Johannesburg – The Egyptian Food Industries Trade Mission to South Africa at the NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel marked a strategic milestone in ongoing efforts to deepen trade and investment ties between two of Africa’s largest economies – Egypt and South Africa.
Organised by the Egyptian Commercial Office in Pretoria and the Egyptian Food Export Council, the mission formed part of an official trade initiative running from 4 to 9 May 2025.
The delegation comprised 29 top-tier Egyptian companies and 52 high-level delegates, representing a dynamic cross-section of Egypt’s booming processed food industry.
Their engagement with leading South African importers, distributors, and food sector stakeholders aimed to unlock new pathways for bilateral trade and industrial collaboration.
In his opening remarks, Egypt’s Ambassador to South Africa Ahmed Ali Sharief emphasised the significance of the mission as a forward-looking step in reinforcing intra-African economic integration.
“It is both a privilege and a pleasure to inaugurate this mission in Johannesburg – an event that signals a new chapter in our economic partnership, and a testament to the enduring ties between Egypt and South Africa,” Ambassador Sharief stated.
He highlighted the mission not merely as a commercial event, but as a visionary platform – one that positions the two nations to leverage their comparative advantages, particularly in the fast-growing processed food sector.
Egypt’s processed food industry has emerged as a pillar of its industrial economy, accounting for over 14% of national production.
In 2023 alone, Egyptian exports in this sector exceeded $4 billion, reaching diversified markets across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Backed by macroeconomic reforms and investment in infrastructure, Egypt is now strategically expanding into high-growth markets, with South Africa identified as a critical gateway to the Southern African region.
“South Africa, with its sophisticated consumer base and industrial capability, is a natural partner. Yet the current trade volume – under $200 million – falls far short of our potential,” Ambassador Sharief noted. “We must aim higher.”
He called for deeper partnerships, not only in trade but also in industrial investment.
Egypt, he explained, offers strategic access to over 1.5 billion consumers via trade agreements such as AfCFTA, COMESA, and the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, in addition to robust infrastructure such as the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Ambassador Sharief also addressed the global rise in protectionist policies, urging African economies to strengthen their cooperation in response:
“We may be geographically distant, but we are close at heart,” said Ambassador Sharief.
“Our shared history of solidarity, particularly in overcoming colonialism, gives us the foundation to collaborate toward our developmental aspirations.
“In these times of shifting global dynamics, Africa must stand united.”
In an exclusive interview with The Diplomatic Informer Magazine, Ambassador Sharief expressed optimism regarding the mission’s long-term outcomes, noting the strategic discussions underway with EgyptAir to introduce dedicated cargo flights between Cairo and Johannesburg.
This move, he explained, would significantly reduce logistical barriers, improve access to markets, and catalyse sustained trade growth.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Tareq El-Houby, Chairman of Egypt’s National Food Safety Authority, emphasised the importance of regulatory integrity and quality assurance as pillars of Egypt’s food export strategy.
The presence of the Authority’s CEO on the delegation underscored Egypt’s commitment to upholding the highest food safety standards.
Ehab Salah Eldien, Head of Egypt’s Commercial Office in Pretoria, underscored the strategic significance of the trade mission, heralding it as a pivotal step toward deepening economic ties between Egypt and South Africa.
