UAE makes fresh investment push into Africa’s second-largest economy as two Arab powers deepen ties

Egypt and the UAE are taking major steps to deepen their economic relationship through a new investment push focused on logistics and digital financial services.

• Egypt and the UAE are deepening economic ties through an investment drive in logistics and digital financial services.
• Key discussions focused on expanding maritime logistics and upgrading port infrastructure, particularly within the Suez Canal.
• Both countries are also integrating financial technology sectors by registering Egypt’s Sahel digital payment platform.
• There is ongoing coordination between Egypt and the UAE to secure further joint investments.

Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Ahmed Rostom, recently met with Essa Kazim, the Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Chairman of DP World Group, to explore high-value, mutually beneficial opportunities.

Egypt and the UAE plan to expand maritime logistics

The talks centered heavily on driving new investments into the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), specifically targeting container management, port infrastructure, and cargo handling operations alongside the UAE’s DP World.

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Egyptian authorities are determined to leverage the zone’s strategic geographical position to turn it into a premier global trade gateway.

According to Egypt Today, Minister Rostom revealed his country’s commitment to developing port infrastructure to attract foreign capital and enhance investor services.

The minister emphasized that “the partnership with DP World could contribute to Egypt’s plans to develop the transport and logistics ecosystem within the Suez Canal Economic Zone, reinforcing its role as a regional hub for trade and logistics services.“

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Connecting digital finance platforms between Egypt and the UAE

Beyond shipping, the two nations are integrating their financial technology sectors by working to register Sahel which a digital bill payment and utilities platform partially owned by Egypt’s National Investment Bank at the Dubai International Financial Centre.

This registration will provide Sahel with a solid regional base to grow its operations, while also offering Egyptian expatriates residing in the UAE a safe, electronic option to pay bills back home.

This fintech push harmonizes with Egypt’s broader focus on digital modernization as a key pillar for economic development.

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Rostom explained that “supporting Egyptian companies operating in fintech and digital services, and helping them expand into regional markets, is an important part of the government’s strategy to strengthen the digital economy“.