Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Egypt to host Africa Forum in December


Tue 04 Sep 2018 | 01:24 PM
Hana Khaled

CAIRO, SEPT 4 (SEE): The Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation of Egypt and COMESA Regional Investment Agency confirmed yesterday that Africa Forum 2018 will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh on December 8 under the High Patronage of president Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, according to AMA (African Media Agency).

 

The forum this year will be under the theme of 'Bold Leadership and Collective Commitment: Advancing Intra-African Investments' which reflects the importance of collaboration for more development in Africa.

It offers the participants a platform to  promote trade and investment within the continent. It is expected to be the biggest business-to-business and government-to-business gathering.

The organizers reported that five African leaders will participate in the event including the newly elected Zimbabwean President, Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, who has been leading the drive to get commitment from other African heads of State to sign the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

 

They added that young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to take part in the event to meet perse of investors during the YED (Young Entrepreneurs Day).

The Forum organizers will single out a day to focus on the women's role in helping them define the continental priorities in a gathering called "Women Empowering Africa".

 

Dr. Sahar Nasr, Egypt's Minister of Investment and International Cooperation said, "The Forum aims to improve intra-African trade and investment for the benefit for all citizens on this continent. Egypt's comprehensive socio-economic reform programme to transform our country continues to progress alongside efforts to advancing Africa's sustainable development through greater cross-border business among our nations."

Furthermore, "COMESA, now consisting of 21 countries following the admission of Tunisia and Somalia this year, continues to play a lead role in advancing Africa's economic integration. As one of the most influential regional economic communities in Africa we have a pivotal role to play in engaging with business leaders and investors," Heba Salama, COMESA Regional Investment Agency said.