Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Egypt received renewed momentum following a high-level bilateral meeting held on 13 May 2026 between H.E. Ambassador Ntsiki Mashimbye, South Africa’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, and H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Abu Bakr Saleh, Egypt’s newly appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Africa.
The meeting took place at Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates in the New Administrative Capital, underscoring the growing importance both countries place on strengthening African diplomacy, political collaboration, and economic partnerships.
South Africa Welcomes Egypt’s New Africa-Focused Foreign Policy Portfolio
During the engagement, Ambassador Mashimbye congratulated Ambassador Mohamed Abu Bakr Saleh on his recent appointment as Deputy Minister responsible for African affairs. She noted that South Africa warmly welcomes the establishment of this strategic foreign policy portfolio, describing it as an important step toward enhancing African cooperation and continental engagement.
The discussions reflected both nations’ shared commitment to advancing African unity, strengthening regional institutions, and promoting collaborative approaches to continental challenges and opportunities.
Bilateral Political and Economic Relations Reviewed
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the two diplomats to review the current state of bilateral political and economic relations between South Africa and Egypt.
South Africa and Egypt are among Africa’s leading economies and influential diplomatic actors, with longstanding ties rooted in trade, investment, tourism, education, and multilateral cooperation. The discussions focused on identifying further opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest while reinforcing diplomatic coordination between Pretoria and Cairo.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of stronger bilateral engagement in support of Africa’s development agenda and broader continental integration efforts.
Focus on African Union Meetings and Al Alamein Africa Forum
The bilateral meeting further addressed preparations for upcoming continental engagements, including the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meetings and the anticipated “Al Alamein Africa Forum: GO63,” scheduled to take place in June 2026 in the coastal city of Al Alamein on Egypt’s north coast.
The forum is expected to bring together African leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and stakeholders to discuss issues relating to economic growth, regional integration, investment, and Africa’s future development trajectory.
The discussions highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between South Africa and Egypt within the framework of the African Union and other multilateral platforms aimed at promoting peace, development, and African solidarity.
South African Embassy Delegation Supports Bilateral Engagement
Ambassador Mashimbye was accompanied during the meeting by Mr Muhammad Abdool, Counsellor: Political, and Mr Thabo Sanyane, First Secretary: Political, from the South African Embassy in Egypt.
Their participation reflected the Embassy’s ongoing commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and supporting closer collaboration between the two countries across political, economic, and continental priorities.
Strengthening African Partnerships
The engagement between South Africa and Egypt comes at a time when African states are increasingly prioritising strategic partnerships, regional coordination, and stronger diplomatic engagement to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth and development.
As two influential countries on the continent, South Africa and Egypt continue to play important roles in shaping Africa’s diplomatic and economic landscape, while advancing cooperation through continental institutions and bilateral partnerships.
