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During the "Export Smart 2026" conference, Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBank) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC). This strategic step aims to enhance the international competitiveness of national products and facilitate the entry of Egyptian companies into African markets.

The signing took place on the sidelines of the bank’s official banking sponsorship of the conference's 4th edition. Organized by "Go Global" under the theme "Africa Without Borders: Transforming the AfCFTA into Business Opportunities.

A Strategic Partnership Linking Finance to Quality Standards

The MoU reflects a mutual commitment to integrate banking and financial services with export control and quality management systems.

This cooperation focuses on supporting the entire Egyptian exporter’s journey, upgrading local product quality to comply with international standards, and enabling national companies to fully leverage the trade advantages offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Updating Data and Overcoming Stereotypes about African Markets

In his opening address at the conference, Dr. Ahmed Galal, CEO and Managing Director of EBank, highlighted that relying on outdated information and perception of African markets—some dating back nearly 30 years—represents a major obstacle to expanding trade.

Dr. Galal emphasized the urgent need to update database resources regarding investment opportunities, analyze the specific nature of each market, and understand its actual needs, rather than relying on historical impressions that no longer reflect the continent's current reality.

A Comprehensive Vision for Financing and Sustainable Partnerships

The CEO further noted that penetrating African markets requires more than just offering products and trade financing; it demands an integrated ecosystem that includes:

Information & Training: Providing accurate data and specialized consulting to businesses.

Risk Management: Assisting with informed decision-making and connecting with reliable partners.

Direct Engagement: Organizing field visits and engaging with regional institutions to discover unlisted opportunities.

He also stressed the importance of shifting from short-term sales transactions to building long-term, strategic commercial partnerships across the continent.

Integrative Roles and the Exporters Club

Dr. Galal reiterated the vital role of collaboration between banks, government agencies, and quality regulators to remove trade barriers. In this context, EBank contributes through its "Export Club" unit, which guides businesses through every stage of the exporting process—from market discovery to deal execution—strengthening the global presence of Egyptian products.