Egypt, S. Africa Discuss Strengthening Economic Integration Across Continent

Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh held extensive talks with South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau to discuss ways to strengthen economic, trade and investment relations between the two countries.

The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in industry, logistics and trade, as part of Egypt’s efforts to support deeper economic integration across the African continent.

The Egyptian minister said cooperation between Egypt and South Africa represents a key pillar for advancing African economic integration.

He emphasized the need to move beyond traditional trade models toward partnerships based on joint manufacturing and connected value chains, helping create stronger African economic blocs capable of driving growth and development.

The two sides agreed on the importance of accelerating product approval and registration procedures, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.

The ministers discussed establishing a fast-track mechanism to facilitate market access, reduce registration timelines and improve trade flows between African countries.

They also highlighted the importance of activating cumulative rules of origin across Africa, allowing production stages to take place in multiple African countries while preserving the products’ origin status.

The move is expected to strengthen industrial cooperation and improve the competitiveness of African-made goods.

South Africa’s trade minister said his country views cooperation with Egypt as a strategic opportunity to enhance economic integration across Africa.

He stressed the importance of transforming bilateral discussions into practical projects in manufacturing, trade and supply chains.

The meeting also addressed opportunities in the automotive sector between Egypt and members of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), alongside cooperation in logistics, ports and special economic zones.

The two sides agreed to hold virtual technical meetings between relevant authorities to coordinate policies and joint initiatives.

The goal is to convert proposed cooperation frameworks into concrete steps that strengthen economic, trade and investment ties between Egypt and South Africa.