Egypt and Zambia have taken a major step toward deepening economic cooperation with the launch of the first Egyptian-Zambian Business Forum in Cairo. Hosted by Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), the forum brought together top officials and business leaders to explore investment opportunities, streamline trade, and foster industrial collaboration between the two nations.
The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) hosted the first Egyptian-Zambian Business Forum on Tuesday, aiming to enhance economic cooperation between the two nations. The event was led by GAFI Chairman Hossam Heiba, Zambia Development Agency Director General Albert Halwampa, and Egyptian-African Business Forum Chairman Yossri al-Sharqawi.
Heiba highlighted Egypt’s commitment to supporting Zambian investments by providing vocational training and streamlining investment procedures. He emphasized Egypt’s role as Africa’s largest investment hub and encouraged Egyptian businesses to establish supply chains that connect raw materials to markets across the continent.
A key focus of the forum was leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to foster industrial collaboration. Egyptian investors were encouraged to explore opportunities in Zambia’s infrastructure and energy sectors. Sharqawi noted that, while major corporations would take the lead, space would also be available for emerging firms to engage.
High-level meetings took place among leading companies, including Arab Contractors, El Sewedi Electric, Orascom Constructions, Lusaka Telecom Solution, and ZESCO Limited, to explore partnerships in energy, ICT, and infrastructure.
The forum concluded with a tour of GAFI’s investor service center, showcasing Egypt’s streamlined licensing process and investment-ready land plots. Additionally, both sides agreed on knowledge-sharing initiatives, including Egypt’s expertise in digital transformation and unified licensing.
The Zambian delegation also visited the Nasr City Free Zone to understand Egypt’s free zone incentives, particularly for export-oriented businesses linked to seaports. The forum marked a significant step toward strengthening bilateral economic ties and fostering sustainable investment opportunities.
