Johannesburg, South Africa – The Egyptian Food Industries Trade Mission held at the NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel marked a significant advancement in the efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties between two of Africa’s largest economies: Egypt and South Africa.

Organized by the Egyptian Food Export Council, this mission formed part of an official trade initiative running from 4 to 9 May 2025.

The delegation included 29 leading Egyptian companies and 52 esteemed delegates, showcasing a dynamic cross-section of Egypt’s flourishing processed food sector.

By engaging with prominent South African importers, distributors, and food industry stakeholders, the mission aimed to foster new opportunities for bilateral trade and industrial collaboration.

In his opening remarks, Egypt’s Ambassador to South Africa, Ahmed Ali Sharief, emphasized the mission’s importance as a proactive step in bolstering intra-African economic integration.

“It is both an honor and a joy to inaugurate this mission in Johannesburg – an event that signals a new phase in our economic partnership and highlights the enduring ties between Egypt and South Africa,” Ambassador Sharief remarked.

He viewed the mission as more than just a commercial event; it serves as a visionary platform for the two nations to utilize their comparative advantages, particularly in the rapidly expanding processed food sector.

Egypt’s processed food industry has become a pillar of its industrial economy, contributing over 14% of national production.

In 2023 alone, Egyptian exports in this sector exceeded $4 billion, reaching a variety of markets across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Supported by macroeconomic reforms and investment in infrastructure, Egypt is strategically venturing into high-growth markets, with South Africa recognized as a vital entry point into the Southern African region.

“South Africa, with its sophisticated consumer base and industrial capabilities, is a natural ally. Yet, our current trade volume – just shy of $200 million – significantly underuses our potential,” Ambassador Sharief noted. “We must aim higher.”

He advocated for stronger partnerships, not only in trade but also in industrial investment.

Egypt, he explained, offers strategic access to over 1.5 billion consumers through trade agreements such as AfCFTA, COMESA, and the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, alongside robust infrastructure like the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

Ambassador Sharief also addressed the global rise in protectionist measures, urging African economies to enhance their cooperation in response:

“Even though we may be geographically distant, we are united in spirit,” Ambassador Sharief stated.

“Our shared history of solidarity, particularly in overcoming colonialism, provides a foundation for collaboration towards our developmental objectives.

“In these shifting global dynamics, Africa must present a unified front.”

Ambassador Sharief expressed optimism about the mission’s future prospects, highlighting ongoing strategic discussions with EgyptAir to establish dedicated cargo flights between Cairo and Johannesburg.

This initiative, he stated, would significantly reduce logistical challenges, improve market access, and encourage sustained trade growth.

During the event, Dr. Tareq El-Houby, Chairman of Egypt’s National Food Safety Authority, underscored the significance of regulatory integrity and quality assurance as essential components of Egypt’s food export strategy.

He pointed out that the involvement of the Authority’s CEO in the delegation demonstrated Egypt’s commitment to upholding the highest food safety standards.