UPA and Alibaba Group Explore Collaboration in Digital Transformation, E-Commerce, and Establishment of a Regional Hub Serving Africa
A productive meeting was held between the Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) and the Alibaba Group to explore potential areas of cooperation in digital transformation, e-commerce, logistics, and supply-chain development, as part of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships and advance the digital economy.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the development of a regional platform for users in Egypt and Africa that would enhance connectivity with African and Middle Eastern markets, promote intra-regional trade, and expand access to global markets.
The discussions also addressed the establishment of a regional center for Alibaba Group within UPA’s strategic warehouses in Egypt. The proposed center would serve as an advanced logistics hub for the African continent, supporting the implementation of the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM) and enhancing regional integration in supply and procurement systems.
Key areas of potential cooperation included:
- Boosting export and import opportunities for Egyptian and African products through Alibaba’s global platforms.
- Accelerating digital transformation by adopting advanced data management and digital infrastructure solutions, including artificial intelligence applications.
- Fostering research and innovation partnerships between institutions in Egypt, China, and African countries in areas such as AI and digital infrastructure.
- Advancing healthcare collaboration through participation in the upcoming Africa Health ExCon in June, alongside initiatives for technology transfer and capacity building in medical equipment maintenance.
In this context, Dr. Hesham Stait, Chairman of the Unified Procurement Authority, emphasized that cooperation with Alibaba Group aligns with UPA’s vision to strengthen regional integration and adopt state-of-the-art digital solutions in unified procurement and supply-chain management. He added that establishing a regional logistics center within UPA’s strategic warehouses would position Egypt as a primary gateway to Africa, supporting sustainable development efforts and maximizing the benefits of joint African initiatives.
