Singapore’s Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Seah Kian Peng, met with Egyptian Ambassador, Mr. Ahmed Mostafa, to discuss enhancing parliamentary relations between the two nations

The Speaker of the Singaporean Parliament, Mr. Seah Kian Peng, welcomed the Egyptian Ambassador to Singapore, Mr. Ahmed Mostafa, at the Parliament House of Singapore. The meeting focused on exploring ways to strengthen parliamentary relations between Singapore and Egypt.

During the discussion, Mr. Seah Kian Peng requested that his greetings be conveyed to the Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives, Counselor Hanafi Gebali. He emphasized Singapore’s deep appreciation for its relationship with Egypt, highlighting that Egypt was one of the first countries to recognize Singapore’s independence in 1965 and to establish full diplomatic relations. Since then, the two nations have enjoyed a distinguished relationship across various fields, consistently collaborating and coordinating effectively in international forums.

Ambassador Ahmed Mostafa noted that Mr. Seah Kian Peng expressed his readiness to build communication and cooperation bridges with the Egyptian Parliament, one of the oldest in the world, to benefit from its extensive experience. This initiative includes the exchange of parliamentary visits to further strengthen the bonds between the two friendly nations.

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Step into a horticultural wonderland as Egypt’s Agriculture Museum hosts the 90th Spring Flowers Exhibition, showcasing over 1,000 captivating plant species and promoting green spaces under the 100 Million Trees initiative.

In a magnificent display of nature’s beauty, the 90th Spring Flowers Exhibition has transformed Egypt’s Agriculture Museum into a horticultural paradise. Plant enthusiasts are treated to a stunning showcase of over 1,000 captivating plant species from more than 200 exhibitors. From vibrant flowers to majestic trees and even cacti, this botanical extravaganza aims to immerse visitors in the wonders of the natural world. The exhibition was inaugurated by Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation El-Sayyed El-Quseir and Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine El-Qabbaj, signaling the government’s commitment to promoting afforestation and green spaces through initiatives like the 100 Million Trees campaign led by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

This year’s edition marks a significant change as it takes place at the Agriculture Museum in Giza’s Dokki, breathing new life into the long-standing event that had been hosted at the renowned Al-Orman botanical garden for decades. The shift in location injects fresh energy into the exhibition, providing a unique experience for both new and returning attendees. Additionally, this year’s event is being held later in spring compared to previous editions, offering visitors an opportunity to witness the splendor of the blossoming season in all its glory.

Running from 27 May to 27 June, the floral extravaganza welcomes visitors daily from 9am to 9pm. With a nominal ticket price of EGP 10 per person, individuals from all walks of life can indulge in the enchanting world of flowers and plants. Beyond the mesmerizing displays, the exhibition also plays host to a remarkable initiative named “Our Farms Are for the Good of Our People.” Fifty vendors are participating in this endeavor, offering essential foodstuffs at discounted rates. This reflects Egypt’s commitment to addressing the challenges of rising costs and ensuring the welfare of its citizens.

Minister El-Quseir emphasizes the importance of food security and the agriculture ministry’s efforts to achieve it. The ministry operates an extensive network of 171 fixed outlets across Egypt’s diverse governorates, supplemented by 21 mobile outlets. These outlets are meticulously monitored to maintain a consistent supply of various food products, underscoring the ministry’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s well-being.

Minister El-Qabbaj underscores the fruitful collaboration between the agriculture ministry and various sectors. This partnership extends solidarity services to rural residents and farmers, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises, poultry and livestock farming, support for farmers and rural women, and the promotion of women’s economic empowerment. The exhibition serves as a platform to highlight these initiatives, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and development across the country.

In conclusion, the 90th Spring Flowers Exhibition at Egypt’s Agriculture Museum is a spectacular celebration of nature’s bounty. Showcasing a wide array of plant species, the event captivates visitors with its vibrant colors and fragrances. As Egypt strives to enhance its green spaces and promote afforestation, the exhibition aligns with the ambitious 100 Million Trees campaign initiated by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. Furthermore, the exhibition serves as a testament to the agriculture ministry’s dedication to ensuring food security and supporting the welfare of its citizens. With its new location and later timing, this year’s edition promises a unique experience for attendees, leaving them inspired by the beauty and importance of nature.

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, engages with the African Union to strengthen peace and security in Africa, emphasizing the need for coordination, dialogue, and support for post-conflict reconstruction and development.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry’s recent meeting with the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Bankole Adeoye, marks an important step towards strengthening peace and security in the African continent. The minister expressed Egypt’s unwavering commitment to engaging in dialogue with the AU on various issues related to peace and security. Recognizing the escalating security challenges and the suffering caused by conflicts, Minister Shoukry emphasized the need for intensified consultation and coordination mechanisms between the AU Commission, its departments, and member states. Egypt, with its rich history of supporting peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts in Africa, stands ready to contribute to these crucial endeavors.

During the meeting, Minister Shoukry expressed gratitude for Bankole’s participation in a workshop organized by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with relevant AU institutions. The workshop focused on reviewing the African Union Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Policy, reflecting Egypt’s commitment to advancing efforts in post-conflict reconstruction and development. Recognizing the increasing conflicts across the continent, Minister Shoukry expressed Egypt’s aspiration to enhance the work of the African Union Centre for Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development, aligning with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s dedication to this cause at the AU level.

The situation in Sudan was also a crucial topic of discussion. Minister Shoukry emphasized Egypt’s careful monitoring of the current developments and its engagement with all stakeholders and existing mechanisms to resolve the crisis promptly. Stressing the importance of coordination between these mechanisms and the inclusion of Sudan in any proposed solutions, the minister emphasized the need to preserve Sudan’s ownership and ensure the consistency of these proposals with the country’s requirements and on-the-ground conditions. Egypt’s selection to represent Sudan’s neighboring countries in discussions at the African Peace and Security Council further underscores the country’s commitment to achieving peace in Sudan and ending the ongoing war.

The meeting between Minister Sameh Shoukry and AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye also covered other significant topics, including the reform of the African Peace and Security Council, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the situation in Libya, and the AU Peace Fund. These discussions highlight Egypt’s active engagement in regional affairs and its commitment to finding peaceful and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the African continent. With a focus on cooperation, dialogue, and coordination, Egypt reaffirms its role as a key player in promoting peace, security, and development across Africa.

IATA’s Focus Africa Conference aims to unlock Africa’s aviation potential by addressing infrastructure limitations, connectivity gaps, and skills shortages, as passenger traffic is projected to double in the next 15 years.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed that the upcoming Focus Africa Conference will tackle six crucial priorities aimed at bolstering aviation’s role in Africa’s economic and social progress. The event, set to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 20-21 June 2023, will be hosted by Ethiopian Airlines. With Africa’s passenger traffic projected to double over the next 15 years, the conference aims to overcome challenges such as infrastructure limitations, high costs, connectivity gaps, regulatory barriers, and skills shortages. Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, emphasized the significance of the conference, stating, “The Focus Africa Conference will bring together the continent’s key stakeholders to address these challenges.”

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, will deliver the opening keynote address at the conference. Tasew expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the event and highlighted the importance of advancing the air transport industry for Africa’s economic growth. He stated, “The conference will allow industry leaders to join forces and drive the Focus Africa initiative.”

Prominent industry figures and experts are scheduled to speak at the event. In addition to Willie Walsh and Mesfin Tasew, Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and Middle East, will share insights. Other notable speakers include Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir and Chair of the IATA Board of Governors, Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), and Abdulrahman Berthe, Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

The conference will feature sessions covering a wide range of topics, including safety, airport infrastructure, biometrics and security, and sustainability. Additionally, key areas such as aeronautical information management, intra-African connectivity, modern airline retailing, and the need for a skilled workforce will be addressed. By bringing together industry leaders, the conference aims to foster collaboration and drive the Focus Africa initiative, ultimately strengthening aviation’s contribution to the continent’s development and improving the overall experience for passengers and shippers.

Egyptian officials unveil the discovery of ancient embalming workshops and tombs, including one for humans and another for animals, in a remarkable archaeological find at the Saqqara necropolis.

In an astounding discovery, Egyptian officials have unveiled the findings of their archaeological mission at the Saqqara necropolis, located southeast of Cairo. The team has uncovered two embalming workshops, one for humans and another for animals, along with two small tombs, a sarcophagus, statues, and funerary amulets. This remarkable find marks the latest addition to a series of significant discoveries made by the Egyptian archaeological mission since 2018.

Led by Mostafa Waziri, the secretary general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, the team explored the workshops buried beneath a hill. The workshops were found to have distinct divisions into separate rooms, indicating their purpose in various stages of the mummification process. Among the uncovered artifacts were stone beds used for preparing corpses and bathing them in embalming fluids, measuring an impressive two meters in length and 50 centimeters in width. Additionally, an array of tools such as nitrate salt, black resin, wooden stirring sticks, and rolls of linen were discovered, shedding light on the embalming techniques employed.

The expedition also revealed two tombs of historical significance. One belonged to Ne Hesut Ba, a prominent figure from the 5th dynasty (2465-2323 BC). Inside his tomb, an alabaster statue of Ne Hesut Ba was found hidden within a niche. Inscriptions on the tomb’s walls unveiled his role as head of scribes and a priest of the god Horus. Moreover, the engravings highlighted his responsibility for constructing canals and waterways for the state. The second tomb belonged to Men Kheber, a priest from the more recent 18th Dynasty (1400 BC). Both tombs displayed vivid depictions of daily life, offering valuable insights into ancient Egyptian culture.

Since commencing their work at Saqqara in 2018, the Egyptian archaeological mission, under Mr. Waziri’s leadership, has made several remarkable discoveries. Their initial breakthrough was the tomb of high priest Wahtye, dating back approximately 4,500 years to the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt. Subsequently, the team unearthed numerous animal mummies. Notably, they discovered a cache of 59 sarcophagi and mummies in October 2020, followed by two additional findings consisting of 157 sarcophagi with mummies and 250 sarcophagi and mummies.

These extraordinary discoveries are currently exhibited at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, and the upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum. Mr. Waziri emphasized the mission’s commitment to sharing their findings with the public, ensuring that these valuable artifacts are not left hidden away in storage. Excavations on the western side of the Saqqara necropolis are set to resume soon, promising further insights into Egypt’s ancient history.

Africa’s digital revolution propels it as a top investment hotspot, with fintech leading the charge, creating opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

African nations are strategically focusing on economic recovery from the pandemic and potential debt risks, positioning themselves as a highly favorable destination for investment. The key driver behind this transformation is the rapidly expanding digital economy, projected to dominate the global workforce by 2100.

The World Bank’s recent report, “Digital Africa: Technological Transformation for Jobs,” emphasizes the significant gap between digital infrastructure availability and usage in Sub-Saharan Africa. By bridging this gap, tremendous opportunities for job creation and economic recovery can be unlocked in an increasingly digitalized world.

Playing a crucial role in Africa’s digital transformation is the fintech industry, which has witnessed a threefold increase in the number of tech startups between 2020 and 2021. Remarkably, nearly half of these startups are operating in the fintech sector, leveraging digital technology to address challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and e-commerce. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend, providing fertile ground for new technology players to thrive.

African companies and governments are actively forging partnerships with counterparts from the global south, aiming to develop innovative solutions and build robust digital infrastructure. These partnerships focus on providing digital public goods and expanding access to essential services, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

“Investments in digital public goods have the ability to transform governments and governance by making important public services available to citizens more effectively and inclusively,” emphasized Nick Barigye, CEO of Rwanda Finance Limited, which is hosting the highly anticipated inaugural high-level Inclusive Fintech Forum in Rwanda.

To foster Africa’s digital economy, it is crucial to create a favorable legal and policy climate that attracts both domestic and foreign investors. Governments need to enact policies that safeguard property rights, promote transparency, and foster accountability. Collaboration and partnerships among African governments, international organizations, and private sector firms are vital for sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources to drive the expansion of Africa’s digital economy.

Promoting south-south cooperation is the key to addressing common challenges and sharing best practices. Elevandi, a pioneering company established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in partnership with Rwanda’s Kigali International Financial Centre, is hosting the inaugural Inclusive Fintech Forum in Kigali. This forum aims to facilitate the transfer of digital technologies and knowledge across regions, empowering countries in the global south to learn from successful implementations elsewhere. The harmonization of digital infrastructures will further streamline capital movement and unlock untapped investment potential between countries in the global south.

“One of the main advantages of South-South partnerships in digitization is their ability to help countries in the global South address common challenges and share best practices. For instance, many countries in the global South face similar issues when it comes to providing digital services to rural communities with limited internet connectivity. This is an issue that is not only faced by Zambia, for example, it is also seen in Bolivia and şÚÁĎÉç,” explained Pat Patel, Executive Director of Elevandi, emphasizing the significance of south-south collaboration.

With Africa emerging as a prime investment destination and the digital economy becoming a powerhouse, the world is witnessing a remarkable shift that holds immense promise for economic growth, job creation, and a brighter future for the African continent.

African Diplomatic Missions in Singapore celebrate Africa Day 2023, highlighting the strategic importance of Singapore’s relations with Africa and urging Singaporean businesses to explore new opportunities on the continent.

On May 25th, the African Diplomatic Missions in Singapore gathered to celebrate Africa Day 2023, commemorating the Diamond Anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OUA), the predecessor of the current African Union (AU). This momentous occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the strong and fruitful relations that many African countries enjoy with Singapore.

The recent visit of His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, to South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda in June 2022 underscored the strategic importance that Singapore places on the African continent. These visits demonstrated Singapore’s commitment to strengthening ties and deepening cooperation with African nations.

During his recent visit to Kenya and South Africa, Prime Minister Lee rightfully emphasized the significance of Africa as a continent that Singaporeans should pay attention to as they strive to explore new frontiers. In light of this, the African Diplomatic Missions in Singapore urged the Singaporean business community to heed this call by actively pursuing business opportunities and fostering long-term partnerships in Africa.

The African Diplomatic Missions in Singapore consist of the Embassy of the Republic of Angola, the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda, and the High Commission of the Republic of South Africa. These missions serve as vital channels for promoting dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding between Singapore and African nations.

Singapore’s decades-long cooperation with African countries through initiatives such as the Africa Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) has been instrumental in fostering trade and investment between Asia and Africa. The ASBF has played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue, connecting businesses, and promoting economic partnerships between the two regions.

Furthermore, Singapore’s dedication to sharing its developmental experience with interested African countries through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) is highly commendable. The African Diplomatic Missions applauded the three-year Singapore-Africa Partnership Package Programme, which was announced by Prime Minister Lee during his visit to Africa in 2022. This program offers tailored courses in priority areas such as climate change and sustainability, digitalization, and smart cities. It serves as a valuable platform for African nations to learn from Singapore’s expertise and accelerate their own development goals.

As Africa Day 2023 was commemorated in Singapore on May 25th, it served as a reminder of the enduring friendship and growing collaboration between Singapore and African countries. The African Diplomatic Missions expressed their gratitude to Singapore for its consistent support and looked forward to further strengthening the partnership for the benefit of all nations involved.

Get ready to unlock boundless opportunities and sustainable growth at ASBF 2023, where industry titans unite to fuel growth, unleash innovative ideas, and create impactful partnerships that propel businesses to new heights.

Join us in Singapore from August 29-30, 2023, for the highly anticipated Africa Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) – the premier event uniting business leaders from Africa and Singapore. With a focused theme of “Partnering for Growth and Sustainability,” this forum offers an unparalleled platform to explore trade and investment opportunities in both regions.

ASBF 2023 is packed with captivating keynotes, engaging panel discussions, and extensive networking opportunities. Gain valuable insights from industry experts, forge connections with potential partners, and unlock new avenues for growth. For businesses aiming to thrive in the global marketplace, this forum is an essential gathering.

Anticipating the participation of over 2,000 professionals from 30+ countries, ASBF 2023 will be hosted at the prestigious Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore. The venue provides an ideal environment for meaningful discussions, fostering collaboration between African and Singaporean businesses and creating opportunities for mutually beneficial relationships.

Organized by Enterprise Singapore, with strong support from key organizations such as the Singapore Business Federation, the African Business Council, and the Singapore-Africa Chamber of Commerce, ASBF 2023 is committed to facilitating connections and empowering businesses to succeed. Gain valuable insights into the future of trade and investment, the role of technology in driving growth and sustainability in Africa, and best practices for doing business in the region.

Don’t miss out on this must-attend event! Secure your spot by visiting and gain access to a wealth of knowledge, connections, and resources that will propel your business forward in the global marketplace.

Cannes Film Festival celebrates African cinema’s revival and honors Malian director Souleymane CissĂ©, captivating the international community with diverse and captivating storytelling.

The 76th Cannes Film Festival kicked off with a captivating tribute to legendary Malian director Souleymane CissĂ©, setting the stage for a remarkable showcase of African cinema. The festival’s celebration of diversity and artistic excellence drew the attention of the international community.

As the curtains rose on Cannes, audiences were treated to an array of thought-provoking films from across the globe. From the controversial opening film “Jeanne du Barry” to the intriguing family drama “Homecoming” by French director Catherine Corsini, the festival offered a tantalizing mix of established and emerging talent.

However, it was the palpable presence of African cinema that stole the spotlight. A record number of African films graced the festival, sparking conversations about a potential renaissance in moviemaking on the continent. Mali’s Souleymane CissĂ©, an esteemed figure in African cinema, was bestowed with the prestigious Carrosse d’Or award, recognizing his transformative contribution to the art form.

The Cannes Film Market, a barometer of the industry’s health, witnessed a thriving atmosphere. A remarkable 13,500 delegates registered, including a significant return of Asian firms after a prolonged pandemic-induced hiatus. This buoyant market demonstrated the global appetite for diverse and captivating storytelling.

Amidst the glitz and glamour, the festival screened a captivating lineup of films that transported viewers from the shores of Portugal to the streets of Cape Verde. Director Steve McQueen’s “Occupied City” delved into Amsterdam during World War II, while the classic film “Le MĂ©pris” provided a nostalgic journey into the Nouvelle Vague era.

One of the festival’s standout moments was the increased representation of female directors. Seven women competed for the coveted Palme d’Or, including two African filmmakers. Tunisia’s Kaouther Ben Hania presented her powerful documentary “Four Daughters,” exploring a mother’s search for her daughters ensnared in the Syrian conflict. Meanwhile, Senegalese newcomer Ramata-Toulaye Sy captivated audiences with her tale of tortured love in “Banel & Adama.”

The prominence of African cinema extended beyond the Palme d’Or competition. The Un Certain Regard sidebar showcased four additional African entries, offering a platform for emerging talent from Morocco, Congo, Guinea Bissau, and Egypt. Their stories resonated deeply, highlighting the richness and diversity of African narratives.

The Cannes Film Festival not only celebrated the achievements of renowned filmmakers like Souleymane CissĂ© but also served as a catalyst for elevating African cinema to new heights. The festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and fostering international cultural exchange underscored the transformative power of film in bridging global understanding.

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Egypt’s Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, announced that the country received US$3.3 billion in foreign direct investmen (FDI) in a single quarter, from July to September 2022. In the fiscal year 2021–2022, Egypt’s FDI surpassed US$8.9 billion, breaking a 10-year record 

EGYPT’S Prime Minister, Mr Mostafa Madbouly, announced that the country received US$3.3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in a single quarter from July to September 2022. This is the highest-ever total for a single quarter. 

In a press conference, the Prime Minister stated that the country experienced a 94 percent increase in foreign investment year on year. The amount of FDI made in Egypt during the most recent fiscal year, 2021-2022, was US$8.9 billion, the highest amount in 10 years.  

Egypt’s economy has been in turmoil since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which resulted in an increase in oil and commodity prices. An agreement for a 46-month loan of US$3 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Egypt was reached in December as part of the Extended Fund Facility.  The choice allowed for the disbursement of a US$347 million payment that was needed right away to support the budget and help with the balance of payments. The IMF anticipated that the agreement would promote investments worth about US$14 billion into the nation from regional and international partners, including the Gulf nations. The economy of Egypt will be supported by investments and deposits totaling US$20 billion from Gulf allies.  

Due to the IMF’s demands that the local currency’s exchange rate be left flexible, the Egyptian pound depreciated by 22% in comparison to the US dollar in January 2023, bringing losses from the previous 12 months to 93%.

“The permanent shift to a flexible exchange rate system will mitigate the severity of external shocks and prevent the re-emergence of imbalances and will allow monetary policy to focus on reducing inflation gradually,” said Ms Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF.  

She continued, “Structural reforms will also contribute to reducing the size of the state, ensuring fair competition between the public and private sectors, promoting the private sector, and improving governance and transparency.”  

Furthermore, the IMF predicts that Egypt will experience a US$16 billion external financing gap over the ensuing 46 months.  

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