Egypt seeks to boost African exports
Industry Minister Khaled Hashem stated that intra-African trade reached $214bn in 2025, with Egypt accounting for $9.3bn.
Egypt aims to increase its exports to African nations by diversifying markets and strengthening trade partnerships, according to Industry Minister Khaled Hashem. Speaking at a forum organised by AmCham Egypt and Afreximbank, Hashem highlighted Africa's potential for Egyptian industrial, agricultural, engineering, and building-materials products. The event gathered government officials, exporters, and finance specialists to discuss expanding Egypt's commercial reach across the continent.
Hashem noted that intra-African trade totalled approximately $214bn in 2025, a 5.5% annual rise, while total African merchandise trade was about $1.5trn. Egypt's share of this intra-African trade was around 4.4%, or approximately $9.3bn, a figure Hashem described as "abnormal" given Egypt's industrial capacity. He stressed that increasing exports globally is a government objective, but Africa offers significant opportunities for rapid growth.
Egyptian exports to African Union countries reached approximately $7.6bn in 2025, a decrease from $7.8bn in 2024, with imports at around $2bn. Libya was the largest destination for Egyptian exports, receiving $1.5bn in 2025, followed by Algeria at $1.2bn and Morocco at $1.1bn.
Why it mattersEgyptian exporters will benefit from expanded opportunities in African markets.