BILATERAL COOPERATION: SUCCESSFUL EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE ABIDJAN PORT AND EGYPTIAN BUSINESS OPERATORS

Autres Monday 23 June 2025

As part of an economic and trade mission to Côte d’Ivoire from May 19 to 23, 2025, a delegation of Egyptian business leaders carried out a prospecting visit to Abidjan Port Authority on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The mission, initiated by the General Confederation of Businesses of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI), took place in the presence of H.E. Mr. Albert DOLÉ, Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Egypt.

Welcomed by the Managing Director of Abidjan Port Authority, Mr. Hien Yacouba SIÉ, the Egyptian delegation, led by Dr. Sherif EL-GABALY—Member of the Egyptian Parliament and Chair of the African Affairs Committee—expressed its willingness to establish long-term partnerships with the Abidjan Port Authority.
“The Abidjan Port is the main maritime gateway to West Africa. It was essential for us to engage with its corporate executives to explore avenues for economic cooperation,” said Dr. EL-GABALY.

During the discussions, particular attention was given to the availability of port land—an essential factor for launching economic activities. The delegation, composed of entrepreneurs from sectors such as import-export and fertilizer production, is considering the Abidjan Port as a key logistics platform for their operations across West Africa.

Mr. Hien SIÉ welcomed this high-level visit as a strong sign of South-South cooperation. He noted the significant increase in intra-African trade through the Abidjan Port in recent years. This is evidenced by the surge in trade volumes between Côte d’Ivoire and Egypt, which rose from 66,189 tons in 2020 to over 3.3 million tons in 2024.

He also reiterated his full support for fostering strong and structured partnerships between the Ivorian and Egyptian private sectors to further boost economic ties between the two nations.