Egypt and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reached a partnership agreement in the field of electricity.
On June 9, El Sewedy Electrometer Group (EMG) and the DRC’s National Society of Electricity signed a memorandum of understanding to transfer Egyptian expertise in manufacturing smart electric meters and electrical linkages and organizing training workshops for high-level Congolese cadres.
The signing came during a visit by a high-level Egyptian delegation to Kinshasa. The delegation was led by Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea and Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker. The signing ceremony was also attended by Congolese Minister of International Cooperation Denis Christel and Congolese Minister of Energy Otore Say.
EMG head Imad el-Sewedy said in press statements following the signing ceremony that the agreement with the National Society of Electricity to export and transfer Egyptian expertise to help operate the smart electricity meter system spans over 10 years and is subject to renewal.
He stressed that the agreement represents the beginning of the industrial partnership between Egypt and the DRC in the field of electricity.
He further indicated that the two countries will cooperate more in the fields of gas and water in the coming period as part of EMG’s effort to expand its investments in several African countries.
Experts and observers who spoke to Al-Monitor welcomed the agreement and considered it a token of continuity for Egypt’s policies to be effectively present in Africa.
Former Egyptian Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Mona Omar believes that the Egypt-DRC memorandum of understanding to partner in the electricity sector will strengthen Egypt’s influence and presence in Africa.
“It [the deal] is an important element which the Egyptian state is interested in and focused on through expanding and establishing development projects in various African countries, notably the Nile Basin countries. Cairo has never been late in providing its expertise and technical capabilities to support the needs of the African continent, especially in the fields of electricity, energy, water and health. There is also great interest in preparing technical cadres at a high level to manage projects in African countries,” Omar told Al-Monitor.
She added that Egyptian companies such as EMG and The Arab Contractors have a long-standing history with leading large projects and have a wide presence in Africa, and they have huge investments in many countries. They represent Egypt’s soft power for effective influence and a strong presence within the continent, thus contributing to securing its national interests, she continued.
Omar believes that large Egyptian projects in Africa, mainly in the Nile Basin countries, in the fields of electricity, water resources, irrigation and health — which are implemented through establishing hospitals and sending medical convoys — help boost Egypt’s influence in the African continent by winning the trust of African citizens, gaining their approval and tightening their bond with Egypt.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Kinshasa on June 9, Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry Gamea said that the agreement comes within the framework of Egypt’s inclination to increase economic, commercial, industrial and investment cooperation with African countries within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area that was activated in 2021. It also supports Egyptian-African cooperation to increase Egyptian exports to African markets as well as strengthen the Egyptian presence in these countries, she added.
Gamea further pointed to the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s keenness to achieve industrial integration and support the industrial development system in Africa, through the localization of industrial projects in African countries and the transfer of Egyptian industrial expertise and technologies, in cooperation with the private sector in Egypt and these countries.
She also noted that the agreement reflects the Egyptian state’s interest in East African countries, within the framework of Egypt’s current presidency of the East and Southern African Community. “The Egyptian government is currently deploying huge efforts to facilitate Egyptian exportation to African markets. These efforts include improving the transport and logistic storage system and supporting shipment cost to African countries, in addition to activating the role of commercial offices in these countries,” she explained.
