Egypt's mining sector is witnessing accelerated movements to attract more local and foreign investments, develop exploration and mining systems, and maximize the value of mineral resources. This comes as the fifth Egypt Mining Forum 2026 takes place, focusing on developing the legislative and institutional framework, facilitating investment procedures, and expanding related industries. The forum brings together investors, company heads, and international organizations to exchange experiences and explore new cooperation areas.
The forum's significance was underscored by the presence of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who emphasized the importance of the mining sector in Egypt's economic plans. According to Shaban Rafeat Abdel Latif, a member of the Senate, the president's attendance sends a clear message about the state's commitment to the sector. The forum features a gathering of prominent investors, company heads, and international organizations, providing ample opportunities for experience exchange and new cooperation areas.
The Egyptian government is working to develop the mining sector, with a focus on maximizing the value of mineral resources and creating new job opportunities. Abdel Latif noted that the mining industry has the potential to contribute 6% to the country's GDP. He also highlighted the importance of linking mineral extraction to manufacturing industries, which can lead to the establishment of new industrial projects and increased exports.
The forum showcased Egypt's potential in the mining sector, with 119 companies, including 14 foreign companies from countries like Australia, Canada, and Britain, expressing interest in investing in 118 promising sectors. Ahmed Tragm, Assistant Secretary-General of the Giza Governorate's Homeland Protection Party, noted that this represents a significant vote of confidence in Egypt's investment climate and recent legislative reforms.
The Egyptian government aims to increase the contribution of the mining sector to the GDP to 6%, with a focus on developing the sector and creating new job opportunities. Tragm highlighted the importance of the forum in attracting direct investments worth millions of dollars and providing hard currency through new projects. He also noted that Egypt has the third-largest phosphate reserves globally, with potential investments of $650 million.
The forum also focused on developing local industries and creating new job opportunities. Michel El-Gammal, a member of the Senate's Industry and Trade Committee, emphasized the importance of the mining sector in supporting the national economy and promoting development. He noted that the forum provides a platform for exchanging experiences and reviewing promising investment opportunities in the sector.
The Egyptian government is committed to supporting investors and providing the necessary facilities for companies to operate in the sector. El-Gammal highlighted the importance of attracting new investments to develop the mining sector and maximize the value of mineral resources. He also noted that the government's efforts to develop infrastructure and provide training programs for engineers, geologists, and technicians will help create new job opportunities and support the growth of the sector.
Key points
- Egypt aims to increase the contribution of the mining sector to GDP to 6%.
- The country has attracted interest from 119 companies, including 14 foreign firms, for investment in 118 promising sectors.
- Egypt has the third-largest phosphate reserves globally, with potential investments of $650 million.
