South Africa has completed technical preparations for proposed industrial and automotive cooperation protocols with Egypt, according to statements made during bilateral talks in Cairo on June 21, 2026.
South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau said the preparations were finalized during meetings with Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid Saleh and Egypt's Minister of Industry.
The discussions focused on shifting bilateral relations toward joint manufacturing, value chain integration, and an automotive investment partnership between Egypt and the Southern African Customs Union.
Tau stated that the priority is transforming dialogue into practical projects, while Saleh highlighted the need for genuine African-African cooperation in industry, mining, energy, and trade.
Both sides agreed to activate cumulative rules of origin across the continent and to accelerate product certification, particularly in pharmaceuticals, with plans for virtual technical meetings and reciprocal trade exhibitions.