PM: 80% of Workforce at El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant "Egyptian"

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly visited the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant construction site on Wednesday, where he confirmed that Egyptian workers now make up more than 80% of the workforce. 

The announcement reflects the government's growing emphasis on domestic capacity building in one of the most technically advanced infrastructure projects in the nation’s history.

Accompanied by the Ministers of Electricity and Renewable Energy and Finance, as well as senior officials from the Russian contractor Atomstroyexport and Egypt’s Nuclear Power Plants Authority, the Prime Minister marked the occasion by commemorating the 73rd anniversary of Egypt’s 1952 revolution.

"This site holds deep national significance," Madbouly said. "It has been a dream of Egyptians since the mid-20th century—to see Egypt enter the nuclear era through peaceful energy production."

The El-Dabaa project, located on Egypt’s northern Mediterranean coast, remained a long-standing aspiration for decades, appearing in school curricula and state planning documents. According to Madbouly, the dream began to turn into action in 2015 with the signing of the initial agreement between Egypt and Russia. Construction officially began in December 2017.

The plant will consist of four nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 4,800 megawatts. The first unit is expected to be operational in the second half of 2028, with the remaining three units scheduled for completion in 2029. Egypt is adhering to a closely monitored construction schedule, with ongoing collaboration between Egyptian and Russian teams.

“We are witnessing this dream become reality,” Madbouly said. “This is a source of pride for every Egyptian.”

The Prime Minister emphasized that more than 80% of the thousands of workers currently on-site are Egyptian, highlighting the nation’s growing expertise in large-scale engineering and energy projects.

"This is a matter of national pride. Seeing tens of thousands of Egyptian engineers and workers trusted to build such a complex project reflects our true capabilities," he added.

The El-Dabaa project plays a key role in Egypt’s Vision 2030, which targets a 42% share of electricity generation from renewable and clean energy sources. Nuclear energy is viewed as a critical pillar of this transition.

Madbouly concluded his remarks by thanking all partners and agencies involved, expressing confidence in Egypt’s ability to deliver on time and within scope.

“We are not just building a power plant—we are building a future powered by knowledge, sovereignty, and clean energy,” he said.