In collaboration with the North Africa Office of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has concluded a three-day workshop aimed at helping Egyptian businesses expand into African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
More than 80 participants, including representatives from companies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), business associations, chambers of commerce, government agencies and U.N. organizations, took part in sessions covering trade rules, rules of origin, certification procedures and market access.
In his remarks, Mohamed El Hady, director of Egyptian Economic Affairs and Investment Promotion at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, said the AfCFTA provides Egyptian businesses with opportunities to increase exports and investment across the continent.
El Hady added that the ministry’s Hub for Advisory, Finance & Investment for Enterprise “HAFEZ” platform offers financial, technical and advisory support to help private-sector firms pursue regional expansion.
In turn, Kaitlin Kariko, an economic affairs officer at the ECA North Africa Office, said Egypt exported about $50 billion worth of goods worldwide last year, while exports to African countries remained below $8 billion, accounting for roughly 15% of the total.
She said the gap highlights significant growth potential for Egyptian exporters, particularly SMEs, as the AfCFTA lowers barriers to intra-African trade.
The workshop forms part of broader efforts to strengthen private-sector participation in regional trade and improve businesses’ ability to benefit from the continent’s free trade framework.
