MALABO, July 13 (MENA) — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said on Sunday that despite challenging global conditions, several African countries have achieved economic growth rates that surpass the global average.

Speaking on behalf of the Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), which Egypt currently chairs, Sisi delivered his remarks at the seventh Mid-Year Coordination Summit of the African Union, held in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea.

Sisi thanked member states of the committee for their cooperation in steering NEPAD's activities, which he said enabled the agency to fulfill its role as the AU’s executive development arm. He also expressed appreciation to the agency’s chief executive officer, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, for her leadership and innovative initiatives.

“I have had the honor of chairing the committee over the past two years, and I am convinced that the Africa we aspire to is within reach—not merely a dream,” Sisi said. “Despite multiple internal and external challenges, many African nations have advanced significantly in areas such as health and education system reform, localizing vital industries, improving the investment climate, boosting intra-African trade, and progressing in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”

Sisi stressed that these developments underscore the importance of continued joint efforts to push forward the continent’s development agenda and advance Africa’s legitimate demands on the global stage.

He noted that during Egypt’s tenure, the committee focused on key priorities to accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2063 and pursue sustainable solutions to Africa’s challenges through a holistic, root-cause-based approach.

Among NEPAD’s recent accomplishments, Sisi highlighted:
— Bridging the Funding Gap: NEPAD, with the committee’s guidance, completed a feasibility study for establishing a development fund aimed at mobilizing investment across the continent. He urged the African Union’s relevant bodies to finalize and adopt the study so the fund can begin operations soon.
— Infrastructure Development: NEPAD has expedited the identification and funding of priority infrastructure projects, valued at around $500 million, under the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative. Efforts also continue in implementing green infrastructure corridors, a continental energy master plan, and the common African agricultural policy—all key to regional integration.
— Human Capital Investment: NEPAD secured $100 million for the African Population Grant to support reproductive health services and another €100 million under the African Skills Initiative to enhance technical and digital skills, creating job opportunities for youth.
— Climate Action: A NEPAD Centre of Excellence for climate change is being established in Cairo to support African countries in addressing existential climate threats.
— Agency Expansion: NEPAD is increasing its presence across African states in response to national requests and priorities, with Sisi expressing pride in the growing number of agency offices continent-wide.

In conclusion, Sisi said these efforts represent just a sample of the progress achieved over the past two years through NEPAD’s work under the committee’s supervision. He called on African leaders to use the summit to renew their commitment to advancing the African agenda and empowering NEPAD to continue fostering peace and development across the continent.
(MENA)
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