Burundi’s President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, has called for stronger investment partnerships among African countries to accelerate economic growth, industrialisation and development across the continent.
Ndayishimiye made the call at the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum in Egypt, attended by African heads of state, continental institutions, financial organisations and business leaders.
The Burundian leader stressed the need for Africa to move beyond traditional diplomatic partnerships towards economic, investment and production partnerships that would transform the continent’s abundant resources into productive activities.
He called for stronger implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, supported by improved trade corridors, integrated border posts, harmonised customs procedures, cross-border payment systems, trade finance, logistics and regional value chains.
Ndayishimiye also proposed an African Investment and Implementation Dashboard to track strategic continental projects, investments, financing, responsibilities, timelines and measurable results.
He stressed that every commitment should lead to a project, every project should secure financing and every investment should produce results that contribute to Africa’s integration and prosperity.
The African Union said the forum brought governments and the private sector together to translate the continent’s development ambitions into well-prepared, financed and implemented projects.
The Union noted that Africa had vast agricultural potential, strategic minerals, abundant energy resources, a youthful population and a continental market anchored by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
It said the continent needed to use its resources to create value, build industries, generate jobs and strengthen its economic resilience.
Also speaking at the forum, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called for stronger African economic cooperation, continental integration and greater private-sector participation in development.
El-Sisi stressed that African countries had the right to pursue development and benefit from their natural resources while respecting one another’s rights and avoiding actions that could harm other countries.
“Our common interests are greater than our differences,” he said.
The Egyptian President also highlighted the critical role of the African private sector in driving growth and employment, urging stronger connections among African businesses and greater access to information on investment and trade opportunities across neighbouring markets.
The forum provided a platform for African governments, businesses, financial institutions and investors to strengthen partnerships, promote intra-African trade and advance the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Ndayishimiye, however, warned that persistent insecurity remained a major obstacle to development in parts of Africa, disrupting farming, education and government planning.
“Amid insecurity, no farmer goes to the fields anymore. No child goes to school anymore. No institution plans development for its country,” he said.
He expressed concern over continued conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, describing the situation as an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
The Alamein Africa Forum was established as a platform for strengthening economic cooperation, investment and cross-border partnerships, with the inaugural edition running from October 2 to October 4 in New Alamein City.
Africanews
