The inaugural Alamein Africa Forum is scheduled to convene from October 2-4, 2026, in Alamein, Egypt. This significant event will run concurrently with the 2026 African Union mid-year summit, noting its strategic importance on the continental agenda. The forum aims to establish itself as the continent's premier gathering, bringing together political power and entrepreneurial prowess to drive Africa's development trajectory. The first edition, hosted in Alamein on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, seeks to foster strong discussions on continental growth and collaboration, gathering Heads of State and official delegations, alongside key actors in business and finance. This convergence of high-level political leadership and influential economic stakeholders is central to the forum's mission.
AU Mandate and Forum Goals
The Alamein Africa Forum was established in direct response to a clear mandate from the African Union. The African Union specifically mandated a permanent African Business Forum to convene biennially in Egypt, showing the continent's commitment to integrating the private sector more deeply into its strategic objectives. This initiative aims to provide a key opportunity to shape Africa’s growth agenda. The forum will achieve this by aligning policy and investment priorities, mobilizing partnerships, and strengthening financing and investment pathways across the continent. Such alignment is considered vital for unlocking Africa's vast economic potential. The private sector is expected to become an integral part of Agenda 2063, which is the African Union’s strategic 50-year master plan for development, envisioning "The Africa We Want." Consequently, the Alamein Africa Forum has been established as a permanent African Business Forum, scheduled to convene every two years in Egypt, ensuring sustained engagement and progress towards these ambitious goals. The inaugural edition, specifically, is set to gather Heads of State and official delegations, as well as key actors in business and finance, setting a high precedent for future gatherings.
High-Profile Attendees Expected
The Alamein Africa Forum anticipates a significant gathering of heads of state and prominent business figures, signaling the high-level commitment to its objectives. President Al Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, is expected to attend, offering a strong host country presence. In addition, the presidents of Algeria, Angola, Burundi, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Libya, Senegal, Somalia, and South Africa are also projected to participate in the event, ensuring broad regional representation and diverse perspectives. The forum will also host several key business leaders from across the continent, bringing vital private sector insight and investment potential. Confirmed attendees include Ralph Mupita of MTN, Idrissa Nassa from Coris Bank, Mohamed El Ketani representing Attijariwafa Bank, Hichem Eloumi of Groupe Shakira, and Wale Tinubu from Oando. Adding further weight to the business contingent, Aliko Dangote, a prominent figure in African industry, is also expected to participate in the event.
Organizers and Future Vision
The Alamein Africa Forum is a collaborative effort, co-organised by the Government of Egypt, Afreximbank, the African Union, and AUDA-NEPAD. This multi-institutional partnership reflects the full approach being taken to ensure the forum's success and long-term impact. Organizers are also working to establish a Business Advisory Council, aiming to integrate private sector perspectives into the forum's ongoing strategic development and decision-making processes. This council would provide invaluable guidance and ensure sustained engagement between business leaders and policymakers, fostering a continuous dialogue key for economic growth. This mechanism is designed to contribute significantly to the forum's long-term vision for continental economic growth and collaboration, ensuring that the insights and needs of the business community are consistently addressed.
Expert Perspectives on Forum
The inaugural Alamein Africa Forum is scheduled to take place in Alamein, located on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, a strategic and accessible location for continental leaders. This first edition is set to gather Heads of State and official delegations, alongside key figures from the business and finance sectors, emphasizing its dual focus on political will and economic action. Among the prominent attendees, Aliko Dangote is also expected to participate in the event, further noting the forum's appeal to leading figures in African commerce. The forum's structure and goals are designed to maximize opportunities for collaboration and investment, positioning it as a key platform for Africa's future development.