Speaking at the Egyptian–African Economic Conference, Kazelea praised Al-Ahram Foundation and conference organizers for what he called “an exceptional event,” adding that the invitation reflected the growing seriousness of Egypt’s outreach to Africa.
Kazelea offered an unusually candid reflection on past experiences with investment forums: “When I was first invited, I hesitated. I have attended many conferences in Egypt—at the Cairo Chamber of Commerce and other venues—with limited outcomes. Egyptians want to enter Africa, but they hesitate too much. I tell them: do not hesitate. Just go. Jump—especially into DR Congo.”
He underscored that the Democratic Republic of Congo possesses some of the world’s richest deposits of copper, cobalt, lithium, and other strategic minerals essential for electric vehicles, aircraft manufacturing, electronics, and advanced batteries—fields where Egyptian industry is expanding rapidly.
He pointed in particular to Egypt’s fast-growing mobile-phone assembly sector, which he believes is primed for deeper joint ventures in Congo.
“Congo is Egypt’s twin in every field,” he said.
“Egypt enjoys strong agricultural expertise but suffers from limited arable land. Congo has vast fertile plains. Egyptians can cultivate there, send produce to Egypt, and jointly export to Europe, America, and Asia. This benefits both countries—and Africa as a whole.”
Kazelea emphasized that Congo offers special economic zones that allow Egyptian factories to manufacture locally and export not only to the Congolese market but also to nine neighbouring countries. He described these zones as gateways to one of Africa’s largest economic corridors.
He also questioned the absence of Egyptian banking branches in the Congolese market: “Banque Misr, the National Bank of Egypt, and Bank of Alexandria are operating in several African states—why not in Congo? It is a larger market with greater potential. A financial presence is essential to facilitate trade and investment.”
Turning to the healthcare sector, he added a personal reflection: “When I was young, my doctor was Egyptian. Why not today? Egypt has exceptional medical expertise. Come build hospitals, partner with existing ones, send your doctors to train ours. The possibilities are wide.”
Kazelea concluded with a reminder that the Democratic Republic of Congo is already attracting investors from India, Lebanon, Europe, the United States, and Asia. “Why not Egypt?” he asked. “We share the same waters, the same history, and the same cultural roots. Egypt belongs in Congo. Please come.”
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