
Egypt's Planning Minister Ahmed Rostom stated that the Suez Canal Economic Zone SCZone is a key component of the country's strategy to attract foreign investment and integrate into global supply chains. Speaking at a roundtable with the OECD and the Suez Canal Economic Zone Authority, Rostom noted that the Suez Canal handles approximately 12 percent of global trade and 20 percent of worldwide container traffic. The SCZone, which includes six ports and four industrial zones, is being developed as an integrated hub for manufacturing, logistics, and trade, supported by a unified digital platform for investor services. Rostom also mentioned improved performance, with Suez Canal activity growing by 8.6 percent in the first quarter and 24.2 percent in the second quarter of the current fiscal year. The government is prioritizing the localization of production, diversification of supply chains, and strengthening links between international investors and Egyptian companies to boost exports, attract foreign direct investment, enhance productivity, and facilitate technology transfer. This roundtable is part of the Egypt鈥揙ECD Country Programme, extended until June 2026, which includes 35 projects focused on economic reform, digital transformation, governance, and sustainable development, aiming to improve the investment climate and reinforce the SCZone's role as a regional gateway connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Must ReadOn Monday, July 20, 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty spoke with Sigrid Kaag, the United Nations Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, to discuss developments in the occupied Palestinian territories. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tamim Khallaf stated that their conversation focused on efforts to solidify the ceasefire, alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and advance early recovery and reconstruction initiatives. Abdelatty emphasized the importance of fully implementing the first phase of the US-backed ceasefire plan and ensuring the swift and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. He called for increasing aid deliveries to at least 600 trucks daily, considering this the minimum necessary to meet urgent humanitarian needs and prepare for subsequent recovery and reconstruction phases. The foreign minister also stressed the international community's role in supporting ceasefire efforts and reiterated Egypt's call for an international stabilization force in Gaza to enhance security and stability, alongside a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory. Abdelatty condemned ongoing Israeli violations in the occupied West Bank, including incursions into religious holy sites, and reaffirmed Egypt's opposition to Israel's annexation and settlement policies, which he described as violations of international law and obstacles to a two-state solution. He concluded that lasting peace an
Must ReadEgyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty criticized Ethiopia for its unilateral management of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam GERD without coordination with downstream nations Egypt and Sudan. Speaking in Cairo alongside Mozambican Foreign Minister Maria Manuela Lucas, Abdelatty stated that international law governs shared international rivers and accused Ethiopia of politicizing the dam's operation. He warned that uncoordinated water retention lowers Nile levels and threatens drinking water supplies, while unannounced gate openings have caused flooding in Sudan and water level fluctuations in Egypt. Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's support for development in the Nile Basin, stating that "Ethiopia has the right to development, and Egypt has the right to life."

Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty announced Egypt's readiness to host Mozambican President Daniel Chapo later this year to initiate a new phase of bilateral development partnership. Speaking at a joint press conference with Mozambican Foreign Minister Maria Manuela Lucas, Abdelatty highlighted plans to expedite the third session of the Joint High Commission and finalize pending memorandums of understanding. He emphasized Egypt's commitment to sharing expertise in infrastructure, housing, roads, agriculture, and water management with Mozambique. Abdelatty also announced an upcoming Egyptian medical mission and a strategic $300 million project to establish a pharmaceutical logistics and manufacturing hub in Mozambique to supply Southern Africa. On security, Egypt pledged support for Mozambique's counterterrorism efforts, including military and security coordination. Egyptian religious institutions will expand scholarships and training for Mozambican imams to counter extremist ideology. The ministers agreed on resolving conflicts through peaceful diplomacy. Abdelatty also informed Lucas about Cairo's preparations to host the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting and an African Business Forum in New Alamein on October 4.