Cairo: Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, emphasized the country’s strategic vision to leverage private sector leadership and continental cooperation to boost sustainable growth. Speaking at the opening of the Focus Africa Trade and Investment Forum (FATIF) in Cairo, Al-Mashat announced that by 2030, Egypt aims to attract $60 billion in foreign direct investment and increase its annual exports to $145 billion.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the minister cited the country’s strategic location, industrial base, and ongoing reforms as key enablers. She noted that private investments now make up 63 percent of total investments in Egypt, reflecting the growing confidence of investors in the country’s economic climate.
As for Africa, Al-Mashat stated that the continent stands at a pivotal moment. ‘With a market of 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of over $3.1 trillion, the African Continental Free Trade Area-the largest free trade area globally-presents unprecedented opportunities. However, intra-African trade currently accounts for only 15 percent of total African trade,’ she said.
The Minister also unveiled the Hub for Advisory, Finance and Investment for Enterprises (HAFIZ)-a digital platform designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by consolidating access to over 90 financial and advisory services, capacity-building tools, and tender opportunities from development partners, including Afreximbank.
‘HAFIZ is about empowering businesses with the tools they need to grow and integrate into African value chains,’ she said, adding that the platform bridges critical information and accessibility gaps holding back SME growth across the continent.
Al-Mashat praised Afreximbank’s continued role in financing trade, industrial development, and private sector growth across Africa, including in Egypt, where the Bank has backed several high-impact projects.
She also highlighted Egypt’s broader development strategy, which includes the 2050 National Climate Change Strategy, the NWFE platform (Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy), and the localization of Vision 2030-all designed to align national priorities with global and continental sustainability goals.
Calling for stronger South-South cooperation, the Minister urged African nations to collaborate through joint ventures, knowledge exchange, and infrastructure development, noting that the private sector generates over 90% of jobs in Africa and contributes 70% to GDP.
‘Africa’s growth lies in industrialization, innovation, and integration,’ she concluded. ‘Let us seize this moment to build bold partnerships and shape a self-reliant, prosperous continent.’
Held from April 15-16, FATIF brings together policymakers, diplomats, and private sector leaders from across Africa to explore investment opportunities, strengthen regional value chains, and unlock the full potential of the AfCFTA.