Egypt and Uganda have pledged to strengthen economic cooperation and coordination on Nile water issues, officials said, as both countries seek to expand trade ties and bolster regional stability.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello on the sidelines of the Invest in Uganda Forum, held with support from diplomatic and business groups, according to an official statement.
The talks reflected growing engagement between Cairo and Kampala, driven by a series of recent high-level visits and the outcomes of joint ministerial consultations held earlier this month.
Abdelatty highlighted what he described as “positive momentum” in bilateral relations, calling for deeper cooperation across key sectors including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, water resource management and pharmaceuticals.
Both sides expressed interest in expanding trade and investment flows, as African economies increasingly look to intra-continental partnerships to drive growth and reduce reliance on external markets.
The discussions also focused heavily on Nile Basin cooperation, a sensitive and strategic issue for countries along the river.
Egypt, which depends on the Nile for more than 90 percent of its freshwater needs, has long advocated for coordinated management of the river’s resources. Uganda, located upstream, plays a key role in regional water governance frameworks.
Abdelatty stressed the importance of collaboration among Nile Basin countries, urging what he called “consensus-based approaches” to water management and warning against unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability.
He also welcomed Uganda’s role in advancing dialogue within the Nile Basin Initiative, particularly during its recent chairmanship of the group’s consultative process.
The Nile Basin Initiative, which brings together countries sharing the river, has faced periodic tensions over water use, dam construction and allocation rights, especially in the eastern basin.
Egypt has repeatedly called for legally binding agreements governing upstream projects, while other countries have pushed for greater flexibility to support development needs.
During the meeting, Abdelatty commended what he described as steps taken to restore inclusiveness within the initiative and promote joint development projects aligned with international law.
Beyond water issues, the two ministers exchanged views on broader regional challenges, including peace and security concerns across Africa.
They discussed developments in the Horn of Africa, the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the wider Great Lakes region, areas that have faced persistent instability in recent years.
Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen coordination at bilateral and multilateral levels, particularly in addressing conflict and promoting economic development.
The meeting comes as African countries intensify diplomatic and economic engagement within the framework of continental integration efforts, including the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Analysts say stronger ties between Egypt and Uganda could help bridge regional divides, particularly on issues such as water governance and cross-border investment.
For Cairo, expanding partnerships in East Africa is part of a broader strategy to reinforce its political and economic presence across the continent.
For Kampala, closer ties with Egypt offer opportunities to attract investment, enhance infrastructure development and deepen cooperation in strategic sectors.
While differences remain on some aspects of Nile water management, officials signaled a willingness to maintain dialogue and pursue mutually beneficial solutions.
The two ministers said they would continue to build on current momentum to advance cooperation, with the aim of supporting stability, sustainable development and economic growth in both countries and across the region.
