The head of the "Parliamentary Rights" committee, in an interview with "Zoom Africa News," stated: "Egypt is regaining its historical role in Africa... and the President's actions confirm that relations with the continent are no longer managed through reactive measures."

Interview – Ayman Ragab

Amid Egypt’s rapid moves to strengthen its presence within the African continent, Cairo continues to consolidate its partnerships with African countries through a vision based on cooperation, development and achieving common interests, as embodied by successive presidential visits, the latest of which was President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to Tanzania.

In this context, MP Tarek Radwan, Chairman of the Human Rights Committee in the House of Representatives and former Chairman of the African Affairs Committee, opens the file on Egyptian-African relations, speaking in an interview with “Zoom Africa News” about the dimensions of Egypt’s move in the continent, its importance to national security, the economic and investment opportunities that Africa provides, as well as the most prominent challenges facing its countries, and Egypt’s vision for strengthening cooperation with it during the next stage. Here is the text of the interview.

How do you view Egypt's recent moves in the African continent, especially with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's visits to a number of countries, the latest of which was Tanzania?

I believe that what we are witnessing today is a practical translation of a strategic vision adopted by the Egyptian state since 2014, based on restoring Egypt’s historical role within the African continent, as a natural extension of its civilizational and strategic depth.

The continuous presidential moves, including the important visit to Tanzania, confirm that relations with Africa are no longer managed with a reactive logic, but rather according to an active foreign policy aimed at building long-term partnerships based on mutual respect and achieving common interests. These visits also reflect a clear understanding that the security, stability and development of the continent are closely linked to Egyptian national security, and that cooperation with African countries represents one of the most important pillars of Egyptian foreign policy.

Given Cairo's active policy in African relations, what are the main reasons for this approach and what results have been achieved or are expected to be achieved?

There are a number of considerations that have prompted the Egyptian state to intensify its presence in the African continent, foremost among them strengthening national security, consolidating regional stability, expanding the prospects for economic and investment cooperation, as well as maximizing the benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, and joint coordination in confronting cross-border challenges such as terrorism, illegal immigration and climate change.

The fruits of this policy have already begun to appear through Egypt’s restoration of its position within African institutions, the increased pace of bilateral cooperation with many countries, the increase in the volume of trade and investments, in addition to the implementation of development and infrastructure projects in a number of African countries.

The next phase is expected to witness a greater expansion in economic and investment partnerships, which will enhance joint development and serve the interests of all parties.

Did the decline in interest in African relations during the years prior to 2014 have negative effects on Egypt?

There is no doubt that any decline in the Egyptian presence within the continent during previous periods allowed other regional and international powers to strengthen their influence, which was reflected in some files of strategic importance to Egypt. However, what distinguishes the current stage is the state’s success in rebuilding bridges of trust with African brothers through a policy based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs, coupled with real development projects and capacity-building and experience transfer programs.

Therefore, it can be said that Egypt has been able in recent years to regain a large part of its natural position within the continent, which is reflected in the size of the political and economic cooperation that we are witnessing today.

What is the importance of the African continent to Egypt?

Africa represents more than just a geographical area for Egypt; it is its strategic depth, its historical and civilizational extension, and its natural partner in achieving security, stability and development. Many vital issues that affect Egyptian national security are directly linked to the continent, whether with regard to water resources, Red Sea security or combating terrorism and organized crime.

In addition, Africa represents a promising market of more than 1.4 billion people, with enormous economic potential and natural resources, making it a key partner in achieving sustainable development and enhancing Egypt’s economic and regional standing.

Is political engagement with African countries sufficient, or are there other areas that should be focused on?

Modern relations between countries are no longer limited to political or diplomatic communication only, but are based on the concept of comprehensive partnership. Hence, strengthening relations with African countries requires expanding the areas of cooperation to include culture, education, media, sports, scientific research and technology, in addition to the economy and investment.

Closeness between peoples is the true guarantee for the sustainability of relations between countries. The more we succeed in building bridges of cultural and human communication, the stronger the political and economic relations will be. Egyptian universities and cultural and sports institutions can play a pivotal role in consolidating the Egyptian presence within the continent.

How can Egyptian businessmen benefit from investment opportunities in Africa?

Today, the African continent is considered one of the most promising regions for investment worldwide, due to its natural resources, growing markets, and significant development needs. Egyptian companies possess extensive experience in the fields of infrastructure, contracting, energy, pharmaceutical and food industries, modern agriculture, and communications, which are sectors that are in increasing demand in many African countries.

I believe that the success of the Egyptian investor requires studying the nature of each market, building real partnerships with the local private sector, and taking advantage of the trade agreements that link Egypt with African countries, in order to ensure sustainable investments that achieve mutual benefit.

What are the most prominent investment and commercial activities of Egyptians in Africa? And what is your advice to investors?

Recent years have witnessed a significant expansion in the activities of Egyptian companies across several African countries, particularly in East, Central, and West Africa. These companies have participated in major projects in sectors such as roads and bridges, water and electricity plants, housing, hospitals, and educational facilities. Opportunities are also growing in the agricultural processing, food security, renewable energy, logistics, digital transformation, and pharmaceutical industries. I advise Egyptian investors to view Africa as a long-term strategic partner, not merely a market for exporting products. Establishing productive investments and local partnerships is the optimal path to success and strengthening Egypt's economic presence on the continent.

 Are East African countries of greater importance to Egypt compared to the rest of the continent?

There is no doubt that the countries of East Africa have special strategic importance, given their connection to the Nile Basin, the Red Sea and international trade routes, but Egyptian policy does not view Africa from a narrow geographical perspective, but rather deals with the continent as an integrated unit.

Therefore, Egypt is keen to strengthen its relations with all African regions, whether in the East, West, Central or Southern, based on a firm conviction that the stability and development of any part of the continent positively impacts overall African security and stability.

 What are the most prominent challenges facing African countries, and how can Egypt contribute to addressing them?

Many African countries face similar challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, climate change, water scarcity, food insecurity, unemployment, and weak health and education services, in addition to terrorism and organized crime. Egypt possesses accumulated experience in addressing many of these issues, whether through implementing infrastructure projects, transferring expertise in water resource management, providing training and capacity building, or supporting healthcare and technical education systems, as well as its experience in combating terrorism and extremism. Therefore, Egypt's role in Africa is not limited to providing aid, but rather focuses on building genuine development partnerships based on the transfer of knowledge and expertise, thereby achieving sustainable development and enhancing the stability of the entire continent.

In my view, the future of Egypt and Africa is more intertwined than ever before. The deeper the partnership between the two sides becomes at the political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian levels, the greater the ability of our peoples to confront challenges and build a more stable and prosperous future. This is the approach adopted by the Egyptian state under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, based on the belief that Africa's strength is Egypt's strength, and that the continent's renaissance is a shared interest for all its people.