Egypt to Host Africa 2018 Forum, One of the Largest Investment Gatherings in the Continent

Egypt is hosting the Africa 2018 Forum in the beautiful utopia that is Sharm-el-Sheikh, running under the theme of “Bold Leadership and Collective Commitment: Enhancing African Environmental Investments” from the 7^th to 9^th of December this year, according to Egypt Today.

The forum is held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation, and in collaboration with the COMESA Regional Investment Agency.

The forum was a great success last year, and Minister of Investment and International Cooperation, Sahar Nasr, announced that the Africa Forum would be held annually, before emphasising the Egyptian political leadership’s keenness on achieving effective cooperation between African states. She added that Egypt emphasises its role in Africa through hosting the forum, which is considered one of the largest investment gatherings in the continent to provide available investment opportunities. The forum contributes to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, establishing major projects, improve standards of living, and eliminate problems such as poverty.

“The COMESA, which includes 21 states after the accession of Tunisia and Somalia this year, plays a leading role in enhancing economic integration of Africa. Being one of the most influential regional economic societies in Africa, we play a pivotal role in dealing with businessmen and investors,” said Heba Salama, Regional Director of the COMESA Regional Investment Agency.

Sahar Nasr also revealed that the forum will include sessions on women's empowerment, as well Young Entrepreneurs Day (YED), where 12 African companies have been selected to pitch their businesses to investors. Each of the companies will have 30 minutes to showcase their business. Two of the twelve companies are Egyptian: Simplex, who deals with light manufacturing such as textiles ,leather, papers, plastics, food and beverages, as well as Tagaddod, a biodiesel production company.

Main image from African Business Magazine