The Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), an international organisation affiliated with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the largest representative body of the private sector across the OIC's 57 member states, has announced the launch of the "Best Entrepreneurship Models in Africa" initiative as one of its flagship programmes. The initiative is designed to support and empower entrepreneurs, encourage sustainable innovation, expand trade exchange, foster regional investment, and build bridges of cooperation to advance Africa's and the Islamic world's economic renaissance. As part of its efforts to strengthen private sector engagement and enable investors to keep pace with rapid global market developments, the ICCD also unveiled its latest publication, "Key Trade Agreements of the Islamic World." The report provides comprehensive data on trade agreements among Islamic countries, with country-specific profiles covering investment volumes, trade flows, and future trends, giving decision-makers critical insights into their economic impact. The announcement was made during the ICCD's first official reception in Egypt, held on Sunday. The event reaffirmed Egypt's role as a beacon of economic and developmental cooperation, leveraging its exceptional geopolitical and economic position. With its strategic location bridging East and West, North and South, Egypt serves as Africa's gateway to the world and a vital hub for trade, investment, and regional cooperation. Bilateral meetings and business sessions on the sidelines of the reception underscored the importance of deepening collaboration and forging strategic partnerships to advance shared interests and stimulate growth across Islamic countries. The reception brought together senior representatives from Egyptian government institutions, more than 30 embassies, and leading business and investment figures, creating a unique platform for dialogue and partnership building. Yousef Khalawi, Secretary-General of the ICCD, highlighted the Chamber's mission to unite Islamic economies and empower the private sector, noting its activities across more than 30 cities worldwide. For his part, Ismail Abdel Ghaffar, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, stressed that "education and scientific research are the cornerstone of sustainable growth, and investing in youth is the greatest investment a nation can make for its future. We must develop effective human capital capable of overcoming the risks and challenges facing our region." Ahmed El Wakil, President of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, also emphasised the private sector's central role in driving development and supporting entrepreneurship across Islamic countries.
