The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) hosted the first-ever Egypt-Zambia Business Forum under the theme “Deepening Trade and Investment Cooperation for Sustainable Growth." The event was attended by GAFI CEO, Hossam Heiba; Zambia Development Agency Director General, Dr. Albert Halwampa, and the President of the Egyptian-African Businessmen Association Dr. Yousry El Sharkawy.

GAFI CEO emphasized that, despite the long-standing ties between Egypt and Zambia, this inaugural forum marks a new era of investment and trade relations. The event served as a platform for investors from both nations and a launchpad for numerous investment partnerships between their governments and business communities. He added that GAFI will present all investment opportunities in Egypt to Zambian investors and support the Zambian government with training, knowledge transfer, and regulatory expertise to enhance its investment climate, particularly in modernizing and diversifying investment frameworks and streamlining procedures.

Heiba also highlighted Egypt's commitment to encouraging its companies to invest in Zambia and across Africa. He explained that Egypt seeks to establish integrated value chains across the continent, linking raw material sources to final markets through manufacturing and processing hubs. As Africa's top destination for foreign direct investment, Egypt is determined to be the gateway for investors seeking entry into African markets.

He further stressed the importance of leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to foster sustainable industrial cooperation and value chain integration between Egypt and Zambia. He encouraged Egyptian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Zambia, particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors.

On the other hand, Zambia Development Agency Director General, Dr. Albert Halwampa, reaffirmed Zambia's commitment to fostering economic collaboration with African nations, especially Egypt. He noted that Lusaka hosts the permanent delegation of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), an organization that has been promoting regional economic integration for over 30 years. Additionally, Zambia was among the first African nations to sign the AfCFTA agreement, which was launched by the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in 2019. Zambia remains a strong advocate for intra-African trade and investment, aligning with Agenda 2063, the African Union's blueprint for economic transformation, Halwampa pointed out.

Halwampa also urged Zambian business leaders to forge investment partnerships with their Egyptian counterparts, whether in Egypt or Zambia. He acknowledged Egyptian investors' growing interest in Africa, particularly in infrastructure development, which has led to transformative projects across the continent.

On his part, the President of the Egyptian-African Businessmen Association, Dr. Yousry El Sharkawy, stressed the crucial role of investment forums in enhancing Africa's business climate, building investor capabilities, and removing trade and logistical barriers. He emphasized that constructive dialogue fosters alignment in investment policies, introduces new strategies, and facilitates the exchange of information on Africa's vast investment opportunities.

El Sharkawy noted that the forum's agenda prioritized collaboration between major investment entities in Egypt and Zambia, while also creating avenues for partnerships among startups.

The event featured bilateral meetings between leading business entities from both nations, including Arab Contractors, Elsewedy Electric, Hassan Allam Holding, Orascom Construction, Lusaka Telecom Solutions, Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). These discussions laid the groundwork for investment partnerships in energy, telecommunications, infrastructure, and other key sectors aligned with the development agendas of both countries.

At the forum's conclusion, GAFI CEO led the Zambian delegates on a tour of the Investor Service Center (ISC), which houses representatives from 65 government entities involved in the investment process. The visit allowed investors to witness firsthand how Egypt streamlines business procedures by offering all investment services in a single location.

Heiba also delivered a comprehensive presentation on Egypt's Investment Map, which showcases all available investment opportunities and pre-developed land plots for various investment purposes. The map is backed by sectoral studies and investment-related legislation and is complemented by GAFI's field visits, which provide investors with on-the-ground insights into potential projects.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation by sharing Egypt's expertise in investor services and business establishment processes. Key areas of knowledge transfer will include digital transformation initiatives and Egypt's “Golden License" (an all-inclusive approval) system.

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