Dr. Badr Abdel Aati - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, inaugurated the First Egyptian-Nigerien Business Forum on Wednesday, 23rd July 2025, in the capital Niamey, in the presence of Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Niger, and Mr. Abdullah Seydou - Minister of Trade and Industry.
An expanded delegation of 30 businessmen, chairmen and representatives of major Egyptian companies operating in various sectors participated in the forum, led by Dr. Sherif El Gebaly - Chairman of the African Cooperation Committee at the Federation of Egyptian Industries, and also included Dr. Mohy Hafez - Chairman of the Export Council for Medical Industries, Major General Hazem Ahmed Yehia - Assistant Director of the Egypt Future Authority for Sustainable Development, and representatives of the Egyptian Exporters Association, the Federation of Industries, the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation, the Mineral Resources Authority, and in the presence of Eng. Hassan Ibrahim - Board Member of the Arab Contractors Company.
The forum witnessed interactive meetings between representatives of Egyptian and Nigerien companies, including Elsewedy Electric, Orascom, the Arab Contractors, Samcrete, Polyserve Fertilizers and Chemicals, El Marakby Steel, and Amreya Spinning and Weaving. The opportunity was provided to explore the establishment of joint projects in various sectors including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, new and renewable energy.
In his opening remarks, Minister Abdel Aati praised the historical relations between Egypt and Niger, which have witnessed significant momentum recently at all levels. He stated that these growing relations require parallel efforts in the areas of investment, trade exchange, and economic integration.
Minister Abdel Aati declared that this forum, with the participation of an expanded Egyptian business delegation, represents a real launching of a new phase of economic cooperation between the two countries, which will contribute to achieving development for the two brotherly peoples, a matter of direct interest to the political leaderships of both countries. He added that the Egyptian companies possess extensive experience and a proven track record in the infrastructure, energy, and construction sectors, in accordance with the highest international standards across Africa. He emphasized that he was keen to bring a high-level delegation from the public and private sectors to Niamey to create direct channels of communication between the business communities, and establish economic diplomacy as an effective tool that complements the evolving political path between the two countries.
The Foreign Minister called on the participants to explore available cooperation opportunities and build sustainable partnerships based on trust and mutual interests. Minister Abdel Aati affirmed Egypt's full readiness to enhance technical and investment cooperation with Niger, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors, emphasizing the importance of exchanging expertise, developing partnerships between the public and private sectors, and exploring opportunities for establishing joint projects that benefit from the competitive advantages offered by the Egyptian market. He expressed his hope that the forum's activities would promote the bilateral partnership towards further cooperation and coordination between the two countries.
The Minister of Trade and Industry expressed his deep appreciation for the participation of the high-level Egyptian delegation, which includes an elite group of businessmen and heads of major Egyptian companies, stressing that this participation reflects the depth of relations between the two countries and strengthen the economic and trade cooperation. He praised Egypt's expertise and advanced industrial and investment capabilities, noting that the presence of this large delegation represents a strong message of Egypt's commitment to supporting development in Niger and promoting partnerships between the public and private sectors in both countries.
The opening of the forum was preceded by a tripartite meeting between Dr. Badr Abdel Aati - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Niger, and Mr. Abdullah Seydou - Minister of Trade and Industry, where they discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between Egypt and Niger and advance cooperation frameworks especially in the economic, trade and investment fields.