Egypt Strengthens African Ties with Senegal in Maritime Transport Cooperation

Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport with Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries, Infrastructure, and Ports (Egyptian Ministry of Transport)
Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport with Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries, Infrastructure, and Ports (Egyptian Ministry of Transport)
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Egypt Strengthens African Ties with Senegal in Maritime Transport Cooperation

Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport with Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries, Infrastructure, and Ports (Egyptian Ministry of Transport)
Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport with Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries, Infrastructure, and Ports (Egyptian Ministry of Transport)

Egypt is intensifying its efforts to strengthen ties with African nations, with the latest development being a cooperation agreement with Senegal in maritime transport, including a new shipping route between Alexandria and Dakar.

Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport, said that there are many projects planned to improve connections with African countries.

He added that Egypt is fully ready to work with Senegal in all sectors, including transportation—land, sea, rail, dry ports, and logistics.

Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Senegal during talks between El-Wazir and Senegal’s Minister of Fisheries, Infrastructure, and Ports, Fatou Diouf, in Cairo on Friday.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in infrastructure, ports, and maritime transport.

El-Wazir highlighted President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s call for greater cooperation with African countries and noted that Egypt has many specialized companies ready to help develop and manage ports in Senegal.

The minister also welcomed the proposed shipping route between Alexandria and Dakar, offering to train Senegalese port workers in maritime transport and provide training in railways, subways, electric trains, and land transport.

He also mentioned potential collaboration in dry port development.

Earlier this week, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Senegalese counterpart in Cairo.

They discussed the situation in the Sahel, West Africa, and the Horn of Africa, as well as Egypt’s water security. Both ministers also explored ways to boost African cooperation and regional integration.



Saudi Arabia, Italy Sign 26 Investment MoUs

The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA
The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Italy Sign 26 Investment MoUs

The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA
The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA

The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday, with the participation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, CEOs, private sector leaders, and representatives from major companies of both countries.

The meeting highlighted the expanding partnership between the two countries and resulted in the signing of 26 memoranda of understanding across key industries, including construction, renewable energy, cultural exchange, and advanced technologies.

It also explored collaborative prospects in green energy, automotive manufacturing, infrastructure development, tourism, agrifood, solar and wind energy projects, sustainable tourism initiatives, and advanced construction technologies.

Italian businesses highlighted their aim to capitalize on an estimated SAR11.8 trillion in Saudi inward investment over the next six years.

Heritage tourism was also a key focus, with participants highlighting Italy’s expertise and Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading global travel destination. As the Kingdom plans to create 1.6 million tourism jobs by 2030, Saudi-Italian partnerships are poised to drive skills development, promote sustainable tourism, and expand opportunities in the private sector.

In 2023, Saudi exports to Italy reached SAR18.5 billion, driven primarily by mineral fuels and petrochemicals, while imports from Italy totaled SAR22 billion, reflecting strong demand for Italian products such as machinery, pharmaceuticals, and advanced engineering solutions.

In 2024, 63 investment licenses were granted to Italian firms in the Kingdom—an increase of 110% over the previous year—underscoring the rising Italian interest in advanced manufacturing, construction, and renewable energy.