Egypt Advances Industrial Strategy with Strong Government Coordination, WB Support

On Thursday, Egyptian Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania A. Al-Mashat,  and Lieutenant General Eng. Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, held a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Planning’s headquarters to discuss the progress of Egypt’s National Industrial Development Strategy.

The meeting focused on integrating the strategy with efforts by the World Bank and national agencies to establish effective mechanisms that support the industrial sector. This initiative is in line with the directives of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who has made industrial development a central pillar of Egypt’s economic transformation.

Minister Al-Mashat emphasized that the government is working towards a clear and structured national economic development plan that aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030.

By ensuring coordination between the government’s short-term action plans and long-term objectives, the strategy seeks to create a strong, diversified, and competitive industrial sector. The main goal is to enhance Egypt’s manufacturing capabilities, attract investment, increase exports, and improve economic resilience.

A major component of this effort is boosting the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP, with a target of raising it from 14% to 20% annually by 2030. Additionally, the strategy aims to advance Egypt’s transition to a green economy, increasing its contribution to GDP to 5% through environmentally sustainable industries.

Minister Al-Wazir highlighted that the strategy is designed to create between 7 to 8 million job opportunities, develop the workforce, and reduce unemployment through targeted skills training and investment in industrial facilities.

The government is also committed to addressing the challenges faced by struggling factories, ensuring their revival and integration into a stronger, more efficient industrial ecosystem. Moreover, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will receive technical support to help them scale up and join the formal economy.

These initiatives are expected to strengthen domestic production, reduce reliance on imports, and enhance Egypt’s global trade position.

Since 2014, Egypt has embarked on major infrastructure projects that have significantly improved the foundation for industrial expansion. Investments in transportation networks, logistics hubs, dry ports, and modernized seaports have positioned Egypt as a regional trade and manufacturing hub.

 These projects are crucial in supporting industrial operations, facilitating exports, and boosting economic efficiency. The government’s strategy ensures that the benefits of these large-scale infrastructure developments are directly linked to increased industrial production and competitiveness.

Minister Al-Mashat underlined the importance of integrating Egypt’s urgent industrial development plan with the World Bank-backed industrial and trade strategy.

This coordination aims to attract foreign and local investments, enhance manufacturing processes, and improve land allocation for industrial projects.

The plan also focuses on streamlining trade facilitation procedures, modernizing production facilities, and ensuring that Egyptian products meet international quality standards. These efforts will increase Egypt’s share in global markets, drive industrial exports, and enhance economic sustainability.

Minister Al-Wazir reinforced that the National Industrial Strategy (2024-2030) is not just a policy framework but an actionable roadmap that sets Egypt on a clear path to becoming a regional industrial powerhouse.

The strategy prioritizes deepening local manufacturing, fostering technological innovation, and encouraging sustainable industrial practices. Additionally, it will facilitate better integration of SMEs into supply chains, enhance workforce productivity, and ensure that the industrial sector remains competitive on a global scale.

The government’s commitment to industrial development is further reinforced by significant investments in infrastructure that directly support manufacturing and trade. Egypt’s extensive road, rail, and port networks have created an environment where businesses can expand, innovate, and compete internationally.

These advancements are expected to play a pivotal role in increasing industrial output, enhancing efficiency, and boosting exports.