The Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement (UPA) is in advanced discussions with global e-commerce giant Alibaba Group to establish a major regional center in Egypt designed to serve the entire African continent. This strategic move aims to bolster digital transformation, supply chain logistics, and e-commerce infrastructure across Africa, positioning Egypt as a pivotal gateway for regional and global trade.
A Strategic Gateway for Africa
The proposed hub, which would be located within the UPA’s strategic warehouses, is a cornerstone of the “Unified Procurement for Africa” initiative. Hisham Stait, Vice Chairman of UPA, met with Alibaba representatives to outline a vision for enhancing integration in the supply and logistics system at a continental level.
The partnership seeks to leverage Egypt’s strategic location to create a seamless connection between African and Middle Eastern markets, significantly boosting intra-African trade and expanding access to global platforms for local businesses.
Boosting Digital and Trade Infrastructure
Discussions have centered on creating a dedicated regional platform for users in Egypt and Africa. This platform will not only facilitate trade but also accelerate digital transformation by deploying Alibaba’s advanced solutions in data management and digital infrastructure.
A key component of the collaboration involves fostering research partnerships between institutions in Egypt, China, and other African nations. These efforts will focus on advancing capabilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of technological innovation. The partnership also extends to the healthcare sector, with planned cooperation for the upcoming Africa Health ExCon 2025.
Expanding Export Opportunities
A primary objective of the alliance is to reinforce export and import opportunities for both Egyptian and African products. By integrating with Alibaba’s extensive global platforms, local producers and businesses will gain unprecedented access to international markets. This initiative is expected to drive economic growth, support sustainable development, and maximize the benefits of pan-African economic cooperation.
About Alibaba Group
Alibaba Group is a multinational technology company specializing in e-commerce, retail, Internet, and technology. Founded in 1999, it provides consumer-to-consumer (C2C), business-to-consumer (B2C), and business-to-business (B2B) sales services via web portals, as well as electronic payment services, shopping search engines, and cloud computing services. It is one of the world’s largest retailers and e-commerce companies.
Source: Waya
