Dutch multinational health technology company Philips is planning to establish its first factory outside the Netherlands in Egypt. This move marks a significant step in expanding its global manufacturing operations. The project was discussed during a meeting with Egypt's Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, in Cairo. The Egyptian cabinet stated that the factory will operate in two phases, starting with equipment assembly and progressing to full manufacturing.
The meeting addressed ways to enhance cooperation between the ministry and Philips to localize the manufacturing of advanced medical equipment in Egypt. Abdel-Ghaffar affirmed that all necessary logistical support would be provided to accelerate the work. He directed a swift shift from the assembly stage to full-scale manufacturing, ensuring the transfer of technological knowledge and the establishment of a research and development centre.
Philips is set to provide Egypt with a spectral CT scanner, the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East. This device offers highly advanced cellular-level imaging, making it the latest technology for diagnosing vascular diseases and tumours. The meeting also reviewed areas of cooperation to establish specialized stroke treatment units across Egypt.
The project is being studied in cooperation with Dutch development finance institution Invest International, which will provide necessary support to implement the initiative and help advance Egypt's healthcare system. In May 2025, the ministry signed a cooperation protocol with Philips to localize the medical device industry and boost Egypt's capacity in biomedical engineering.
The cooperation protocol included feasibility studies for domestic production, development of device components, and the establishment of a specialized biomedical engineering knowledge transfer centre. This will increase the presence of Egyptian-made products in the market. The factory's establishment is expected to have a positive impact on Egypt's healthcare system and economy.
Egypt's Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, emphasized the importance of the project in enhancing the country's healthcare capabilities. The project aligns with Egypt's efforts to improve its healthcare system and provide advanced medical services to its citizens. The factory is expected to create new job opportunities and contribute to the country's economic growth.
The Egyptian government is committed to providing the necessary support for the project's success. The establishment of the factory is a significant step in Egypt's efforts to become a hub for medical device manufacturing in the region. Philips' investment in Egypt is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and healthcare system.
Key points
- Philips plans to establish its first overseas factory in Egypt, focusing on medical equipment manufacturing.
- The factory will operate in two phases, starting with equipment assembly and progressing to full manufacturing.
- The project includes the establishment of a research and development centre and a specialized biomedical engineering knowledge transfer centre.
