Egypt to Strengthen Position as Africa's Largest Sugar Producer Through 2035

Egypt is expected to reinforce its position as Africa's largest sugar producer over the next decade, supported by government incentives, foreign investment, and expanding industrial capacity, according to the Agricultural Outlook 2026–2035 published jointly by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The report projects that Egypt will increase its contribution to the continent's sugar production through 2035 as a result of continued policy support and sustained investment across the sector.

According to the outlook, government-backed measures, coupled with inflows of foreign capital, are expected to boost domestic sugar production by encouraging further expansion of sugar beet cultivation while improving production efficiency and processing capabilities.

The report identifies farmer-friendly pricing policies, wider adoption of improved seed varieties, and investments to expand the production capacity of sugar mills as the key drivers of future growth. The launch of new industrial projects is also expected to strengthen the sector's long-term competitiveness.

A major contributor to this expansion is the Canal Sugar project, described by the report as the world's largest sugar beet processing facility, with an annual production capacity of approximately 900,000 tonnes. The plant has significantly enhanced Egypt's processing capabilities, supporting higher domestic sugar output and reducing reliance on imports.

The OECD and FAO forecast that Egypt's sugar beet production will increase by approximately 4.8 million tonnes above the report's baseline period by 2035, positioning the country as one of the principal contributors to growth in Africa's sugar industry over the coming decade.

The report notes that Egypt's expansion in sugar beet production reflects a broader global trend toward higher sugar crop output. While sugarcane is expected to remain the dominant source of global sugar production, demand for sugar is projected to continue rising, driven by population growth and improving income levels across emerging markets.

The outlook underscores Egypt's growing role in Africa's agricultural and food-processing industries as investments and policy reforms continue to strengthen the country's sugar value chain and enhance its regional competitiveness.