Egypt, Rwanda Sign Water, Trade Deals During Kagame Visit

3 DAYS AGO·UPDATED 3 DAYS AGO

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Above: President of Rwanda Paul Kagame and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in Cairo, Egypt on March 26, 2022. Image copyright: Egyptian Presidency/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

These agreements are a strategic win for Egypt's economic expansion into East Africa. The logistics zone in Rwanda creates a permanent foothold for Egyptian goods in a market of 300 million people, while the reciprocal land allocation gives Egyptian businesses direct access to regional trade corridors. With trade already jumping from $68 million to $216 million in just one year, this partnership positions Egypt as a key player in Africa's fastest-growing economic region.

Amwal Al Ghad

Narrative B

Rwanda gains tremendous value from this partnership by accessing Egypt's advanced technical expertise and established trade networks. The heart care center and pharmaceutical cooperation directly address Rwanda's healthcare development goals, while Egyptian investment in infrastructure supports the country's Vision 2050 development strategy. Egypt's commitment to capacity building and knowledge transfer provides Rwanda with the tools needed to become a regional economic hub.

The New Times

Opposition narrative

Egypt’s deepening partnership with Rwanda — spanning security cooperation and investment deals — risks entrenching authoritarian practices on both sides. Cairo, under President el-Sisi, and Kigali, led by Paul Kagame, face persistent allegations of suppressing dissent and curbing press freedoms. Their closer ties, framed as regional stability and economic progress, may instead normalize illiberal governance and weaken African efforts toward accountable democracy.

Amnesty International The Conversation