Enhancing trade in terms of volume and value between the Arab and African regions has been one of the main pillars in BADEA’s 2030 strategic plan to achieve economic and social development in the two regions.

In this context, and building on the success of the First Arab - Africa Trade Forum that took place in Ethiopia in November 2018, BADEA is honored to organize the Second Arab-Africa Trade Forum under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Egypt, Dr. Mustafa Madbouly, on November 03-04, 2021 at Ritz Carlton Hotel in Cairo - the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The forum’s discussions will shed light on recent developments in the business environment and the repercussions of COVID-19 pandemic. The forum will also encompass bilateral (B2B) meetings organized for Arab & African businessmen to discuss and sign agreements.

Arab - African Trade:

Trade among Arab & African countries has been characterized by a weak exchange volume, with Arab exports to Africa constituting only 5.3% of its total exports, while Africa's exports to the Arab region constituting around 6.5% of its total exports globally in 2016. These relatively low numbers are due to various challenges and difficulties including:

• Established links between African importers and exporters in Europe and Asia. In addition to the insufficient Arab exporters’ Knowledge of the African market due to lack of accurate data on trade and African markets’ nature.
• Difficulty accessing finance and Arab export promotion systems in African countries, as well as guarantee services, export insurance and other financial tools to cover risks.

Main Topics:

• Follow-up on the First Arab-African Trade Promotion Forum’s recommendations
• Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Trade Exchange and Manufacturing in Africa
• General Framework of the Arab-African Trade promotion strategy
• Potential and prospects of Arab-African Trade exchange in light of the Global Trade developments and Covid-19 repercussions
• Successful Experiences of Arab and African companies in promoting Arab-African trade.
• Bilateral Meetings(B2B) for Concluding Trade Agreements and Partnerships in the Fertilization, Pharmaceuticals, Building Materials, Electrical Equipment, and Petrochemical Sectors.