Egypt, AD Ports sign MoU to develop Alexandria logistics zone

Egypt’s Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday with Abu Dhabi Ports Group to develop a logistics zone at Alexandria Port.

Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir said the project is part of a broader plan to establish 32 dry ports and logistics zones, transforming Egypt into a regional hub for logistics and transit trade.

The first phase will cover 273 acres, expanding to 600 acres in phase two. The zone will include storage, customs operations, simple manufacturing, packaging, and the newly-adopted container manufacturing industry. It will also feature quality control measures and connections to the high-speed electric railway for nationwide goods transport.

The zone is a key element of Sokhna-Alexandria Logistics Corridor, advancing Egypt’s goal to become a regional logistics and industrial hub.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama

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Egypt sets criteria for private free zones approval 

Egypt has outlined criteria for approving new private free zones, focusing on activities, geographic location, job creation, export potential, foreign funding, and advanced technologies. The framework was discussed during a meeting on Monday between Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel El-Wazir and Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib.

Key factors include project size, investment costs, reliance on local components, and overall capital, with a minimum score of 70 points required for approval.

El-Wazir reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding free zones, which attract investors by offering simplified procedures and a single authority for permits. He emphasised revising criteria to increase local content requirements and investment thresholds, ensuring these zones support large-scale industrial projects in priority sectors.

The ministry has identified 23 industries for localisation to reduce import reliance. These industries will be prioritised in private and public free zones, with updates made based on economic needs.

El-Wazir also stressed aligning the electrical capacities of industrial units with planned activities to provide investors with clear technical specifications. He directed the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones to coordinate with the National Accreditation Council to streamline technical reviews and licensing accreditation.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama

AfDB approves $170m loan for Egypt’s private sector, green growth

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $170 million loan to Egypt to support the second phase of its programme aimed at enhancing private sector development and economic diversification, focusing on green growth. The loan, approved on November 27, 2024, i supposed to fund budget support for the period 2024-2025.

This follows a $131 million loan for the programme’s first phase in 2023-2024, with contributions from the Economic Cooperation Development Fund (EDCF) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The World Bank is also supporting phase II.

The programme focuses on improving Egypt’s business climate, particularly in manufacturing and agribusiness, while promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

It aims to boost private sector investment, create jobs, and support women and youth. It will also work to formalise informal businesses and reform laws for small claims, benefitting women-led small and medium enterprises.

The success of the first phase sets a positive foundation for the second phase, which will further economic diversification, strengthen competitiveness, and attract more investment, helping to improve Egypt’s debt sustainability.

Abdourhamane Diaw, Head of the AfDB’s Egypt office, expressed confidence in Egypt’s growing economy, highlighting its educated population, competitiveness, and private sector potential.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama

Egypt completes 1st offering of Robbiki factories phase III

Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel El-Wazir announced on Monday the successful allocation of all 43 ready-built factories in the third phase of Robbiki Leather City, dedicated to producing finished leather products and complementary industries.

The offering witnessed significant investor interest, with 98 investors registering via the Egypt Industrial Digital Platform and 29 applications meeting the allocation criteria.

The ministry attributed the strong demand to competitive pricing and unprecedented payment facilities, designed to attract investors and entrepreneurs. This reflects growing confidence in Egypt’s investment climate, supported by political backing and efforts to overcome industrial investment challenges.

Phase III has been developed as a hub for manufacturing finished leather goods, hosting major local and global brands, and facilitating exports of products and accessories.

Robbiki Leather City operates as an integrated cluster, with the first phase focusing on tanning and raw leather processing, the second phase on supportive industries like glue and gelatin, and the third phase completing the value chain with final product manufacturing and related industries.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser

Egypt-Nigeria Business Forum strengthens trade, investment ties

Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade hosted the Egypt-Nigeria Business Forum under the theme “Egypt-Nigeria Partnership: Unlocking Shared Prosperity through Trade and Investment,” ccording to an Egyptian Cabinet statement on Sunday.

The forum, which included the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoU), marked a strategic step towards enhancing bilateral ties and driving trade and investment growth across Africa.

Egypt’s Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Hassan El-Khatib emphasised the role of Egypt and Nigeria, Africa’s largest economies, in driving continental growth. He highlighted Egypt’s advanced infrastructure and trade agreements, inviting Nigerian investors to leverage opportunities for regional market access and intra-African trade through the AfCFTA.

Agriculture was a key focus, with Egyptian and Nigerian officials discussing collaboration in irrigation, sustainable farming, and climate resilience. Egypt’s Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk called for increased private sector collaboration in agriculture and food security, sharing Egypt’s expertise in agricultural financing.

Efforts to reduce customs barriers and increase bilateral trade were highlighted, reinforcing the economic potential of stronger Egypt-Nigeria relations.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama

Egypt launches major logistics corridors for trade boost

Egypt is advancing its national transport development plan with the implementation of seven integrated logistics corridors as part of its sustainable development strategy for 2030.

These corridors aim to transform Egypt into a regional hub for transport, logistics, and transit trade, connecting production areas to seaports and enhancing connectivity between the Red Sea and Mediterranean.

Key corridors include the Sokhna–Alexandria logistics route, linking Sokhna Port to Alexandria via Cairo and 6th of October; the Arish–Taba corridor, connecting the Mediterranean to the Gulf of Aqaba; and the Cairo–Alexandria corridor, enhancing rail links to Alexandria. Additional corridors include the Tanta–Mansoura–Damietta line for agricultural and industrial areas, and the Gergoub–Salum route, which will boost trade between Egypt and Libya. The Cairo–Aswan–Abu Simbel and Safaga–Qena–Abu Tartour corridors will further improve regional connectivity through rail and road networks.

These initiatives aim to streamline Egypt’s logistics infrastructure, supporting trade and economic growth.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama