both countries—reflecting positively on the development and deepening of bilateral relations.

It is worth noting that the 9th session of the Committee witnessed the signing of four documents in the fields of tax expertise exchange, communications and information technology, investment promotion, and the import of Egyptian building materials. In this context, trade exchange between the two countries reached $1 billion in 2024, compared to $774 million in 2023—an increase of 29.3%.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO

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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, signed an agreement with H.E. Mr. Juraj Blanár, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, to establish a Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation between the two countries. This took place during the Slovak Minister’s visit to Egypt to attend the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The agreement comes in light of the two countries’ keenness to expand the scope of economic partnership and explore more areas of cooperation, which will reflect on developing relations to meet shared priorities.

During the signing ceremony, the two ministers held a joint discussion session. They emphasized the importance of the Joint Committee Agreement for Economic Cooperation, as it will lead to an increase in areas of cooperation between the two countries, in light of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, and the recent development of relations, which was embodied in the first Egyptian-European Summit recently held in Brussels. This summit was an extension of the continuous momentum in the joint relations since March 2024.

The meeting discussed the date for the first session of the Egyptian-Slovak Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation, and the commitment to utilizing this committee to form an effective framework for cooperation that maximizes the benefit from the substantial economic potential in both countries, and the available opportunities to advance the partnership, particularly in increasing joint investments and boosting the number of tourists arriving in Egypt, specially after the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is the largest museum in the world showcasing artifacts of a single civilization. This is in addition to supporting national priorities in industrial localization and private sector empowerment.

In this context, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation reaffirmed that Egypt cherishes its relationship with the friendly country of Slovakia, which began in the nineties of the last century. Dr. Al-Mashat added that within the framework of the evolving Egyptian-European relations, the partnership with Slovakia is of great importance given its growing role within the European Union and its endeavor to strengthen its relations with countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Minister Al-Mashat said that she looks forward for the Joint Committee to build upon the achievements in economic relations between the two countries, to contribute to increasing the volume of trade exchange, developing relations with the private sector, and increasing investments, particularly in the areas of industrial localization and exchange of expertise, in addition to coordinating joint economic stances in international forums. She stressed that the current volume of investments and trade exchange rates do not meet the aspirations of the two countries nor do they reflect their true potential.

For his part, the Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Slovakia is working to intensify dialogue with Global South and African countries, which are receiving attention from Slovak entrepreneurs, and that Egypt holds an important position with Slovakia.

The Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs mentioned that the signing of the Economic Cooperation Agreement represents a significant step to strengthen joint relations, as it provides a new governmental framework for bilateral cooperation between the two countries and contributes to increasing the volume of trade exchange.

It is worth noting that the Egyptian market includes about 45 Slovak companies with investments exceeding $560 million in the fields of tourism, services, industry, construction, telecommunications, agriculture, and information technology. Furthermore, the number of tourists arriving in Egypt from Slovakia in 2024 reached about 1.4 million tourists, reflecting the strength of tourism relations and the inbound flows from the Slovak market to Egypt. Meanwhile, the volume of trade exchange between the two countries is about $340.4 million. Slovakia’s exports to Egypt are concentrated in the industrial and transport sectors, such as vehicles, machinery, and equipment, while Egyptian exports to Slovakia are more diverse and include a large percentage of electronics, in addition to rubber products, fireworks, and others.

It is noteworthy that the Joint Committees mechanism is one of the main mechanisms through which Egypt seeks to enhance economic, commercial, and investment relations, as well as cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation with sisterly and friendly countries. The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation supervises approximately 55 joint committees between Egypt and many countries from various continents around the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.