Egypt positions itself as a central power broker in Africa

Hosting African ministers and heads of delegation in Cairo on Saturday for the second ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi reaffirmed Egypt’s ambition to play a central role in Africa’s political, economic, and security balance.

Surrounded by senior officials, including Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty, the Egyptian president underlined his country’s long-standing commitment to peace, security, and development across the continent. He stressed that Egypt’s approach is fully aligned with African Union Agenda 2063 and reflects Cairo’s vision of Africa-driven solutions to African challenges.

Al-Sissi also emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening partnerships between the African Union and major global powers at a time when international competition for influence on the continent is intensifying.

A Five-Pillar Vision for African Development

The president outlined Egypt’s development strategy for Africa around five key pillars: support for strategic corridors and logistics zones, energy cooperation and power interconnection, agricultural development and food security, promotion of intra-African trade, and capacity-building in telecommunications, information technologies, and artificial intelligence.

These ambitions are backed by tangible economic engagement. Egyptian investments across Africa now exceed $12 billion, while trade between Egypt and the rest of the continent has surpassed $10 billion. For Cairo, these figures signal a clear intention to translate political commitment into concrete economic leverage.

Shared Resources and Geopolitical Red Lines

On the strategic front, Al-Sissi reiterated Egypt’s firm stance on the fair and cooperative management of shared transboundary resources, particularly water. He rejected any unilateral actions that could undermine the rights of riparian states, reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to cooperation within the Nile Basin, in line with international law and without harm to downstream countries. This position remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s African diplomacy.

The president also highlighted the growing strategic importance of stability in the Horn of Africa and the security of navigation in the Red Sea, both of which have become critical to global trade and regional security. In this context, he announced Egypt’s intention to take part in the new African Union mission in Somalia, AUSSOM, while working to mobilize the funding needed for its deployment.

At the same time, Cairo aims to deepen African cooperation in the fight against terrorism through a comprehensive approach combining security measures, development, intellectual engagement, and social cohesion, with the goal of addressing the root causes of instability.

Defending Africa’s Voice on the Global Stage

Al-Sissi reaffirmed Egypt’s support for African Union institutions, particularly those based in Egypt, and for post-conflict reconstruction efforts across the continent. 

He stressed Egypt’s determination to defend African positions in regional and international forums, notably on the reform of the UN Security Council in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, as well as on reforming the international financial architecture to ensure fairer African representation.

In an interactive exchange with participants, the Egyptian president reminded delegates that security and stability are essential foundations for attracting investment and achieving sustainable development. He argued that political solutions remain the most effective path to resolving African crises and meeting the aspirations of the continent’s peoples.

Through this address, Egypt projected a comprehensive African strategy that blends diplomacy, security, and economic engagement, reinforcing its bid to emerge as a balancing power in an Africa increasingly shaped by global geopolitical rivalries.