Egyptian society can be described as set at the crossroads of Africa and the Arab world, despite being considered among the oldest civilizations in the world. Egypt has always been an influential actor in Africa diplomatically and politically; it has been one of the founder members of the Organization of African Unity; and it has social, economic, and historical links with the continent.

Egypt’s renewed focus on Africa emphasizes trade, sustainable development, and tackling shared challenges like terrorism and climate change.

Egypt started showing renewed interest in Africa in the latter decades of the twentieth century propelled by mutual development agendas, cooperation and partnership, and the ability to effectively manage Africa’s problems including the challenges to security, trade, and climatic changes that can mostly be witnessed in Africa.

Through most of the middle part of the twentieth century, and during the rule of Gamal Abdel Nasser, Egypt supported African liberation movements. Thus, the principles of pan-African unity and support of anti-colonial movements were manifestations of Egypt’s devotion to continental conspiracy. It became the meeting point of African leaders and freedom fighters and relations forged there are still felt today.

Nevertheless, Egypt’s interest in Africa declined in the late twentieth century because of internal pressures of internalization, alteration in its international relationships, and hostility with other African countries on issues such as the use of the Nile water. Nevertheless, early relations created after African liberation continue to form the basis for current Egyptian relations with Africa.

Although cultural relations started a long time ago are enough reasons why Africa is important to Egypt. The continent is a very important strategic partner and possesses enormous potential in trade business and investment cooperation. In terms of numbers, at over 1.4 billion and with a burgeoning middle class, Africa is one of the most attractive large markets open to the world. In this context, it is possible to identify several opportunities for Egypt, one of Africa’s biggest economies, to deepen its economic interaction with the southern countries.

The Nile remains central to Egypt-Africa relations, driving both collaboration and conflict resolution, especially with Nile Basin countries.

Also, Africa has many mineral, oil, and arable land resources and therefore securing energy and food security should be a top priority. Over the last few years, Egypt has been more and more tilted towards partnership for resource exploitation and utilizing sustainable development in the African continent as the two parties benefit.

The historical and fundamental link between Egypt and Africa – the Nile – is one of the main causes of Cairo’s focus on Africa. Nile is the backbone of the Egyptian area and nearly all the freshwater requirements of the nation are met by it. However, conflict over the use of the water has sometimes pitched Egypt against its fellow Nile Basin countries most especially Ethiopia.

Recently, the construction of the GERD rather spiked tensions, particularly from the Egyptian side due to perceived threats to the water flow. Nevertheless, Egypt has tried diplomatic solutions with the aim of reaching an agreement with the African nations. Egypt has been a member of the Nile Basin Initiative and other multilateral forums that agree that a cooperation approach is necessary.

The economic diplomacy approach has in the recent past replaced political activism as the cornerstone of Egypt’s Africa policy. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which was implemented in 2021 is a good consolidation for Egypt to diversify its relations with the African countries. Its purpose is to develop an efficient market for products and services as well as increase the share of African country’s trade with each other and encourage industrialization processes.

Initiatives like AfCFTA and infrastructure projects such as the Cairo-Cape Town road underscore Egypt’s role in regional economic integration

Egypt has placed itself as a player in this venture by dedicating itself to the development of physical networks across the regions. The construction of roads like the Cairo-Cape Town road speaks volumes of Egypt’s desire to be a hub of trade for North Africa with the sub-region. Further, Egyptian companies have invested in areas such as construction, telecommunications, and health across the continent hence promoting the growth of the African economy and at the same time promoting Egypt’s strategic interest.

Terrorism and armed conflicts, organized transnational crimes that affect Africa’s stability also affect Egypt. There is no doubt that the calamity of extreme groups in Sahel and East Africa is a real threat that needs the intervention of all. Egypt has also effort fully supported peace and security in Africa by training the AU peacekeepers, conflict-solving, and participating in the AU-led peace support operations.

Besides, Egypt has equally risen to the challenge of providing leadership in the fight against terrorism within the armor of the APSA. Egypt has focused on enhancing cooperation with other states of Africa to tackle such problems by exchanging the best practices and knowledge.

Another area of common engagement of Egypt with the African continent is cultural diplomacy. The presence of an ancient civilization, art, and literature export links the nation with the African countries to improve relations. This has also been evidenced by the provision of scholarships to African students, cultural exchanges, and collaborative research activities.

Al Azhar University of Egypt, can be considered the biggest Islamic university in the world and it has been doing a lot to foster relations with African countries. It is through education and religious calling that Al-Azhar has built goodwill and aligned many African nations with the Egyptian cause.

Despite, the recent enhanced interest in Africa by Egypt there are a number of impediments. Pre-colonial mistrust and rivalry, issues of resource control, as well as geography have at one time or another constrained Egypt from expanding its political leadership role in Africa. In order for these challenges to be systematically avoided, Egypt should ignore dialogue practices, improve infrastructures, and listen to its African counterparts.

Cultural diplomacy, through institutions like Al-Azhar University, strengthens Egypt’s soft power and fosters goodwill across African nations.

On the same note, the current change in the global economy towards green energy and sustainable development creates new chances for partnerships. Egypt hosted the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Sharm el-Sheikh in 2022 and clearly stated it was ready to fight climate change which is a crucial question for Africa. In this way, the state can promote itself as a primary defender of African interests at the international level.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.