Zambia explores Egypt’s free zone model for investment growth

An official Zambian delegation visited the Nasr City Free Zone in Cairo to explore Egypt’s experience in free zone management and the incentives offered to companies. The delegation, led by Director General of the Zambia Development Agency, Albert Halwampa, toured the zone as part of the Egypt-Zambia Business Forum.

Deputy CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), Yasser Abbas, received the delegation and guided them through the zone’s factories. He outlined Egypt’s investment frameworks, including public and private free zones, investment zones, and technology zones, highlighting their efficiency, direct port connectivity, and export-focused operations. Abbas also detailed Egypt’s plans to expand free zones to boost technology localisation and foreign currency inflows.

The Zambian delegation praised the advanced technology and high production capacity of the Nasr City Free Zone. Halwampa emphasised Zambia’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Egypt in manufacturing and trade, stressing the importance of exchanging expertise to enhance African economic ties.

Moreover, Abbas reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Zambia through cooperation agreements, training programmes, and knowledge transfer. He also encouraged Egyptian businesses to invest in Zambia, in line with Egypt’s strategy to deepen investment collaboration across Africa and develop integrated value chains to enhance the competitiveness of African industries in global markets.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama