Abou El-Enein Calls for Stronger Investment Vision at Unstoppable Africa Forum

Egyptian Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Abou El-Enein urged African nations to better manage and market their vast resources, stressing that the continent holds untapped potential that could transform its economic future. Speaking at the fourth edition of the Unstoppable Africa Forum, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Abou El-Enein highlighted his personal journey as an entrepreneur and investor to underline Africa’s investment opportunities.

Africa’s Untapped Potential

Abou El-Enein recalled his early experience building factories in Egypt with no infrastructure, technology, or financing, drawing parallels with Africa’s current challenges. He said Africa today is on the global agenda thanks to its young population, fertile lands, and natural resources, but the key lies in “how to manage Africa’s potential and how to build a brand for Africa.”

He emphasized that creating jobs within Africa should be the ultimate goal, preventing migration and instead attracting global talent and investors to the continent.

The Role of Governments and Infrastructure

The Deputy Speaker explained that investors succeed when governments provide incentives, infrastructure, and financial facilities. Citing Egypt’s example, he pointed to land offered at $1 per square meter and financing packages that spurred growth in real estate and tourism. These measures, he argued, made projects easier and more profitable, attracting millions of tourists to Egypt’s Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts.

He also noted Egypt’s dramatic expansion from just 7% of land being used along the Nile Valley to nearly 40% of its territory, with land prices skyrocketing from 2,000 to 30,000 Egyptian pounds per square meter in a decade.

A Call for Coordinated Investment

Abou El-Enein stressed the need for coordinated efforts across African nations, proposing the organization of a major conference to present 500 well-studied projects across the continent. He said such an initiative—if backed by long-term financing, government support, and presidential commitment—would turn Africa into a magnet for industrial, agricultural, and tourism investment.

“Between opportunity, financing, and political will, everything becomes possible,” he declared, underscoring the importance of building a unified vision that investors can trust.