Egypt and Sudan explored means for cooperation in the mining sector and value-added industries during a meeting between Karim Badawi, Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Nour El-Daim Taha, the Sudanese Minister of Minerals; and Omar El-Farouq, the Sudanese Deputy Ambassador to Cairo, and representatives from leading Sudanese mining companies and institutions.

Badawi emphasized the significant opportunities for partnership between Egypt and Sudan, highlighting the prospects of cooperation to utilize the rich mining resources in Sudan to support value-added industries and export to international markets.

The minister added that Egypt is considering building specialized mining schools, and that is in parallel with expanding in research and studies to serve the development of the mining industry in Egypt.

Meanwhile, Taha confirmed Sudan’s commitment to building a stronger strategic partnership with Egypt in the minerals sector. He stated that they envision Egypt serving as a crucial gateway for exporting Sudanese minerals to international markets.

During the meeting, it was agreed to form joint working groups to exchange ideas and explore avenues for future cooperation. This includes training, exchanging expertise and technologies, and establishing a timeline and mechanism for effective collaboration to serve the interests of both countries and the companies operating in this sector.

Egypt exported $26.4 million worth iron and steel in 2023, as well as $16.8 million worth articles of iron and steel. The country further exported $3.2 million worth aluminum and articles thereof, and $1.3 million worth copper and articles thereof during the same year, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics’ (CAPMAS) latest Annual Bulletin of Trade Exchange between Egypt & Nile Besin Countries.