Cairo–Cape Town corridor to link Middle East, Africa

M&P Group has proposed developing the Cairo–Cape Town route into an economic corridor linking markets across North and Southern Africa, with the route also supporting trade and logistics links between the Middle East and Africa. The initiative focuses on trade, logistics, transport, infrastructure and investment, while supporting the movement of goods and improving links between businesses and markets along the corridor.

The proposed corridor would go beyond a conventional road connection by linking transport networks with manufacturing, energy, mining and other value chains. M&P Group said the approach could help reduce transport and logistics costs, improve market access and support greater intra-African trade.

The initiative is being developed in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to increase trade between African countries. It is expected to bring governments, African institutions, investors, businesses and financing institutions into a framework for developing cross-border projects.

Sherif El-Badawi, CEO of M&P Group, said the initiative aims to turn stronger Egypt–South Africa ties into projects that can support trade and investment across the continent.

“The Cairo–Cape Town initiative represents a valuable opportunity to transform the growing political momentum between Egypt and South Africa into an economic and investment pathway connecting the northern and southern parts of the continent,” he said.

M&P Group is working towards a Cairo–Cape Town Economic Forum planned for 2027, with project development and investor engagement expected to form part of the process.