By: Sakina Ahmed
Cairo, Egypt –
A former Director of African Affairs at Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Ahmed Haggag, has called for stronger partnerships between African countries in healthcare and culture.
Speaking to Radio Nigeria at the ongoing training for African journalists organized by the Union of African journalists in collaboration with the Supreme Council for media regulation In Cairo, Ambassador Haggag said collaboration in these areas can unlock Africa’s potential in medical tourism and cross-cultural exchange.
He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, as a tool that should not only ease trade, but also support the movement of people for health and education.
“We hope that Nigerian students could come and study medical subjects here in Egypt, so they can benefit their society when they go back.”
“We should promote medical tourism; our physicians can share their expertise and learn from one another to better serve the populations we are dedicated to,” He added.
He encouraged Nigerian students to consider studying medicine in Egypt and called for more professional ties between Egyptian and Nigerian doctors.
He said, such collaboration would improve access to specialized care and enable both countries to share best practices.
Beyond healthcare, the ambassador emphasized the power of cultural exchange and called for more cultural festivals, student exchanges, and shared platforms to help Africans learn more about one another’s traditions and strengthen continental unity.
“Politics may divide people, but culture can bring them together. I should be listening to Nigerian songs, and you should be watching Egyptian films.”
Ambassador Haggag concluded that Africa’s development must be rooted in cooperation, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation of both modern potential and cultural heritage.
