The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade (MIFT) hosted a roundtable discussion on enhancing investment cooperation between Egypt and Zambia, with the participation of Dr. Mohamed Awad, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI); Ms. Heba Salama, CEO of the COMESA Regional Investment Agency (COMESA RIA); Dr. Albert Halwampa, Director General of the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA); Mr. Topply Lubaya, Ambassador of Zambia to Egypt; and representatives of the business communities of both countries.
The meeting discussed available investment opportunities and capital requirements, as well as the possibility of holding bilateral meetings between the business communities and government entities in both countries.
Dr. Awad underscored the importance of leveraging the strong friendship between Egypt and Zambia into greater investment and trade cooperation, contributing to job creation and maximizing value added. He also highlighted the importance of optimal implementation of the cooperation agreements between the two countries.
He reviewed developments in Egypt’s investment environment and efforts to facilitate procedures and advance digital transformation, as well as the Investment Map, which includes investment opportunities across the country.
Ms. Heba Salama noted that the meeting represents a practical step toward implementing the outcomes of the Alamein–Africa Business Forum, held from 2 to 4 October, pointing to discussions on joint investments across various sectors.
Dr. Albert Halwampa affirmed Zambia’s keenness to enhance cooperation with Egypt and promote cooperation opportunities within the framework of COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), in addition to benefiting from the experience of GAFI in managing free and investment zones and developing investment opportunities.
He noted that his country welcomes Egyptian investments, explaining that Zambia hosted a delegation of Egyptian pharmaceutical companies last month, in addition to the presence of Egyptian investments in the infrastructure sector. He called on the Egyptian business community to explore investment opportunities in his country.
