Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, received the “Global Leadership Award” from the international think tank and research institute Choiseul during the African-Gulf Dialogue held in Doha, Qatar, on the sidelines of the Doha Forum under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.
The award was presented by Dr. Pascal Lorot, President of the Institute, during the official gala dinner, in the presence of Sheikh Jabr bin Mansour bin Jabr Al-Thani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GMG Holding, along with a large number of international economic leaders, heads of private-sector companies, investors, and government representatives.
In her remarks following the award ceremony, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation expressed her sincere appreciation for receiving the Global Leadership Award, explaining that the award represents a tribute to all those working hard in Africa and the Gulf to build bridges of cooperation and achieve joint development and prosperity. H.E. added that presenting the award in this forum carries special significance, embodying the spirit of partnership and collaboration that unites Africa and the Gulf region. H.E. emphasized that the recognition reflects the efforts of the Egyptian State in enhancing effective economic diplomacy and building strong economic partnerships at the regional and global levels.
H.E. also extended her thanks to the Choiseul Institute for organizing the African-Gulf Cooperation Forum, which serves as a platform for leaders to come together to shape a more interconnected and resilient future. She highlighted that the two regions share a long history of joint work and solidarity—from the first Arab African Summit that was held in Cairo in 1977 to the deep economic ties today. Yet the present moment carries unprecedented potential in light of global transformations and the pivotal international role of African and Gulf economies.
The Minister pointed out that foreign direct investment (FDI) indicators reflect the magnitude of this cooperation; as FDI into Africa reached a record $97 billion in 2024, a 75% increase from the previous year, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have become leading global investors, announcing more than $53 billion in new projects across Africa in the same year.
H.E. reaffirmed that these trends reveal a powerful trajectory. Africa, with one of the fastest growing populations and consumer markets, and the Gulf, with its financial strength and diversification agendas, are natural partners. With the growth potential in the continent, this creates exceptional potential for investment, innovation, and job creation.
H.E. noted that the various cooperation mechanisms are working to strengthen the continent's economic landscape, with the activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, unlocking a unified market of 1.7 billion people with projected spending of $6.7 trillion by 2030. This presents significant opportunities for African-Gulf cooperation, accelerating growth especially in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized that international cooperation has become one of the most powerful levers for development in our interconnected world. In Egypt, we view partnerships not as optional tools, but as essential architecture for achieving national priorities and accelerating sustainable development. When countries, institutions, and the private sector align their efforts, the impact becomes greater than the sum of its parts. H.E. explained that Egypt has always stood at the crossroads of Africa and the Arab world; a dual belonging that shapes our economic diplomacy and our commitment to regional.
The Minister added that Egypt has cultivated long-standing collaborations with international and regional partners. Whether with multilateral institutions, bilateral allies, or the private sector, we strive to channel cooperation into concrete results, namely supporting the green transition, the food security, climate action, sustainable transport and agriculture, SMEs and youth entrepreneurship, women empowerment among other key development priorities.
H.E. noted that The Africa–Gulf Cooperation Dialogue represents a new horizon for partnership; Through closer coordination, exchanging expertise, scaling investment, integrating markets, and aligning development priorities, we can unlock transformative opportunities for both regions.
It is worth noting that Dr. Rania Al-Mashat was listed by the Choiseul Institute among the Top 100 Economic Leaders of Africa in 2014 and 2015.
Rania Al-Mashat
Rania Al-Mashat
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