Rwandan President Paul Kagame began an official visit to Egypt on Monday, September 22, leading a delegation of ministers and representatives from 22 Rwandan companies, officials confirmed.
The visit follows Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s trip to Kigali in June 2024 and marks Kagame’s first return to Cairo since March 2022.
Rwandan Ambassador to Cairo, Dan Munyuza, highlighted the significance of the mission, describing it as an opportunity to deepen bilateral economic cooperation.
Central to the visit is a joint economic forum bringing together business and political leaders from both countries.
The forum will be co-chaired by Egyptian Minister of Commerce Hassan El-Khatib and his Rwandan counterpart, Prudence Sebahizi.
Discussions are expected to cover strategic sectors including agriculture, agri-food, mining, pharmaceuticals, construction, hospitality, services, and health.
Speaking ahead of the forum, Ambassador Munyuza said: “This forum represents an opportunity to build bridges between the business and investment communities of the two countries, in order to stimulate trade and investment.”
He emphasised that both Egypt and Rwanda, as members of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stand to benefit from the opportunities offered by the common market, supported by Kigali’s favorable business climate.
Analysts note that the visit is part of a broader effort by both nations to diversify trade partnerships and strengthen regional economic integration. Egyptian companies are expected to explore investment prospects in Rwanda, while Rwandan businesses seek to leverage Egypt’s position as a gateway to North Africa and the Middle East.
The Kagame delegation’s schedule includes meetings with key industry leaders, investment promotion agencies, and officials from both governments to formalize cooperation agreements and explore joint ventures. Officials suggest that outcomes of the visit could pave the way for increased trade volumes and long-term investment projects between the two countries.
With African nations increasingly prioritizing regional collaboration and industrial development, Kagame’s visit to Egypt signals a renewed commitment to harnessing continental economic opportunities for mutual growth.
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