Ahmad Ali Sharief, Egypt’s Ambassador to South Africa, says African countries are intensifying efforts to position the continent as a future centre of global economic growth.
Sharief said on Wednesday that diplomats, development institutions, and policymakers would outline a new long-term strategy focused on investment, infrastructure, and regional integration.
According to reports by [The Diplomatic Society](https://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), the initiative was discussed during a high-level meeting at Egypt House in Pretoria ahead of the forthcoming Alamein Africa Forum, scheduled to take place in Egypt in June alongside the African Union Mid-Year Summit.
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The meeting, convened by Sharief, brought together ambassadors, senior diplomats, representatives of African development institutions, policymakers, and economic experts from across the continent.
According to him, Africa is seeking to move beyond political declarations toward practical implementation by accelerating cross-border projects, improving transport and digital connectivity, and strengthening cooperation among governments, financial institutions, and research organisations.
Officials noted that many African economies are already recording stable growth, supported by expanding infrastructure networks and increasing digital transformation.
Particular attention during the meeting was given to Africa’s youthful population, which experts described as one of the continent’s key strategic advantages.
Representatives stressed that increased investment in education, innovation, and technology could strengthen Africa’s position in the global economy in the coming decades.
Delegates also highlighted the need to expand African-led financing mechanisms capable of supporting infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, industrial development, and energy projects without excessive reliance on external systems.
Egypt’s role as a transport and logistics hub linking Africa, Eurasia, and the Global South was identified as a key factor in strengthening international trade routes and investment flows.
The forum in Egypt is expected to serve as a platform for coordinating development priorities between African countries and international partners.
Discussions are expected to focus on green infrastructure, industrial modernisation, digital technologies, food security, and sustainable urban development.
