Egypt and South Africa have agreed to deepen economic cooperation by expanding partnerships in trade, automotive manufacturing, logistics, and maritime transport. The decision follows a meeting in Cairo between Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib and South Africa’s Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Franklyn Mpho Tau. South Africa’s ambassador Ntsiki Mashimbye also attended the meeting.

The two ministers said they will launch a joint business council to increase private sector participation and improve coordination between the two economies. Egypt will host the fifth session of the Joint Trade and Investment Committee in January. Both countries aim to double their trade volumes over the next few years.

Minister El-Khatib said Egypt wants to learn from South Africa’s experience in the automotive industry to boost local car manufacturing and attract new investors. He emphasized that the joint business council will help identify opportunities and remove trade barriers.

The two sides also discussed creating mutual logistics zones to improve connectivity. Egypt plans to host a South African logistics hub in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, while South Africa will host an Egyptian hub in its own industrial area. These projects aim to strengthen trade between North and Southern Africa and support maritime transport links.

Minister Tau said South Africa is ready to expand trade and investment with Egypt, especially in vehicle localisation and logistics development. He added that improving shipping and transport routes between the two countries is a priority.

Both ministers agreed to set clear timelines and monitoring mechanisms for joint projects. They said the new cooperation will help drive regional economic integration and create more opportunities for African businesses.

Source ~ Amwal Al Ghad