African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson reaffirmed Africa's commitment to a bold & equal partnership with the United States, stating, 'We're not seeking aid, but building co-created solutions"
At the #USAfricaSummit2025 in Luanda, AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reaffirmed Africa's commitment to a bold&equal partnership with the United States, stating, 'We're not seeking aid, but building co-created solutions.'
He noted that with 1.3 billion people, abundant resources,&a surge in innovation, Africa is poised for transformative growth. From agribusiness in West Africa to fintech in East Africa, the AU is supporting private sector-led development across all regions.
He also underscored that strategic sectors such as manufacturing, digital, energy,&agro-industry, are open for U.S. investment. The AU's Private Sector Forum, SME and startup legislation,&its Digital Strategy are laying the groundwork for inclusive, sustainable prosperity.
He concluded by saying "this should not just be a summit, but a call to action,' he said. 'Together, let's walk the pathways to prosperity—with unity, purpose,&Agenda 2063 as our guide.'
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
14 minutes ago
- Zawya
Raya Holding completes final accelerator cycle in partnership with GIZ, with Raya FutureTECH
10 high-potential startups pitching innovations in logistics, fintech, retail, renewable energy, EVs, and smart mobility Raya Holding provides executive mentorship, commercial collaboration, and investment opportunities through its diverse investment portfolio The Raya-GIZ partnership aims to empower youth and support the digital economy under the framework of the DevelopPPP program Cairo, Egypt: Raya Holding for Financial Investments has officially launched the third and final cycle of its startup accelerator program, Raya FutureTECH, in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), under the DevelopPPP program, an initiative by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) designed to foster impactful partnerships between the private sector and development efforts in emerging markets. The Raya FutureTECH accelerator targets startups working in strategic sectors aligned with Raya's areas of operation, including information technology, customer experience, logistics, fintech, retail, clean energy, and smart mobility. The program offers hands-on mentorship from Raya's senior executives, proof of concept creation, opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders, and access to the group's broad expertise and capabilities, helping entrepreneurs move from concept to real-world application and growth. This cycle kicked started in March, and over the past few months, all participating startups have received personalized one-on-one sessions and mentorship from experts at Raya Holding and specialists in their respective fields. The final cycle concludes with a flagship pitching night, where 10 startups will present their innovative solutions to a jury including representatives from Raya Holding, GIZ. Winning startups will receive additional support and potential funding from Raya to continue developing their solutions and scale their impact, further reflecting Raya's commitment to open innovation as a strategic tool for inclusive, sustainable growth. The Investment Readiness Program will support five winners from this cycle, offering both group and one-on-one guidance on financial modeling and valuation, while also connecting startups with potential customers, partners, and investors Ahmed Khalil, CEO of Raya Holding for Financial Investments, stated: "At Raya Holding, we believe that supporting startups is not just a social responsibility, it's a natural extension of our role as an investment company that places innovation at the core of its strategy. We open our doors to visionary founders, offering them the mentorship, collaboration, and even direct investment they need to grow. These new ideas don't just enhance our investment portfolio, they fuel an entire ecosystem of progress. Our investment philosophy is clear: the future belongs to those we empower today." He added, 'While this may be the final cycle within our current partnership with GIZ, the journey of Raya FutureTECH continues. Our commitment to the entrepreneurial ecosystem remains strong, and we will keep supporting the next generation of founders through bold, future-focused initiatives that reflect Raya's role as an active enabler of innovation and growth in Egypt.' Sameh Hammad, Implementing Head of Project at GIZ Egypt, shared, 'GIZ is a strong supporter of private businesses in emerging economies and markets with new technologies. By partnering through programmes like DeveloPPP for jobs, we help these businesses grow, create jobs, and boost economies. Our work with Raya on growth-stage scale-ups is one of three key initiatives to support startups at different stages.' He continued, 'With this programme, we've assisted 34 growing companies in tech sectors like agri-tech, logistics tech, e-commerce, and fintech. We've seen promising ideas from Egypt's startup scene, providing them with technical support, skills development, and networking opportunities. Our aim is to connect them with investment opportunities, helping them thrive and strengthening Egypt's tech and business landscape for the future.' Participating Startups: For Wheelz: A mobility tech platform that integrates real-time vehicle diagnostics, a centralized spare parts marketplace, and InsurTech solutions to reduce breakdowns, costs, and accidents. Tayara: Egypt's first EV-Fleet-as-a-Service platform, transforming delivery fleets with affordable, eco-friendly electric bikes and inclusive rider services. Nanovate: Builds AI-powered chat and voice agents that automate sales, support, and engagement across digital platforms with human-like fluency. Mezatech: Offers integrated retail, repair, refurbishment, and recycling solutions for tech devices, covering the full product lifecycle with dedicated brands. Card-Y: A cross-border virtual payment platform empowering individuals and businesses in Africa with seamless financial freedom. EVRaid: Egypt's first AI-driven EV powertrain manufacturer, developing high-performance, locally produced energy systems for electric vehicles. Oaaps: Simplifies logistics and customs operations by digitizing international trade processes, targeting e-commerce, factories, and global traders. WinFi: A cloud-first Wi-Fi solution enabling businesses to control their networks, gather customer insights, and unlock new engagement channels. TGS (The Green System): Tackles food security and climate change through year-round agricultural technology that ensures efficient, sustainable food production. Meyahh: A digital procurement platform transforming the water treatment supply chain by connecting contractors, distributors, and manufacturers in one ecosystem. Launched in 2020 by Raya Contact Center (RCX), a portfolio company of Raya Holding. Raya FutureTECH joined the Global Accelerator Network (GAN) in 2021, granting Egyptian startups access to one of the world's largest entrepreneurial communities. Since inception, the program has hosted 12 digital webinars, 6 hackathons, and 3 full acceleration cycles, leaving a tangible impact on Egypt's innovation and startup landscape.
Zawya
14 minutes ago
- Zawya
Nearly $60mln in business deals signed in three days at Fi Africa and ProPak MENA 2025 amid exceptional success and strong attendance
Cairo – The 13th edition of Fi Africa and ProPak MENA concluded at the Egypt International Exhibition Center under the patronage of the Egyptian Ministries of Trade & Industry and Environment. The event saw the participation of leading local and international companies, drawing in more than 15,000 visitors including key decision-makers and specialists in the food manufacturing and packaging industries. Notably, international participation doubled this year, with attendees representing over 127 countries. The two exhibitions recorded an exceptional commercial success, with nearly $60 million USD in deals closed over the three-day event, according to Explori, the official survey tool for the exhibitions. This represents a 55% increase in business volume compared to the previous edition—highlighting the exhibitions' growing impact on driving economic growth in the region. Reflecting the event's African focus, 89% of deals originated from Africa, while Asia and the Middle East each accounted for 3%, and Europe and the Americas each for 2%, with 1% from other regions. This underscores the event's role as a leading African business platform with expanding global engagement. Over three days, the event brought together more than 400 exhibiting companies from Egypt, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe—including Italy, Germany, Turkey, India, China, the UAE, Malaysia, and Jordan—alongside representatives from government bodies and regional and international organizations. Leading companies such as Hi-Tek, UniOil, Kamena, and Mashreq participated, reflecting the growing confidence in the event as a key driver of innovation and strategic partnerships. This year's edition featured a range of initiatives aimed at supporting the growth of the food manufacturing and packaging sectors and enhancing exports through education and training. Activities included panel discussions on value chains and industry challenges in Africa, held in collaboration with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), as well as a roundtable on reducing food loss and enhancing food security, co-organized by Informa, LibanPack, UNIDO, the World Packaging Organization, and Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. The exhibition also hosted specialized training programs in gelato making and baking arts, led by top French and Italian experts through partnerships with Auf and Valmar. Additionally, the annual Women in Food & Beverage Leadership Forum returned, featuring prominent female and male industry leaders to foster dialogue around leadership and empowerment in this vital sector. Notable speakers included Ms. Raluca Istrate, Sustainability Manager at EMEA Informa; Dr. Amany Shehata, VP of HR at Americana Foods; Ms. Sherine Shaban, Senior Director of People & Culture at Coca-Cola; Dr. Mona Samir, Director of the Public Awareness Department at the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA); and Ms. Amani Khalil, an athlete from Egypt's Iron Man team. Other attractions included a 'Tasting Zone', live baking and dessert demos using healthy ingredients, and a 360° live cooking experience, adding a hands-on, experiential element that enriched the overall visitor experience. Mostapha Khalil, Group Director at Informa Egypt, commented: 'This edition saw remarkable engagement—not just in terms of attendance, but also the quality of discussions and the scale of business taking shape. One highlight was the launch of our Business Matchmaking Program, which resulted in over 350 B2B meetings, opening doors for new collaborations among 200 top manufacturers, suppliers, and importers. Several commercial agreements were signed among nearly 100 exhibitors, reinforcing the exhibition's role in fostering industrial growth and regional and international partnerships.' Mohamed Abdel Hamid, Exhibition Director of Fi Africa and ProPak MENA emphasized the importance of the event's dialogue sessions, particularly those organized with UNIDO. These included more than 70 educational sessions featuring 50 international speakers. He also highlighted growing interest from decision-makers in green technologies and sustainable packaging, reflecting a broader awareness of responsible industrial transformation. The exhibition received positive feedback from government and startup representatives alike. He noted Egypt's growing reputation as a regional exhibition hub, now ranked among the top five countries globally in this sector, thanks to its robust infrastructure and exhibition spaces. Informa's strategic expansion in the Egyptian market, he added, strengthens national economic contributions and helps open new markets for Egyptian exports, aligning with Egypt's Vision 2030. This year's edition coincided with Global Exhibitions Day, marked by the presence of a high-level delegation from the Arab Union for International Exhibitions & Conferences (AUIEC), including its Secretary-General, Ahmed El-Deeb, Eng. Faiq Khayyat, Advisor to the Saudi Events Association, Mahmoud Moawafi, CEO of The International Team for Exhibitions Organization, and Dr. Mohamed Saad, Media Advisor to the Union. The celebration highlighted the vital role exhibitions play in driving economic activity, innovation, and international trade. With this, Fi Africa and ProPak MENA 2025 conclude their largest edition to date, solidifying their status as a central platform for industrial development in the region, and setting the stage for even more impactful editions in the future. The event's success reflects Informa's commitment to reinforcing Egypt's position as a regional industrial and trade hub through events that combine knowledge, innovation, and strategic networking. In line with its expansion plans in Egypt, Informa aims to organize 10 local exhibitions by 2025, along with a series of international events across food, agriculture, and industry sectors. This expansion is backed by Informa's global presence, with annual sales of £3.7 billion and exhibition business revenues exceeding £2 billion.
Zawya
38 minutes ago
- Zawya
GE HealthCare partners with Egypt's Ministry of Health to establish ultrasound production facility
Localization: Partnership to localize innovative ultrasound devices in Egypt to meet rising demand for high-quality healthcare. Vision 2030 Alignment: Initiative supports Egypt's goals of economic diversification, workforce development, and healthcare resilience, while fostering exports to African markets. Cairo, Egypt: GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC), a global leader in medical technology and digital solutions, has partnered with Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population and the Egyptian Agency for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply, and Management of Medical Technology (UPA) to establish a facility in Egypt for ultrasound devices. This collaboration aims to elevate the quality of diagnostic care and support Egypt's Vision 2030. The new facility will localize and assemble ultrasound systems, addressing the growing needs of Egypt's public and private healthcare sectors. The initiative supports Egypt's Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification, job creation, and self-sufficiency in critical industries. The facility will also enable exports to African markets, positioning Egypt as a regional hub for medical technology. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health & Population in, said: 'This partnership with GE HealthCare is a transformative step toward enhancing diagnostic services across Egypt. By producing ultrasound systems locally, we are strengthening our healthcare infrastructure, ensuring long-term resilience, and advancing Egypt's Vision 2030. This initiative will deliver timely, accurate diagnostics to our citizens and create new opportunities for our workforce.' Dr. Hisham Stait, Chairman of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement "UPA", said: 'This collaboration marks a milestone in advancing Egypt's medical technology capabilities. By supporting localization and exports of ultrasound systems, we are meeting domestic healthcare needs while establishing Egypt as a regional leader in medical innovation. This project aligns with Vision 2030 by driving job creation, skill development, and sustainable economic growth.' Mohamed Haroun, General Manager for GE HealthCare Africa, said: 'As a trusted partner of Egypt's Ministry of Health, we are proud to contribute to Egypt's healthcare transformation. This facility will equip healthcare providers with ultrasound technology, enabling early diagnosis and improved patient outcomes. Through knowledge sharing and training, we are also empowering Egypt's workforce, reinforcing our commitment to Vision 2030 and sustainable healthcare innovation.' The initiative supports UPA's mission to attract multinational companies and reduce reliance on imported medical devices, easing foreign exchange pressures. UPA will facilitate the factory's setup and support GE HealthCare's export efforts through official channels and regional exhibitions. The locally produced ultrasound systems will enhance diagnostic capabilities in Egypt's healthcare facilities and address critical needs in neighboring African markets, generating foreign exchange earnings and strengthening Egypt's economy. About GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. GE HealthCare is a trusted partner and leading global healthcare solutions provider, innovating medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and integrated, cloud-first AI-enabled solutions, services and data analytics. We aim to make hospitals and health systems more efficient, clinicians more effective, therapies more precise, and patients healthier and happier. Serving patients and providers for more than 125 years, GE HealthCare is advancing personalized, connected and compassionate care, while simplifying the patient's journey across care pathways. Together, our Imaging, Advanced Visualization Solutions, Patient Care Solutions and Pharmaceutical Diagnostics businesses help improve patient care from screening and diagnosis to therapy and monitoring. We are a $19.7 billion business with approximately 53,000 colleagues working to create a world where healthcare has no limits. GE HealthCare is proud to be among 2025 Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™.
