Cairo

Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt, situated on the Nile river in the north-east of the country. With a metropolitan population exceeding 20-million, it is one of Africa's most populous urban centres and a major political, economic and cultural hub for the Arab world and the continent. The city serves as the seat of the Egyptian government and hosts numerous international organisations, embassies and regional headquarters for multinational corporations. Cairo's economy is diverse, encompassing finance, manufacturing, tourism, trade and services, with the city contributing a substantial share of Egypt's gross domestic product. Key industries include textiles, food processing, construction materials and automotive assembly, alongside a growing technology and startup sector. The city is home to the Egyptian Stock Exchange, one of the oldest and largest bourses in the Middle East and Africa. Cairo's strategic location and infrastructure, including Cairo International Airport and extensive road and rail networks, position it as a critical logistics and transport gateway for regional trade. The city's significance in African business is reinforced by its role in hosting continental summits, investment forums and development finance institutions. Founded over a thousand years ago, Cairo has evolved from a medieval Islamic capital into a sprawling modern metropolis, though it faces challenges including congestion, pollution and the need for infrastructure upgrades to support continued economic growth.