Major General Samir Farag told Global South Voices’ Kadria Kassem that the current fighting cannot end regional tensions and that a coordinated approach would be necessary.

“We hope the Arab states will heed the advice of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and form an Arab Army with real military capabilities,” he said in an interview.

Wealthy Arab nations could fund a regional defence industry with the ability to bind their militaries together temporarily in times of war, Farag said.

He pointed out that Washington’s military involvement in the region would fluctuate, but the underlying problems would remain, especially after Tehran’s policy of retaliating against its neighbours.

“The war might end, but the conflict will persist,” he warns.

Egypt’s three demands

Farag, who has held a range of positions in the military at home and abroad and is a former governor of Luxor, set out Egypt's position on the conflict:

That Iran should not have nuclear weapons

That Iran should not attack the Gulf states

That Iran’s government should not fall.

The latter, according to Farag, would create a vacuum and disrupt the regional balance between Turkey, Egypt, Iran and Israel. “Iran’s exit would be harmful to the strategic balance in the Middle East,” he said

Strategic regional balance

Historically, Egypt’s policy has swung from close links with the Soviets under President Abdel Nasser to tight ties with America. Today, according to Farag, President Sisi is seeking a strategic balance, building relationships with Russia, China, the European Union and the USA as well as regional partnerships.

A key part of this careful navigation is a desire to avoid conflict.

It would have been easy, Farag notes, for his country to have been drawn into the conflict in Gaza.

“We in the military know the cost of war, its problems, the various dimensions and dangers. We know what problems can occur. That is why we are careful,” he says.

Nevertheless, despite avoiding conflict itself, Egypt is profoundly impacted by wars elsewhere. As the largest importer of wheat from Russia and Ukraine, it has been hard hit by price rises and disruptions from the fighting there. And the turmoil in the Gulf has had a profound impact on shipping, hammering important revenues from the Suez Canal.

Farag points out that Egypt has taken in 10 million refugees – he calls them guests – far more than any of its neighbours. And those displaced peoples have found a home in the country that means they are not trying to move on towards Europe, he observes: “Egypt always offers help to every country.”

In South Africa, markets have already shifted as traders are now pricing no chance of a rate cut at the central bank’s March 26 meeting, after a cut was still being seen as possible just days earlier.

“Until the outlook in the Iran war becomes clearer, significant policy rate decisions by African central banks may be deferred,” said Hasnain Malik, a strategist at research firm Tellimer. He said countries such as Egypt, Kenya and Morocco could be more exposed to disruption than commodity producers like Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.

Oil has jumped as traders worry about supply and shipping risks linked to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy flows. Higher fuel costs could quickly feed into transport and food prices across the continent.

African markets have also been unsettled by investors pulling money from riskier assets and moving into the US dollar, weakening local currencies . “Borrowing and raising capital just got harder,” said Charlie Robertson, author of The Time Travelling Economist. Chatham House’s Tighisti Amare warned African economies “simply do not have the buffers for another prolonged global shock.”

The Rafah crossing had been closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side, halting the movement of people and aid. Its partial reopening is linked to a wider ceasefire framework and a multi-stage peace plan announced earlier this year, which aims to move from a truce towards reconstruction, new governance arrangements and the gradual restoration of access to Gaza.

According to IMF projections cited and analysed by The African Exponent , Africa’s ten largest economies in 2026 reflect a mix of resource strength, population size, industrial capacity, and policy direction.

South Africa is projected to remain Africa’s largest economy in 2026, with a nominal GDP of about $401.6 billion. Despite slow growth in recent years, the country continues to benefit from its diversified economy, strong financial sector, and advanced industrial base.

Close behind is Egypt, with an estimated $399.5 billion GDP. Egypt’s rise has been driven by large-scale infrastructure investment, expansion in energy production, and aggressive economic reforms.

As The African Exponent has noted in previous coverage, Egypt’s strategic positioning as a trade and logistics hub linking Africa, the Middle East , and Europe continues to strengthen its economic weight.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is projected to rank third with a GDP of roughly $334.3 billion. Oil and gas still play a central role, but growth in telecommunications, fintech, agriculture, and entertainment has diversified parts of the economy.

However, the African Exponent has consistently pointed out that currency instability, inflation, and policy uncertainty remain key constraints on Nigeria’s full economic potential.

Algeria is expected to rank fourth at $285.0 billion, buoyed largely by hydrocarbons and higher global energy demand. While diversification remains a challenge, state spending and energy exports continue to anchor the economy.

Morocco, at $196.1 billion, rounds out the top five. Its strength lies in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and the growing automotive and aerospace industries. The African Exponent frequently highlights Morocco as one of Africa’s most strategically diversified economies.

Kenya and Ethiopia signal East Africa’s growing economic relevance. Kenya has approximately $140.9 billion, driven by services, finance, ICT, and regional trade. Ethiopia is also around $125.7 billion, supported by manufacturing, agriculture, and state-led industrialisation.

Despite debt pressures and foreign exchange shortages, Ethiopia’s long-term growth fundamentals continue to attract attention across African economic commentary.

Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Angola finalise the list as Ghana sits at $113.5 billion, supported by gold, cocoa, and oil, though fiscal pressures persist. Côte d’Ivoire comes in with $111.5 billion, as one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies, driven by agriculture and infrastructure. Angola, with $109.9 billion, is heavily dependent on oil but showing gradual signs of reform.

The African Exponent has noted that Côte d’Ivoire’s steady growth contrasts sharply with more volatile commodity-dependent economies, making it one of the continent’s most closely watched performers.

These rankings are based on nominal GDP, not purchasing power or living standards. What this really tells us is where capital, infrastructure, and policy focus are currently concentrated. It also highlights Africa’s continued reliance on a handful of large economies to drive continental growth.

The comments came after US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff announced the start of the second phase of President Donald Trump ’s “20-point plan” aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. This phase includes moving from a ceasefire to disarmament, setting up a technocratic administration, and beginning reconstruction work.

According to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, Africa’s total GDP in 2024 stands at just under $3 trillion, with these five economies accounting for close to 50% of that figure. Nigeria remains Africa’s largest economy, driven by population size, services and energy exports, while South Africa continues to dominate in financial services, manufacturing and capital markets.

Egypt has strengthened its position through infrastructure spending, energy production and strategic control of the Suez Canal, a key artery for global trade that has taken on renewed importance amid ongoing Red Sea shipping disruptions linked to Middle East tensions.

Algeria’s economy is anchored in hydrocarbons, with natural gas exports becoming increasingly significant for Europe as countries seek alternatives to Russian energy supplies following the war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia stands out as a non-oil-dependent giant, with growth fueled by agriculture, manufacturing and public investment, despite recent political and security challenges that continue to affect investor confidence.

While Africa is home to more than 1.4 billion people and some of the world’s fastest-growing populations, many countries remain heavily reliant on commodities , vulnerable to climate shocks, debt pressures and limited industrial capacity.

This imbalance is particularly relevant in 2025 as African leaders push for greater intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Because of this, it has become a central focus for both the US and China in terms of economic and political influence. Prior to 2023, China gained the upper hand with its focus on non-intervention and economic collaboration, particularly through the Belt and Road programme. Following the war that erupted on October 7, China has engaged in the region much more actively, and its popularity has soared.

Since its founding, the People’s Republic of China has built its foreign policy on the “five principles of peaceful coexistence”. These principles, known as “mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence”, have been China’s “red lines” both during the Cold War and in subsequent years. China remained outside the bipolar system of the Cold War and opted for a “third way” by supporting the emergence of the Non-Aligned Movement at the Bandung Conference in 1955. Despite the entry into a period of détente in international politics in the 1970s, China’s approach to non-alignment with any polarisation persisted, leading the country to make “non-alliance” a state policy in 1982. 

A clean record

MENA countries were among the regions where China’s fundamental foreign policy principles were practically implemented. At the aforementioned Bandung Conference, China established contact with nationalist parties in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, which were under French rule at the time, as well as in independent Libya. These initial contacts exemplified the parties’ revolutionary and anti-colonial solidarity. In the Middle East, diplomatic relations between China and the Gulf countries, in particular, began with Iraq in 1958, followed by Iran and Kuwait (1971), Oman (1978), the United Arab Emirates (1984), Qatar (1988), Bahrain (1989) and Saudi Arabia (1990). As can be seen, these countries, having gained their independence from Western colonial rule, quickly established a rapprochement with China. 

Following the end of the Cold War, relations between China and the MENA region entered a period of further development. MENA countries viewed China as a power with which to cooperate because it lacked a history of colonialism, military intervention, or regime change in the region. China, on the other hand, aimed to establish multi-layered interaction with the region to realise its interests within the emerging international system. To this end, China proactively established the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000, followed by the China–Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) four years later. 

The Arab Spring, which began in Tunisia at the end of 2010 and then spread throughout MENA, initiated a transformational process whose effects would last for years. People living in MENA began protesting against the authoritarian regimes in their countries that had long deprived them of economic prosperity and fundamental rights and freedoms. This wave of uprisings created the potential to fundamentally reshape the region’s “political ecology”. While historically significant developments were taking place in MENA, China’s regional strategy was embodied in the Belt and Road Initiative, which funds infrastructure aimed at bolstering international economic links. For China, the region provided an opportunity to prioritise its economic and geostrategic interests and place less emphasis on political engagement. Despite the liberal ideals of the Arab Spring, the persistence of autocratic and nationalist regimes in the region has also presented a positive picture for China. Regimes in the region have prioritised economic growth and development over democratisation. This has opened the door for China to promote an alternative to the liberal order created by the West after 1945. 

Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has established a successful method for achieving its desired goals. In exchange for energy agreements signed with MENA countries, which represent a strong option for meeting China’s need for energy resources such as oil and natural gas, China has built infrastructure and transportation projects in the region. These partnerships, which foster a win–win relationship between the parties, have significantly contributed to China’s interaction with the non-Western world. Unlike Western powers, which lost prestige in the region, particularly for their open support of opposition movements during the Arab Spring, China is perceived as a reliable actor by governments in MENA. Driven by this momentum, China signed strategic partnership agreements with Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait and Oman, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates between 2014 and 2018. Furthermore, in addition to striving to establish partnerships with MENA countries through bilateral relations and regional forums, China has also worked to mediate conflict resolution in the region. On 10 March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia, mediated by China, agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations. Bringing two strategic MENA actors, who had not had diplomatic contact since 2016, to the same table strengthened China’s prestige significantly. 

During this period, China presented a position in MENA radically different from the colonialism, use of military force, and conditional aid to achieve economic interests pursued by Western powers, particularly the US. China’s MENA strategy, particularly in the post-Arab Spring period, was based on a theoretical foundation of soft power and anti-colonialism. 

Change of approach

The events of 7 October, 2023 changed everything in the region and inevitably led to a shift in China’s approach connected to its long-standing support for Palestinian statehood. Since establishing the Special Representative for the Middle East in 2002, China has sought to host peace talks between Palestine and Israel and current Chinese President Xi Jinping has presented draft peace plans to the parties at various times. In these draft peace plans, China emphasised the importance of global recognition of the State of Palestine, the continuation of negotiations between Palestine and Israel, and the role of the international community in guaranteeing Palestinian sovereignty. These proposals were also included in the Arab Policy Paper published by China in 2016. 

Chinese officials have visited MENA to meet with all stakeholders in the region, particularly Hamas and Israel. As a result of these visits, an important mediation activity was carried out by bringing together the two major Palestinian groups, Fatah and Hamas, in Beijing in April 2024. Thus, in the face of the unconditional military support for Israel from the US and European powers, China has maintained its diplomatic stance. Even during the crisis, China has maintained its foreign policy of avoiding direct involvement in conflicts, maintaining political neutrality, and acting with caution. With these steps, which differentiate it from Western powers, China has assumed the role of a mediator seeking regional security and stability. China aims to end the regional crisis through an approach that emphasises a “two-state solution” and the role of regional organisations. 

That approach is bearing fruit, as results from the Arab Barometer reveal, although the challenge for China will be adapting to its new position in the world order on issues less binary than the conflict in Gaza.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views. This essay is based on research featured in the paper Perceptions of China in the Middle East and North Africa: an analysis in the context of Israel’s war on Gaza published in Third World Quarterly.

Egypt’s Giza Zoo and Orman Botanical Garden are undergoing their most ambitious transformation in decades, with 118 new animal species being introduced as part of a sweeping biodiversity expansion plan. Mohammed Kamel, Chairman of Hadayek Company, said the newly integrated zoo-garden ecosystem, spanning 114 acres, will feature four lions, three tigers, and 362 newly imported animals, all housed in redesigned open habitats aligned with international standards. Kamel emphasized that the project preserves the zoo’s historic character while elevating it to a regional and global recreational and educational landmark, noting that an African Union delegation has confirmed the development plan’s compliance with international best practices.  

180 appeals over parliamentary election results

Egypt’s Supreme Administrative Court has now received 180 appeals contesting the results of the first round of the second phase of parliamentary elections. Appeals have been filed across ten governorates, including Cairo, Dakahlia, Sharqia, Gharbia, North Sinai, and Menoufia. The court’s First Circuit will begin examining each appeal ahead of its December 7 hearing, with the law requiring decisions to be issued within 10 days of filing. The National Elections Authority will continue accepting appeals until December 4, extending work hours until 9 p.m. to meet constitutional deadlines. Losing candidates have 48 hours after results are announced to file objections.

Film controversy

A major cultural and religious backlash erupted after screenwriter Ahmed Mourad said during a Marrakech Film Festival seminar that making a film about the Prophet would be “easier” than making one about legendary singer Umm Kulthum. Prominent preacher Mazhar Shaheen blasted the comment as “recklessness and a lack of modesty towards the master of all creation,” insisting that the Prophet’s status should never be subject to comparison. Mourad’s script for the upcoming film “Al-Sit (The Lady)”, starring Mona Zaki as Umm Kulthum and directed by Marwan Hamed, has drawn intense attention . Mona Zaki reportedly arrives five hours early every shooting day to undergo extensive makeup transformations with a foreign crew.

Cairo governor wins Arab Government Excellence Award

Cairo Governor Dr. Ibrahim Saber has been named Best Governor in the Arab World at the Arab Government Excellence Award (2024 - 2025), the region’s highest recognition for administrative and governmental innovation. The award , presented under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, honours exemplary governance practices across the Arab world. Saber received the honour from Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, during a ceremony attended by ministers, ambassadors, and governors. The program aims to modernise government institutions, promote innovation, and highlight successful public-sector models capable of driving future-ready governance.

Agriculture Ministry launches nationwide poultry biosecurity campaign

Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture has launched a national awareness campaign targeting poultry farmers to strengthen biosecurity measures, especially during the winter season when respiratory and viral diseases are more prevalent. Over the past two weeks, veterinary teams conducted 610 field visits to farms and held 451 home-breeding seminars across governorates. Dr. Hamed Al-Aqnas, head of the General Authority for Veterinary Services, said the campaign trains breeders on proper disinfection procedures, controlling worker movement inside farms, preventing wild-bird entry, safe disposal of dead birds and waste and early identification of diseases requiring immediate reporting. He confirmed that the epidemiological situation is stable, with rapid-response teams on standby. The ministry plans to intensify outreach throughout high-density poultry regions during the winter.

Egypt

With SDR 6.73 billion still outstanding, Egypt is by far Africa’s largest debtor to the IMF and one of the biggest globally. Egypt is currently under a 46-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF), complemented by an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), approved in March 2025. The program supports a far-reaching adjustment that includes currency flexibility, subsidy reforms and fiscal consolidation.

IMF staff project that Egypt’s obligations to the Fund will gradually decline over the life of the program, but for now the country remains heavily exposed. In the November snapshot alone, Cairo repaid more than SDR 164 million, trimming but not transforming its outstanding stock. 

Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire is the second-largest African borrower, with SDR 3.08 billion in IMF credit outstanding as of 12 November. Abidjan is covered by twin arrangements under the Extended Fund Facility and Extended Credit Facility, plus an RSF program aimed at climate and resilience spending. In June 2025 the IMF Board completed the fourth review of these programs and the third RSF review.

Kenya

In third place, Kenya has SDR 2.96 billion outstanding. Since 2021, Nairobi has been under a blended EFF/ECF program supplemented by an RSF arrangement, aimed at stabilising debt, raising revenue and creating space for social and climate spending. The IMF Board concluded the seventh and eighth reviews in October 2024, approving further disbursements.

In 2025, Kenya and the IMF opted not to proceed with a planned ninth review; the government has instead requested a new lending arrangement , seeking to roll over about US$800 million in undrawn funds while grappling with high debt-service costs and public anger over tax hikes.

Angola

Angola, fourth on the list with SDR 2.66 billion in IMF credit. An oil-dependent economy is still living with the legacy of earlier shocks. The country has no recent repayment history yet. Between 2018 and 2021, Luanda undertook an EFF-backed program that pushed through heavy fiscal consolidation, a value-added tax, exchange-rate liberalisation, partial debt reprofiling and steps toward inflation targeting.

Ghana

Ghana, fifth on the list, owes SDR 2.58 billion, equivalent to roughly US$3.5 billion at current SDR rates.  Accra is in the middle of a US$3 billion, three-year Extended Credit Facility approved in May 2023, designed to pull the country out of its worst economic crisis in decades. The IMF completed a third program review in late 2024, allowing a further disbursement of SDR 269.1 million (about US$360 million), while insisting on continued fiscal tightening, restructuring of domestic and external debt, and reforms in areas such as tax administration and state-owned enterprises.  

By mid-2025, Ghana’s parliament had also approved a US$2.8 billion debt relief deal with official bilateral creditors, pushing out payments due between 2022 and 2026 to the 2039–2043 period and helping keep the IMF program on track.

According to the head of the aid team, the convoy carried more than 195 tonnes of shelter materials, including 2,250 tents. He said the assistance aims to address the conditions faced by Gazans amid recent cold weather and rainfall, which have increased the need for emergency shelter.

The UAE launched the relief mission in November 2023 under the direction of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since the start of the conflict between Hamas and Israel , the initiative has provided continuous humanitarian support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Under the amendments, penalties outlined in Articles 70 and 71 of the law will be significantly stiffened, while a newly added Article 71 introduces a formal reconciliation mechanism for past offences, Youm7 reports.

According to the committee, the move specifically targets two problems: the increasing frequency of electricity theft, often involving the manipulation of meters or tapping into the grid, and violations by employees who knowingly supply power unlawfully or fail to report breaches.

Article 70, which applies to electricity-sector staff, has been rewritten to impose a minimum one-year prison sentence and fines ranging from 100,000 to 1 million Egyptian pounds on workers who illegally supply electricity, intentionally deny licensed services or conceal violations. Previously, the maximum penalty was six months in prison and a 50,000-pound fine. Repeat offenders will now face doubled penalties.

Article 71, concerning electricity theft by individuals or entities, has also been sharply toughened. Those found guilty of illegally obtaining electricity will face at least one year in prison or fines between 100,000 and 1 million pounds. If the theft results in a power outage, imprisonment becomes mandatory. Offenders who tamper with electrical equipment to steal power will face a minimum two-year sentence and fines of up to 2 million.

In all cases, convicted individuals must pay double the value of stolen electricity as well as the full cost of repairing damage.

Attorney General Mohamed Shawky said an extensive inventory uncovered 265 kilograms of gold, two tonnes of silver, and other precious metals that had accumulated across various investigative bodies, including the Weights and Measures Authority and the Mineral Resources Authority. Many of the items date back to the late 1990s.

Following an assessment, the Public Prosecution recommended converting the seized gold into bullion and handing it to the Central Bank to strengthen Egypt’s strategic reserves. The Cabinet approved the proposal, enabling technical teams to melt and refine the seized items into high-quality bars.

The bullion, worth an estimated $34 million, was formally handed over this week during a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, the Governor of the Central Bank Hassan Abdullah, and Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk. The Central Bank also received around $44 million in frozen financial assets, while 99,000 seized vehicles are set to be auctioned in line with court rulings.

Officials say the, amongst others, also follows months of clearing long-dormant evidence stores and unclaimed items.

Shawky described the operation as an example of “institutional integration and responsible management of public funds ,” adding that transforming stagnant assets into national reserves supports currency stability and economic resilience 

The Public Prosecution says it plans to continue similar asset conversion to modernise case management, clear backlogs and speed up judicial processes.

However, shortly after the launch, Egyptian citizens began experiencing issues when attempting to book tickets. Many reported being turned away at the entrance and told that only online bookings were accepted. Attempts to book through the online system were often met with messages indicating that tickets for Egyptians were "sold out." In contrast, foreign and Arab tourists appeared able to book tickets without similar difficulties.

The fact-checking platform Saheeh Masr (Right Egypt), operating under the Arabic hashtag #صحيح_مصر, conducted a comparative test. According to their findings, foreign visitors and Arab tourists were able to reserve tickets successfully, while Egyptian users attempting to book the same time slots received "sold out" notifications.

This incident generated significant public reaction across various platforms, including X, Reddit, and local forums. Many users expressed frustration, raising concerns about transparency, fairness, and the museum's intended audience.

In response to the criticism, museum officials stated that there is no explicit prioritisation of foreign visitors. However, they acknowledged that a portion of tickets is allocated for international tourists and that online booking restrictions are implemented during peak times to manage crowd control.

The controversy has sparked debate over whether the GEM underestimated domestic interest or if the decision is financially motivated, as ticket prices for foreign visitors are higher. The situation has prompted a broader discussion about whether the museum, intended to represent and celebrate Egyptian heritage, is accessible enough to its own citizens.

Saladin, born in Tikrit in 1137, rose to prominence as the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty. After becoming vizier in Egypt, he replaced the Fatimid Caliphate and established a Sunni-led state centred in Cairo, which remained his capital.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica notes that by the late 12th century, Saladin controlled Egypt, Syria, Yemen, the Hejaz, and parts of North Africa, creating the most unified political entity the region had seen in generations.

From Cairo , the heart of his administration, the Ayyubid state extended north toward Damascus , Jerusalem , and Aleppo , and eastward into Yemen and the Hejaz. These regions were not just territories; they were economic and spiritual centres that gave Saladin both strength and legitimacy.

After taking control of Egypt , Saladin deliberately moved to claim Damascus because it was seen as the symbolic seat of Syrian power.

Of course, Saladin is best known internationally for recapturing Jerusalem in 1187 after the Battle of Hattin. That single event reshaped the Crusades and positioned him, in both Muslim and Western sources, as a figure of military brilliance and political restraint.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art highlights that even chroniclers on the opposing side described him as generous, diplomatic and unusually humane for a wartime leader.

Many regions central to Saladin’s empire, Syria, Yemen, Palestine, and Egypt, remain at the core of today’s global discussions about conflict, humanitarian crises and foreign intervention.

“We jointly celebrate the Grand Egyptian Museum's opening; we write a new chapter in this ancient nation's history,” El-Sisi said in his address. “This stands as the world's largest museum dedicated to one civilisation – Egypt's eternal civilisation whose splendour never fades.”

The president emphasised the role of international collaboration in bringing the decades-long project to fruition, highlighting Japan's significant support.

The Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the Giza Pyramids, is considered the largest cultural structure built in the 21st century. Although first conceived in the 1990s, the foundation stone was laid in 2002 under the supervision of UNESCO.

Designed as one of the most advanced and expansive museum complexes globally, GEM aims to welcome seven million visitors annually in its initial phase, targeting a total of 30 million visitors by 2031.

“Thanks to God, I was able to break the Iranian world record,” Kabonga said after the attempt, celebrating with fans.

Guinness World Records representative Frances Morgan confirmed the milestone, noting Kabonga had “achieved nearly double the strength and distance” of the earlier record. “Kabonga is truly one of a kind,” she said.

The athlete is already looking ahead to even more ambitious challenges, including pulling a 200-tonne aeroplane and a 1,150-tonne train.

Kabonga is no stranger to extreme strength tests. According to Guinness, he previously pulled a 700-tonne ship with his teeth in September 2023 and moved a 15.73-tonne vehicle in March 2022.

Red marks countries that commemorate independence (the largest category). Orange shows nations that mark the formation of government . Yellow indicates unification moments, green reflects revolution, blue for saint days, purple for discovery, and pink for other reasons or when the reasoning doesn’t fit neatly into those categories. The striped pattern indicates where no data is available.

Unsurprisingly, most countries celebrate independence. That reflects widespread decolonisation and the rise of modern nation-states across Africa, Asia, Latin America , and elsewhere. The map shows large regions in red, indicating how many national days commemorate breaking free from colonial rule.

But some national days commemorate unification, for example, when formerly divided states merged (yellow). Others mark revolution (green), where a nation’s founding moment lies in an internal upheaval or regime change, rather than a foreign withdrawal. For example, Egypt celebrates Revolution Day on July 23, commemorating the 1952 revolution that ended the monarchy and established a republic.

Saints’ days or patron feast days also serve as national days in some countries, linking religion , tradition, and identity. Other nations mark discovery or “discovery of land” days, highlighting colonisation or exploratory heritage (purple). And in a few cases, national days are tied to other events or dates whose meaning is local or particular.

Significantly, not every country marks independence. Some states choose another moment, a constitution, a monarch’s accession, or a national hero’s birthday — because that event feels more defining to their identity.

This map’s breakdown is timely given recent political shifts and identity debates around the world. For example, Bangladesh officially recognised “July Mass Uprising Day” (August 5) in 2025, commemorating a recent revolution and regime change in 2024.

That shows how new national days can emerge from contemporary events, a country redefining how it wants to remember its own story.

Elsewhere, in regions facing secessionist pressures or debates over historical memory, national days are flashpoints. Which events get honoured (or omitted) reflects ongoing struggles over identity, history, and power.

The GERD has long been a flashpoint between the two countries. Egypt views it as a threat to its water security, while Ethiopia calls it a vital source of energy and national pride.

“There is no explanation other than a deliberate act of defiance by the Ethiopian side,” said Mokhtar Ghobashy, a lawyer and deputy head of the Arab Centre for Political and Strategic Studies. 

Ghobashy accused Ethiopia of acting unilaterally throughout the GERD’s construction and operation.

“It’s clear that they have a complete disregard for the historical rights of Egypt and Sudan,” he said.

Ethiopia, for its part, insists the dam reduced flood damage and supports regional development, rejecting Cairo’s claims as “malicious and baseless.”

For Egypt, the rising waters are more than a natural disaster. They are a reminder of a power struggle flowing through the Nile itself, where survival and sovereignty now intertwine.

The extensive conservation effort involved the biological treatment of the tomb’s walls, the restoration of its vivid ancient paintings and carvings, and the structural reinforcement of its pillars. 

“The restoration project spanned more than two decades of meticulous conservation work, including photogrammetry and detailed documentation,” said Mohamed Ismail, head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. “Thankfully, the final phase was completed last year, allowing the tomb to reopen to visitors. This milestone enhances Egypt’s cultural tourism landscape, adding a new highlight to the Valley of the Kings,” he added.

“Notably, a colony of bats had taken up residence in the tomb, and the restoration team worked tirelessly to remove all traces of their presence,” Ismail told Viory.

Originally discovered in 1799, the tomb contains a grand burial chamber for Amenhotep III, flanked by two adjoining chambers believed to have been built for his wives. Each chamber is adorned with intricate stone columns, hieroglyphs, and motifs celebrating the pharaoh’s reign. The restoration, supported by Japan, Italian experts, and UNESCO, began in 2004 and was completed in 2024.

He praised Egypt’s “leading role” in regional peace efforts and called for deeper U.S.-Egypt coordination.

Abdelatty welcomed the U.S. initiative, calling Trump’s efforts “sincere,” but stressed Egypt’s conditions , which are that humanitarian aid must reach Gaza on a scale, Israeli forces must withdraw, and any attempt to annex the West Bank or displace Palestinians must be rejected.

He reiterated Cairo’s support for a two-state solution, arguing it remains the only path to lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians since October 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry , and displaced over 80% of the enclave’s population. Egypt has played a central role in ceasefire talks and aid delivery through the Rafah crossing, making its stance crucial to any international settlement. 

“Today, I set a new record by pulling a 700-ton ship, surpassing the previous Ukrainian record of 614 tons. Thanks to God and the people who stood by me,” Kabonga said after completing the attempt.

Guinness World Records officials were present to verify the achievement.

“Today, Captain Ashraf Kabonga pulled a ship, and then two ships weighing a total of 700 tons, using only his teeth,” said Guinness adjudicator Mohamed Elnakeeb. “He accomplished the feat in two attempts, setting a new world record that no one has ever achieved before,” he added.

This isn’t Kabonga’s first time making headlines for his superhuman strength. The Egyptian wrestler already holds records for pulling the heaviest locomotive, a 279-ton train, and a subway car.

He emphasised the need for greater use of local currencies in cross-border trade, expanded lending from the New Development Bank (NDB), and joint investments in energy, infrastructure, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

“BRICS can and must play a central role in shaping a fairer, more inclusive global economic order,” Abdelatty said, according to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.

The appeal comes as global debt levels hit $315 trillion in 2025, according to the Institute of International Finance , with emerging markets accounting for nearly a third. Many African and Asian countries face rising debt-servicing costs as U.S. interest rates remain high and access to concessional financing tightens.

Abdelatty also used the platform to denounce Israel’s war in Gaza, calling it an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe,” and reiterated Egypt’s opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians. He welcomed this week’s UN General Assembly resolution reaffirming international support for a two-state solution.

BRICS , founded in 2009 as a counterweight to Western-led financial institutions, expanded in 2024 to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia, alongside original members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The bloc says its goal is to amplify the voice of the Global South in institutions such as the IMF, World Bank , and WTO.

El-Sisi accused Israel of brazenly violating international law, humanitarian principles, and established norms, saying its policies are destabilising and reckless. He argued that Israel’s practices risk turning the region into “a lawless arena for aggression,” with consequences not only for Palestinians but for the wider Middle East.

“This is a situation that is utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,” El-Sisi said, stressing that unchecked escalation could push the region into “an uncontrollable spiral.”

In a pointed message to Israelis , the Egyptian leader warned that current events could unravel decades of peace-building efforts, including the accords Israel has signed with its Arab neighbours. He cautioned that the fallout might erode opportunities for new peace deals, damage Israel’s own security, and even invalidate existing agreements.

“The consequences will be severe, and this is a price we will all pay, without exception,” El-Sisi said. He urged Israelis not to allow “the peace efforts of your predecessors to come to nought,” warning that regret may come too late.

El-Sisi also used his speech to express Egypt’s solidarity with Qatar following reports of Israeli aggression against Qatari airspace and territory. He said Cairo rejects any violation of a nation’s sovereignty and condemned the threat to Doha’s security in “the strongest and most unequivocal terms.”

Meanwhile, a 72-page independent United Nations inquiry concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The finding indicated that four of the five acts defined under international law have been carried out since the start of the war with Hamas.

Talaat highlighted strong performance in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. In 2024, exports jumped 80 percent to $4.3 billion, the workforce expanded by 70 percent to over 160,000 specialists, and the number of ICT firms tripled to more than 180 companies in just three years. 

“These achievements underscore Egypt’s rising ability to attract both global and regional investment in outsourcing and digital innovation,” Talaat said.

The country intends to rely on a six-pillar AI strategy that aims to establish robust data governance systems, integrate AI into priority sectors such as healthcare and justice, train 30,000 AI specialists by 2030, raise digital literacy so that 25 percent of government workers and 36 percent of citizens can use AI tools effectively. 

Egypt is also boosting its tech manufacturing base, now home to 14 mobile phone factories. Production is expected to nearly triple from 3.5 million units in 2024 to 9 million in 2025, with exports of locally made devices beginning later this year. Free trade agreements are expected to give Egyptian products a competitive edge in global markets.

That was the prime minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed giving a speech about the opening of a massive new dam on the Nile.

But he didn't keep his promise. Because the GERD is part of history. Here's why: 

What's in a name?

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, isn't like other dams. Mostly they are named for the places where they are located - China ’s Three Gorges Dam or the Itaipu Dam on the border of Paraguay and Brazil. Sometimes they do get a name to honour a historical figure - The Boulder Dam in the US was renamed the Hoover Dam.

But this one carries the name of the country. Sandwiched in between Grand and Renaissance. So you can tell straight away this is intended to be a BIG Deal.

In numbers

It’s the biggest hydroelectric project in Africa, expected to be able to produce more than 5,000 megawatts, that’s around the same level as five nuclear reactors. And about double what Ethiopia produced previously. The reservoir behind it can hold around 74 billion cubic meters of water. That’s almost as big as Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Put another way, it’s enough water to supply the needs of New York City for around half a century. And all that for the modest sum of $5 billion dollars.

What's not to like?

Not everyone is happy. Egypt’s reaction to the dam has ranged from furious to very angry to absolutely apoplectic. The Nile accounts for around 90% of the water supply and is relied upon by almost 120 million Egyptians. When the dam project was first announced, some in Egypt even threatened military action and there was talk of sabotaging the construction.

Relations thawed in 2014 and the various parties - Sudan is also heavily involved, although not quite as angry as Egypt - came to an deal, agreeing to cooperate on water use. Egypt still wasn’t exactly happy though.

So Cairo went on to seek mediation from the US and the World Bank and even the UN Security Council. Ultimately, Ethiopia stood its ground and said basically: "Our country, our water!" and continued building the dam and filling the reservoir. Egypt issued more warnings, tried to get Sudan on board and is still talking about the dam as a threat to its national security. And while both sides say they want a solution, there doesn’t seem any immediate prospect of that happening because Ethiopia would have to agree to giving up at least some control over how it could use the dam.

A regional asset

Which brings us back to the fact that it’s called an Ethiopian Dam, which certainly implies sovereignty. It is seen as a genuine part of the Renaissance of the country. And the government is so confident in the transformation that it will deliver that it has even banned import of petrol vehicles so it can switch to electric cars powered by green Ethiopian energy.

Other neighbouring countries are also pretty excited, because electricity is a precious commodity in Africa, which is home to the bulk of the 660 million people in the world without access to electric power. And, of course, hundreds of millions more have unstable and unreliable supplies. So Kenya and other countries are eager to up their imports from Ethiopia now the dam is up and running.

Kenya’s president William Ruto was among the high profile leaders at the dam’s inauguration this week, praising it as an African initiative. A less expected presence was the prime minister of Barbados - but the message there was that this is not only an African success but something developing nations around the world can aspire to. If you’re not Egypt, the dam looks like a win-win:  improving the lives of citizens in a climate friendly and economy-boosting manner.

Independent power

And this dam is really symbolic also of an anti-colonial message. Ethiopia prides itself on being one of the only African nations never to have been colonised. And Prime Minister Ahmed didn’t miss the opportunity to press the point in his inauguration speech, telling attendees:

“Ethiopia's prosperity is sure to be real. Ethiopia will once more show its strength to the black people like that of the Adwa battle. This is our second Adwa victory. Let us therefore stand strong together in unity and prosperity."

The battle of Adwa is perhaps the most famous moment in Ethiopian history, indeed one of the most celebrated in the whole of modern African history. It saw local forces led by Emperor Menelik II and  Empress Taytu Betul defeat an invading Italian army in 1896, preserving their country’s independence. It inspired people with African heritage across the world, including leaders of America’s civil rights movement. By putting it into his speech, Ahmed setting up the dam up as something far beyond a power plant.

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

Noting that, “The idea of painting with both my hand and foot at the same time started in 2019. I had a performance exactly a month later. When the idea came to me, I began asking people around me for their opinions, and they kept telling me it was impossible. They kept debating with me, saying that, scientifically, it's not possible to achieve muscular and mental coordination - that the brain can't make two decisions at once. They said it was nearly impossible,” he told Viory.

Bebaoui further noted that he pursued his vision through persistence and training. “I never believed it was impossible. When God inspired me with this idea, I felt I could achieve it. However, when I began practising, I encountered numerous challenges and sometimes felt overwhelmed.”

Videos from his performances show Bebaoui balancing on one leg while painting with his foot and hand simultaneously, creating two works of art in reverse. He has painted renowned world personalities including footballer Mohammed Salah.

Speaking on his future endeavours, the artist says his ambitions go beyond his current achievements. “My ambitions in the coming period are to apply to the Guinness World Records as the first artist in the world to paint with both his hand and foot at the same time - as if they were two completely different individuals, working in reverse, and within a record time. This is the approach I plan to take for my Guinness application. There will be a lot of diverse work, not just with the hand and foot - I will continue to develop myself further, and I won't stop at a certain stage. I hope to register this achievement in the Guinness World Records.”

The map, compiled from Numbeo’s 2024 Cost of Living Index and supported by other regional data, highlights how daily expenses vary widely across the continent.

Egypt, with a cost index between 37.5–45.5, benefits from government-subsidised food staples and relatively low housing costs.

Zimbabwe tops the list with an index above 67.5, reflecting persistent inflation, currency instability, and high import costs.

Other affordable countries include Tunisia, Algeria, and Ethiopia, while higher-cost nations include South Africa , Namibia, and Mauritius.

According to the African Development Bank and World Bank reports, differences in the cost of living are driven by:

Regional patterns

In 2025 alone, over 15 African countries are actively involved in space programmes, with Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya leading the charge. According to the African Space Industry Annual Report, the continent’s space economy was valued at $19.49 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit $23 billion by 2026.

Country-by-Country Dispatches

The NewSpace Africa Conference 2025, held in Egypt, also officially launched AfSA and unveiled the EU-Africa Space Programme, a €100 million collaboration supported by NASA, ESA, Airbus, and more.

While China leads the charge in infrastructure development, it has 23 bilateral space partnerships across Africa, spreading from satellite assembly labs to monitoring telescopes with strategic advantages like data access and long-term presence. Egypt, South Africa, and Senegal are also engaged in a proposed moon base program.

While resource constraints and external dependencies remain, the launch of AfSA, growth in local expertise, and growing international partnerships give hope that space might now be an instrument for inclusive development.

A new map from The World in Maps shows that only Egypt, Morocco and South Africa host Starbucks outlets on the continent, highlighting how local coffee cultures have constrained the brand’s growth in Africa.

Egypt: the biggest African market

Starbucks entered Egypt in 2006 through a licensing agreement with Kuwait‑based retail giant M.H. Alshaya Group. Today, Egypt is by far Starbucks’ largest African market. According to Alshaya’s store locator, there are 67 Starbucks location s in Egypt in mid‑2025, with Cairo accounting for 56 stores, Alexandria 7 and Giza 4.

These outlets span affluent neighbourhoods, shopping malls and tourist districts. Egypt’s sizable middle class, large expatriate community and strong appetite for Western brands have helped sustain Starbucks’ presence. The company also offers delivery and loyalty programmes that cater to urban professionals.

Morocco: cautious expansion

Morocco, also operated by Alshaya, has a much smaller network: the franchise lists 15 locations across the country. Most are clustered in Casablanca (eight stores), with Marrakech, Rabat and Tangier hosting the remainder. Starbucks opened its first Moroccan outlet in 2011 and has expanded slowly, adapting its menus to local tastes by offering mint‑infused drinks and pastries inspired by Moroccan cuisine. Industry analysts say high import costs for coffee beans and competition from established local cafés have kept the U.S. chain from scaling quickly.

South Africa: early enthusiasm, then setbacks

Sub‑Saharan Africa’s only Starbucks stores are in South Africa, where the chain opened its first café in Johannesburg in 2016 through a licensing agreement with Taste Holdings. The venture initially generated excitement in South Africa’s growing middle class. However, the economy entered a recession and consumer spending slowed, forcing Taste Holdings to rethink its strategy.

In 2019, the company announced it would exit the food business and had sold its 13 Starbucks stores to a consortium for 7 million. Reuters noted at the time that Taste Holdings planned to focus on its luxury retail brands, effectively limiting Starbucks’ growth in the country. Since then, the brand has remained niche, operating fewer than 20 outlets in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal under new franchise ownership.

The current record was set in 2014 by Canadian powerlifter Kevin Fast, who pulled 15 vehicles, each weighing around 850 - 900 kg. For nearly 12 years, that benchmark remained untouched until now.

"Kevin Fast set the record in 2014. Since then, no one could break it for nearly 12 years. Yet only me, the Egyptian, succeeded," Kabonga declared. "God willing, I will submit all the video footage, photos, and links to the Guinness World Records website to document this great event."

Cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd, Kabonga dragged the line of vehicles a full 10 metres, surpassing the minimum requirement for the record.

"Thanks to God, I managed to pull the vehicles for 10 metres. I can pull for 11 or even 12 metres, but I prefer not to be less than 10," he added with a smile.

If confirmed by Guinness World Records, Kabonga will become the new world record holder for the most vehicles pulled by an individual.

This comes as much of Egypt, including the capital Cairo, struggles through temperatures reaching 40°C or more in recent days.

The Electricity Ministry said this surge in demand is different from previous years.

While last year’s highest load came on a single day during a heatwave, this year’s pressure on the grid has stretched across several days, with no immediate sign of cooling.

To deal with the growing demand, authorities have increased emergency preparedness across the national electricity system.

Power stations, transmission lines , and distribution networks are all being closely monitored.

The ministry has also deployed teams on the ground and ordered continuous checks to ensure the system holds up.

Electricity Minister Mahmoud Esmat said the country is doing everything it can to prevent blackouts and ensure stable power supply.

“There must be immediate and accurate communication with citizens, verification of complaint resolution, and a continued push for better services,” he was quoted by local media as saying.

In recent years, Egypt has struggled with repeated power cuts during hot summer months, when air conditioning use rises sharply.

In 2023, the country introduced power-saving measures to reduce strain on its gas-based energy system.

But this year, the government has promised there will be no planned power cuts, despite the sharp rise in usage.

Egypt’s anti-drug body has initiated a nationwide campaign titled “Drugs won’t just ruin you alone” to raise awareness among drivers about the dangers of drug abuse, particularly in public transport hubs. This effort, reported by the Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction in collaboration with the Egyptian Red Crescent, coincides with heightened roadside drug testing for drivers. Aimed at correcting misconceptions about drug use, the campaign provides information about addiction treatment services via a hotline, with 620 calls for help noted.

Archaeological discovery of 5,500-year-old 'polish pyramids'

An archaeological breakthrough has unveiled a set of triangular burial mounds, referred to as the 'Polish pyramids', near Wyskoć in central Poland, some 3,000 miles from Egypt. These structures, believed to be 5,500 years old, were uncovered by researchers from Adam Mickiewicz University during a routine survey. According to Artur Golis, these mounds, associated with the Funnelbeaker culture, feature significant architectural elements and may hold artifacts tied to ancient burial practices.

Turkey's Bony Socks invests $100 million in Egyptian manufacturing facility

Turkish apparel manufacturer Bony Socks has committed $100 million to establish a manufacturing facility in 10th of Ramadan City, Egypt, as reported by Türkiye Today. The investment, facilitated by the Egyptian Commercial Office in Istanbul, aims to create 2,500 jobs and transform Egypt into a vital production hub for both African and European markets. This move aligns with Egypt’s strategy to attract foreign investments in high-potential sectors like textiles, contributing to significant bilateral trade growth.

Belgium returns ancient sarcophagus to Egypt after a decade

Belgian authorities have returned a 3,000-year-old wooden sarcophagus , dating back to the Ptolemaic period, to Egypt after nearly ten years in custody. This return was reported following a formal ceremony in Brussels where the sarcophagus and a ceremonial beard were presented to Egypt's ambassador, H.E. Ahmed Abu Zeid. The sarcophagus, adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions and skilled craftsmanship, represents a significant effort by Egypt to reclaim its cultural heritage from abroad.

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The move is part of a push by both countries to reduce exposure to exchange rate risks and transaction costs tied to the dollar. “The agreement will create a better environment for financial cooperation by supporting the use of local currencies in current account transactions and direct investment,” the PBoC said in a statement.

During his visit, Premier Li expressed China’s commitment to advancing bilateral trade and unlocking new areas of economic growth. “China is willing to work with Egypt to optimize bilateral trade and create new drivers of economic growth,” he said.

Pan Helin, a member of the Expert Committee for the Information and Communication Economy under China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said the MoU marks “a new milestone” in financial cooperation. “As Egypt diversifies its foreign exchange sources and the Renminbi becomes more prominent in international payments, this cooperation will help both countries reduce reliance on the dollar,” Pan told the Global Times .

What they said

The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said, “Egypt firmly rejects Ethiopia’s continued policy of imposing a fait accompli through unilateral actions concerning the Nile River.”

The change is one of the most significant updates to Egypt’s housing system in years.

The law gives tenants of these homes seven years to adjust to higher rents.

Businesses renting shops or offices will also have five years and the increase in rent prices will largely depend on where the home or shop is located.

In wealthier areas, rent will increase the most, with a minimum payment of 1,000 Egyptian pounds ($20.14) a month.

In other areas, the minimums will be lower, starting from 250 pounds ($5.03). The rent will also go up by 15% each year during the transition.

The government says these changes are needed to make the housing system fairer, but many worry that older and poorer tenants could be forced out.

One member of parliament, Abdelmonem Imam, said, “This law affects over 500,000 Egyptians aged 60 and above. We cannot support eviction without offering dignified alternatives.”

A new website will be launched so people can register and apply for help where there are challenges with the new rules. Older residents and low-income families are expected to be first in line.

The law is meanwhile awaiting approval and signing by the president before it comes into effect.

Under Egypt’s investment law, foreign companies can already own 100% of businesses in most sectors. The new measure means Chinese firms will be able to open bank accounts in Egyptian banks denominated in yuan, a development experts believe will streamline operations and encourage more Chinese investment, the People's Daily Online reports.

“Licensing Chinese companies to use yuan in Egypt means these firms can open bank accounts with the Chinese currency. The move will encourage more Chinese companies to pump investments in Egypt, which will further expand bilateral economic relations by facilitating trade in local currencies ,” said Waleed Gaballah, a member of the Egyptian Association for Political Economy, Statistics and Legislation.

Gaballah explained that Chinese businesses previously needed to convert yuan into U.S. dollars to operate in Egypt, adding costs and complexity. “Now the Chinese companies don’t have to use mediating currency,” he said. “They can use yuan directly within Egypt and transfer their profits back to China in the same currency.”

He noted that the yuan has “succeeded in making a large international presence in payments in recent years,” and that wider use of the Chinese currency will help reduce Egypt’s reliance on the dollar. Gaballah also expressed hope that more Chinese investment and local production could help narrow Egypt’s trade deficit with China.

According to Chairperson Amr Abdel Razek, the plant meets international standards and is ISO-certified. “This is a strategic step in strengthening Egypt’s local manufacturing capacity and ensuring a secure supply of essential medical products,” he stated at a press briefing.

Previously, Egypt imported around 90% of its dialysis filters, with the new factory aiming to reverse this dependency. While raw materials are currently sourced from Germany, Abdel Razek revealed plans to localise production entirely within one year.

Beyond dialysis filters, the companies are expanding into essential pharmaceutical manufacturing, including medications for intensive care, anaesthesia, and cardiology.

Abdel Razek said that 40% of these drugs are now locally produced in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, with plans to export to neighbouring countries in Africa and the Middle East .

The companies are also launching 22 new pharmaceutical products, expected to be priced up to 60% below imported alternatives. In collaboration with German specialists, they are running training programs to transfer knowledge and strengthen local technical expertise.

This development follows agreements signed in June 2023 between Wadi El Nile Stio Life Science and El Nasr Pharmaceutical Chemicals Company to rehabilitate and restart a dormant production facility.

The Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority will distribute the new dialysis and anaesthetic products, while plans are underway to establish nationwide maintenance centres and a dedicated unit for servicing dialysis machines.

The facility, which will be developed by Wadi El Nile Stio and SLS Egypt, is expected to cost EGP 160 million (approximately $3.3 million).

It is part of a wider effort by Egypt to become a hub for green energy in Africa and the Middle East.

The project will cover 200,000 square metres and be built in two stages.

The first phase will produce two gigawatts of solar cells and modules each year, while the second will focus on making raw materials like silicon ingots and wafers and increasing overall output.

The complex is expected to create more than 1,800 direct jobs, with many more expected through related services.

Officials say it will help Egypt develop advanced manufacturing skills and support local industry.

At the launch ceremony, key Egyptian and Chinese officials praised the project’s role in building stronger industrial ties.

Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of SCZONE, said , “This project represents a significant step forward in localising advanced industries in Egypt and enhancing industrial integration in clean energy.”

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Industry Minister Kamel El-Wazir also attended the event, which was seen as a sign of Egypt’s strong support for green technology .

He Fei, managing director of Sunrev Solar, said Egypt was chosen for its commitment to renewable energy. “We are bringing to Egypt our most advanced technologies in solar energy,” he said.

Home to nearly five million palm trees, the New Valley Governorate generates large volumes of palm frond waste annually. Authorities are now targeting this biomass as a resource for sustainable manufacturing and clean energy.

Minister Fouad noted that the Environment Ministry is actively promoting climate-conscious investment by converting waste into economic assets. A new unit has been established to link investors with green project opportunities, including bioenergy ventures.

El-Zamlout confirmed that the governorate has signed a cooperation agreement with the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation and European partners to build a €70 million factory for producing medium-density fibreboard (MDF) from palm residues.

Shredded palm fronds are also being considered as an alternative fuel source for Egypt’s cement industry, one of the country’s major greenhouse gas emitters. Officials aim to attract specialised companies to invest in processing facilities that would reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Countries across Africa and Asia are increasingly turning palm waste into a valuable resource for clean energy and industrial production.

In Malaysia, government-backed projects in collaboration with Japan are converting palm trunks into biofuel pellets and fiberboards for construction and furniture. The country also produces medium-density fibreboard (MDF) from palm shells and empty fruit bunches, meeting international export standards.

Cameroon is exploring similar waste-to-energy models , with studies highlighting the potential to repurpose over 200,000 tonnes of palm byproducts annually into fuel and fertiliser.

These efforts are part of a broader shift toward circular economy practices, where agricultural waste is transformed into renewable energy and sustainable materials, offering both environmental benefits and economic opportunity.

Algeria was ranked second on the continent, followed by Nigeria in third place and South Africa in fourth.

These countries have consistently remained among the most dominant military forces in Africa.

Ethiopia, Angola and Morocco also feature among the top ten African militaries, alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Libya.

Kenya, Chad, Mozambique and Tunisia fall within the top 15, while countries such as Central African Republic, Somalia and Sierra Leone rank among the lowest in Africa and globally.

Below is the full list of African countries as ranked by the Global Firepower Index out of a total of 145 countries globally.

1. Egypt (19)

2. Algeria (26)

3. Nigeria (31)

4. South Africa (40)

5. Ethiopia (52)

6. Angola (56)

7. Morocco (59)

8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (66)

9. Sudan (73)

10. Libya (76)

11. Kenya (83)

12. Chad (84)

13. Mozambique (89)

14. Tunisia (90)

15. Tanzania (92)

16. Cameroon (93)

17. Ivory Coast (102)

18. Mali (104)

19. Zambia (109)

20. Ghana (110)

21. Zimbabwe (111)

22. South Sudan (113)

23. Uganda (114)

24. Namibia (116)

25. Niger (119)

26. Eritrea (120)

27. Republic of the Congo (121)

28. Botswana (122)

29. Mauritania (123)

30. Senegal (125)

31. Burkina Faso (129)

32. Madagascar (130)

33. Gabon (133)

34. Liberia (138)

35. Sierra Leone (140)

36. Somalia (142)

37. Central African Republic (143)

The project is part of growing energy cooperation between the two nations and follows a visit by Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to Djibouti in April.

It is being developed with support from Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy and financed by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development.

Djibouti’s Ministry of Energy is also leading on the project, which will be executed with technical input from Egypt’s Arab Organization for Industrialisation.

Senior officials from both governments attended the event , including Djibouti’s Minister of Energy Younis Ali Gedi and Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Electricity, Major General Mohamed Osama Issa.

They described the project as a symbol of growing ties and shared goals between the two countries.

Egyptian and Djiboutian officials say the solar plant will help improve access to clean energy in the region and support Djibouti’s wider plans to modernise its national power grid.

The two governments are also discussing further cooperation in wind energy development, particularly in the Ghoubet region.

Officials say the new site, known as GPR-1X, could add at least two million recoverable barrels to national reserves.

The EGPC confirmed the well is now undergoing production testing, with signs suggesting more oil could be found in nearby layers of rock.

The find follows another nearby discovery made just three months ago, and both came after the EGPC began using artificial intelligence tools to guide its exploration efforts.

Authorities say these results show that Egypt’s mature oil fields still have major untapped potential when modern technology is used.

The government hopes such discoveries will support its ambition to become a key regional hub for oil and liquefied gas trade.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities echoed this, calling the postponement a move to uphold Egypt’s responsibility to present a world-class event that honours the scale of its heritage. The ministry emphasised that the delay allows time to fine-tune preparations for a ceremony that matches the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Located near the Giza Pyramids, the $1 billion Grand Egyptian Museum is set to be the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilisation.

While the official inauguration is delayed, the museum remains partially open to visitors through a soft opening phase, offering access to selected exhibitions.

In 1992, then Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, announced plans to build a new museum to bring together the ancient artefacts scattered throughout the country. In January 2002, Egypt launched a global competition to design a new museum near the Giza Pyramids to house its ancient treasures. A month later, a foundation stone was laid just 2km from the iconic site.

In 2003, Irish firm Heneghan Peng Architects won the bid with a striking modern design in which construction began in 2005, but the project faced significant delays due to environmental, financial, and political challenges.

The inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been postponed at least five times. Originally scheduled for 2012, the opening was repeatedly delayed, first to late 2020, then to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequent rescheduling pushed it to 2022 and then 2023. A soft opening began in October 2024, but the full launch has yet to take place. The most recent delay shifted the planned July 3, 2025, opening to the last quarter of 2025, citing regional instability.

Once formally launched, GEM is expected to become a global cultural landmark, symbolising Egypt’s ancient legacy and its modern aspirations.

As part of efforts, there is a plan to introduce new regulatory guidelines, developed in partnership with the industrial sector, to shift the country toward reusable and biodegradable materials.

The government is offering incentives to attract investors interested in producing eco-friendly alternatives, hoping to support a broader move toward a green economy that benefits all sectors of society , including vulnerable groups.

The campaign will also include public awareness efforts to inform citizens about the dangers of plastic waste.

Officials say the goal is not only to curb environmental harm but also to create a more inclusive and sustainable economic system.

Egypt’s Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad said the transition will take time but is important to safeguard the country’s natural resources, especially marine ecosystems that are suffering from growing levels of plastic pollution.

She emphasised that the new approach would not leave behind low-income groups, as affordability and accessibility are central to the reform process.

Spanning 700 square kilometres, the new capital is designed to accommodate over six million people.

Since 2023, tens of thousands of civil servants have already relocated there, and the city has officially begun functioning as Egypt’s administrative centre following the start of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s third term.

Banks, businesses and foreign diplomatic missions are also moving in, signalling that the shift is more than symbolic.

At the centre of the project is China ’s state-owned construction giant, the China State Construction Engineering Corporation.

The firm is building the capital’s central business district and will now also be responsible for its operation and maintenance under a recent agreement between the Chinese and Egyptian governments.

This includes managing infrastructure , urban services, and commercial facilities.

Among the most prominent features of the new capital is the Iconic Tower, which stands at 385.8 metres and is now the tallest building in Africa.

The central business district also includes ministries, a presidential palace, parliament buildings, and embassies, all built at a cost of approximately $3.8 billion.

The Chinese presence in Egypt extends beyond this project, with over 2,800 Chinese companies operating in the country and investments exceeding $8 billion, much of it aligned with Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Egypt has introduced a cost-plus-margin model to manage utilities in the new city, aimed at keeping public control while benefiting from international expertise.

The model, where Chinese firms not only build but also operate large-scale projects, is becoming increasingly common across Africa and reflects a growing pattern of strategic partnerships between China and the continent.

For Egypt, the new capital represents a broader ambition and indicates where the country is headed.

Abdelatty voiced support for ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States. “We believe this opportunity should not be missed. Egypt is ready to provide all support to ensure the success of this peaceful path,” he said .

Grossi’s visit followed a recent IAEA report indicating Iran had increased production of highly enriched uranium.

“Our report is impartial. Maybe it is uncomfortable for some, but we don’t have a political agenda,” Grossi said. “Trust is not enough, we need more transparency. The agency aims to provide Tehran with incentives for clarity.”

In Tehran, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said: “We want guarantees regarding the lifting of sanctions . So far, the American side has not been willing to clarify this issue.”

Grossi’s third visit to Cairo coincided with that of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, where both officials held separate meetings with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi before joining Abdelatty for a trilateral meeting later in the day.

The Ministry of Labour confirmed that the break will run from Thursday, 5 June to Monday, 9 June. It applies to all employees covered under Egypt’s Labour Law No. 12 of 2003.

Employers have, as a result, been instructed to enforce the decision across private workplaces, ensuring that workers receive their full pay during the time off.

The announcement follows a similar decree by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who last week confirmed the same holiday period for public sector employees, including those in ministries, local administration units, and state-owned companies.

Examination schedules, where relevant, will continue as planned, local reports confirm.

The decision to offer paid leave to private sector workers marks a shift in labour policy in Egypt, where holiday benefits have not always been evenly applied.

By standardising time off for both private and public workers during major religious celebrations, the government hopes to promote fairness, unity, and work-life balance.

The crossing will link Ras Hamid in Saudi Arabia with Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, spanning the Strait of Tiran.

The announcement comes years after Saudi Arabia’s King Salman first proposed the idea in 2016.

The bridge, often referred to by locals as the “Moses Bridge,” has gained renewed attention following Egypt’s confirmation that it is ready to begin construction.

“We have now completed the planning for the bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia and are ready to implement it at any time, whether as a bridge or a tunnel,” Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel al-Wazir, was quoted by the Business Insider as saying.

The route is expected to support more than a million travellers each year, offering an alternative path for pilgrims heading to Mecca.

It is also expected to enhance trade and tourism between the two countries.

The bridge will run near NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion megacity project. NEOM has faced international criticism over delays, alleged rights violations, and the treatment of communities in its path.

Despite this, the bridge is seen as a separate and unifying project that could drive development and cooperation across the region.

Proposals to build a Red Sea crossing between the two countries date back to 1988 but have been delayed by political concerns.

With the planning now complete, both governments say they are ready to proceed.

Disclaimer: The image for the article was AI-generated.

Egyptian residents express mounting concerns over Dubai billionaire Mohamed Alabbar's plans to redevelop downtown Cairo, fearing a loss of historical character and increased Gulf influence. As reported by various sources , Alabbar's initiative aims to replicate Dubai's model for a tourism-centric economy amid Egypt's reliance on Gulf states for financial support. Critics, including architect Ahmed Zaazaa, raise alarms about potential elitism in the redevelopment process, while the Egyptian government insists it will consider multiple investment proposals.

Mother of jailed activist resumes hunger strike

Laila Soueif, mother of jailed Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, has announced her return to a full hunger strike in London to protest her son's ongoing imprisonment in Egypt, as reported by AFP. She initially moderated her strike following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's intervention in March but found it necessary to escalate her protest again after Fattah's continued detention. Fattah, a significant figure in Egypt's pro-democracy movement, has also been on hunger strike since March, highlighting the plight of political prisoners in Egypt.

Tourist vessel capsizes in Red Sea

Seven individuals, including five foreign tourists, have been confirmed dead following the capsizing of the Sea Story dive boat in the Red Sea, as decreed by Egyptian authorities. The incident , attributed to severe weather conditions, occurred while the boat was on a diving expedition near Sataya Reef, with the vessel having passed routine safety inspections prior to the tragedy. This incident raises concerns regarding the safety standards of Egypt's tourism sector, which plays a crucial role in the national economy.

Fatal crash of Egyptian military training aircraft

The Egyptian Armed Forces reported a military training aircraft crash during an exercise, which claimed the lives of its crew due to a technical malfunction. According to Roya News , the incident occurred near Ras El Bar on the Mediterranean coast. The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended condolences, signalling regional solidarity amid Egypt's tragic accident, which showcases the challenges within military operations.

Minister calls for green partnerships in the Arab World

Egypt’s Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad has urged for enhanced public-private partnerships to drive the region's green transition, Daily News Egypt reports. During her opening remarks at the Arab Sustainability Expo held in Cairo, she highlighted the importance of aligning sustainability with economic incentives and showcased Egypt's initiatives in renewable energy and climate finance. The expo aims to facilitate collaboration among government leaders, private stakeholders, and international organisations to address key sustainability challenges across the Arab region.