Egypt is ramping up its diplomatic efforts across Africa to address security concerns in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region as ongoing conflicts take a toll on the country’s economy.
Shipping disruptions caused by attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, attributed to Yemen’s Houthi group, have led to a sharp decline in Suez Canal revenues. President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi revealed that canal revenue dropped by 60 percent over the past 11 months, resulting in a staggering $7 billion loss.
As part of its diplomatic response, Egypt hosted the inaugural meeting of a trilateral committee with Somalia and Eritrea on Saturday. This follows an October summit in Asmara, Eritrea, aimed at fostering regional cooperation.
On the same day, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, engaged in discussions with Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, emphasizing the importance of coordinating efforts among Red Sea states to counter shared maritime threats.
“The increasing threats to regional security are driving Egypt’s heightened interest in African affairs,” said Amani el-Taweel, a regional expert at Cairo’s Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies. She highlighted that developments in East Africa impact both Egypt’s water security and its economic interests tied to Red Sea trade routes.
In addition to its focus on the Horn of Africa, Egypt has expanded its diplomatic outreach to other parts of the continent. Recent engagements include discussions with leaders from Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of the Congo, Kenya, and Chad. Last December, Abdelatty visited Chad to strengthen cooperation on counterterrorism and trade.
The Suez Canal, connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, remains a critical source of foreign currency for Egypt’s economy. With revenue losses mounting, Egypt’s efforts to secure Red Sea stability and build African alliances have become increasingly urgent.
During Saturday’s discussions, Abdelatty and Youssouf also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Somalia’s stability, which is vital for addressing regional political and security challenges.
“The intensified Egyptian approach to engaging with African states is both logical and necessary,” El-Taweel stated, underscoring the urgency of Egypt’s renewed focus on African diplomacy amid growing regional instability.
