November 12th, 2026
AAPI Proposes Mechanisms to Strengthen Regional Cooperation among Investment Promotion Agencies in the MENA Region
The Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI), represented by its Director General, Mr. Omar Rekkache, took part Thursday, 12 November 2026 in Geneva, in the proceedings of the sixth meeting of WAIPA Subcommittee of Regional IPA Associations and Groups (SCRIPA), held within the framework of the World Investment Conference organized by the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA).
AAPI participated in this meeting as a WAIPA member and in its capacity as the Association’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
During his remarks, the Director General called for a new dynamic in regional cooperation among investment promotion agencies, with a view to transforming the regional network into a more active, structured and effective platform capable of launching joint initiatives and delivering tangible results.
In this regard, he identified three key priorities to strengthen the dynamism of the regional network.
The first priority is to strengthen cooperation and the exchange of expertise among MENA Agencies, through the establishment of a network of focal points across the agencies. This mechanism would facilitate regular information sharing, promote the exchange of experiences and best practices, and provide a platform for discussing common challenges, particularly those related to investment attraction, the facilitation of procedures and investor support, while also keeping abreast of developments in investment promotion and identifying opportunities for joint action.
The second priority is to strengthen the contribution of MENA agencies to shaping and guiding WAIPA’s activities, ensuring that the priorities and specific needs of the Middle East and North Africa region are better reflected in the Association’s annual programme. In this context, the Director General called on member agencies to submit concrete and practical proposals to the MENA Regional Director. These could include joint investment promotion activities, business forums and meetings, investment missions, as well as training, capacity-building and expertise-sharing programmes. The aim is to ensure that agencies play an active role in identifying, designing and implementing these activities.
The third priority is to revitalize the MENA regional network and boost member engagement, by increasing participation in the initiatives and activities launched by WAIPA and ensuring broader mobilization of agencies across the region, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of regional coordination and cooperation.
In this regard, the Director General, in his capacity as WAIPA Regional Director for MENA, reaffirmed his commitment to work in close coordination with the WAIPA Secretariat and all member agencies to advance this dynamic and translate the identified priorities into concrete initiatives and projects.
Furthermore, the Director General highlighted the considerable economic potential, complementarities and promising investment opportunities offered by the MENA region. He emphasized the importance of leveraging these assets to build a genuine regional platform for cooperation, partnerships and investment promotion.
