• The two countries signed accords on water management, infrastructure, trade, and investment protection.

• Kagame’s official visit focused on regional security and economic cooperation.

• Remittances from Egyptians in Rwanda rose to $3.4 million in FY 2023/24, up from $1 million.

Rwanda and Egypt signed several memorandums of understanding on September 23 covering water resources, infrastructure, trade, and investment protection as the two nations moved to strengthen bilateral ties.

The agreements were concluded during Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s official visit to Egypt, which focused on expanding cooperation in key economic sectors and addressing shared development challenges. Talks between Kagame and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also covered regional and international issues, including security in the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa.

“Rwanda and Egypt have numerous opportunities to strengthen our economic relations. Africa is richly endowed with natural resources, but to truly benefit, we must transform them into high value-added products. What we seek is a system of development that is sustainable, pragmatic, and brings prosperity to our people,” Kagame said.

Both countries have stepped up international cooperation in recent months. Egypt has signed agreements with Singapore, Tunisia, and Mauritania, while Rwanda has strengthened ties with Mozambique and Azerbaijan.

The two nations also face shared challenges such as water security and economic priorities. According to Egypt’s statistics agency CAPMAS, remittances from Egyptians working in Rwanda rose sharply to $3.4 million in FY 2023/24, compared with $1 million the previous year. Transfers from Rwandans in Egypt also increased slightly, to $339,000 from $296,000.

This article was initially published in French by Lydie Mobio

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum