Cairo is pushing for a greater role for the African private sector in post-conflict reconstruction.
Egypt is committed to supporting reconstruction and development efforts in African countries.
Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
The Cairo International Center hosted Conflict resolution Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding is a high-level international event to explore ways to enhance private sector participation in post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts, in partnership with the African Union Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development and the African Business Council.
The event was opened by Ambassador Mohamed Abu Bakr, Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs, who stressed Egypt’s firm commitment to supporting reconstruction and development efforts in African countries emerging from conflicts, within the framework of the role that Cairo plays under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in this vital file at the continental level.
Egypt attaches particular importance to the African private sector in reconstruction.
Abu Bakr pointed out that Egypt attaches particular importance to strengthening the role of the African private sector and expanding its contribution to recovery and reconstruction efforts, by providing the necessary facilities and encouraging the business and investment environment, which enables companies and economic institutions to participate effectively in achieving peace and sustainable development.
The Deputy Foreign Minister also reviewed the role played by the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution in supporting national capacity building and promoting development efforts in African countries.
For her part, Lebakiso Mathlew, Executive Secretary of the African Union Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development, affirmed that the private sector is a pivotal partner in reconstruction efforts, given its technical expertise, investment capabilities, and technological resources that contribute to revitalizing economies and enhancing the resilience and recovery of communities.
For her part, Dr. Amani Asfour, President of the African Business Council, reviewed the Council’s efforts in supporting reconstruction and development projects by encouraging effective partnerships between governments, financial institutions and the private sector, which contributes to achieving sustainable development in the continent.
The event was attended by Ambassador Karim Sherif, Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs, and Ambassador Khaled El Shazly, Deputy Secretary-General of the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development, along with 35 participants representing regional and international organizations and institutions concerned with development and reconstruction.
The dialogue sessions discussed the most prominent challenges that hinder the effective participation of the private sector in countries emerging from conflicts, as well as reviewing practical mechanisms and best practices to enhance the contribution of companies and investments to economic recovery, reconstruction and long-term stability efforts.
