President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s recent diplomatic tour of Kenya and Uganda marks a renewed effort by Egypt to strengthen its influence and partnerships across Africa, with a particular emphasis on East Africa and the Nile Basin region. The visit took place in mid-May 2026 and reflects a broader strategic realignment in Cairo’s foreign policy that has been evolving since 2014, focusing on development cooperation, regional integration, and tailored bilateral engagement.
The trip began with President El Sisi’s attendance at the Africa-France Summit in Kenya, followed by high-level bilateral meetings in Entebbe with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The discussions covered a variety of critical topics, including economic collaboration, water security linked to the Nile Basin, the ongoing situation in Sudan, and broader stability issues within the Horn of Africa.
Egyptian officials and analysts characterize the visit as a deliberate shift towards prioritizing East Africa, an area that has gained increased geopolitical and economic significance for Cairo. According to Ramy Zohdy, Vice President of the Arab Centre for Strategic Studies and an expert on African affairs, the visit serves as evidence of a refined approach in Egypt’s Africa policy. Rather than applying a uniform strategy to the continent, Egypt now pursues country-specific engagement that responds to the unique conditions and priorities of each partner state.
Zohdy noted that since 2014, Egypt has enhanced its diplomatic efforts by combining direct presidential involvement with more structured institutional cooperation, enabling it to build a more substantial political and economic presence throughout Africa. This evolving approach recognizes the continent’s diversity and the need for customized partnerships, particularly in regions like East Africa and the Nile Basin.
Water security remains a central issue, with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) featuring prominently in the discourse. Egypt advocates for a cooperative framework based on transparency, joint management, and mutual benefit to address concerns over the Nile’s water resources. Zohdy pointed to other regional projects—such as Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere Dam—as successful examples of infrastructure development within genuine partnerships that balance growth and resource rights.
Economically, Kenya and Uganda are viewed as key partners due to their roles in finance, agriculture, and regional ecosystems connected to the Nile. Nairobi’s status as a commercial hub and Uganda’s agricultural significance present considerable opportunities for Egyptian investment in sectors including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, industry, and logistics. Enhanced economic integration between Egypt and these East African nations is expected to support the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), promoting intra-African trade and reducing dependence on external markets.
Historical ties between Egypt, Kenya, and Uganda also provide a robust foundation for expanded cooperation in areas such as training, capacity building, knowledge exchange, and joint private-sector initiatives. Observers emphasize that President El Sisi’s visit underscores Egypt’s ambition to adopt a more dynamic and constructive role within the continent, shifting away from outdated policy frameworks toward partnerships grounded in shared development goals and practical collaboration.