German companies are showing increasing interest in investing in Egypt, driven by the country's stability in the Middle East. According to German Ambassador to Cairo Jürgen Schulz, Egypt offers a promising environment for investors, with key areas of cooperation including automotive manufacturing, digital transformation, transport, and education. Schulz highlighted the potential for growth in political and economic ties between the two nations.
Trade between Egypt and Germany exceeded $6 billion in 2025, with German businesses increasingly inquiring about investment opportunities in the Egyptian market. Schulz emphasized the importance of clear and stable regulatory frameworks in attracting investment, enabling companies to plan long-term. Egypt aims to expand German investment and increase the number of German companies operating locally to nearly 3,000 by 2030.
Schulz identified automotive manufacturing and digital transformation as crucial fields for bilateral cooperation. Volkswagen has announced a planned $240 million investment to expand electric vehicle production in Egypt. Additionally, Egypt's high-speed electric railway project, spanning over 2,000 kilometers, has the potential to transform the country's transport system. A 2022 preliminary agreement with Deutsche Bahn and El-Sewedi Electric focuses on railway management and operation.
Education is a strategic key to development in both countries, with Germany exploring the establishment of more technical schools in partnership with Egypt. The two countries signed a declaration in July 2026 to develop joint technical schools, preparing graduates for employment in both nations. Schulz noted that German schools in Egypt operate through cooperation and dialogue with the Egyptian side, discussing curricula and values.
Schulz addressed concerns about visa procedures, understanding applicants' frustration with waiting times. Germany issued over 50,000 visas in Egypt in 2025, with the German mission in Egypt ranking among the country's five busiest missions worldwide by the number of visas issued. He also highlighted Germany's interest in linking German-language teaching to labor market requirements.
On regional affairs, Schulz described stability in the Middle East as a vital German interest, with Egypt and Germany sharing a concern for ensuring freedom of navigation. During bilateral talks on September 15, both countries emphasized Red Sea navigation and diplomatic efforts to contain Middle East conflicts. Schulz expressed his appreciation for Egypt's role in regional stability.
Schulz expressed his affection for Egypt, describing it as a country that holds a special place in the hearts of many Germans. He characterized relations between the two countries as comprehensive, extending across numerous fields. With a strong foundation for cooperation, Schulz is optimistic about the future of Egyptian-German relations.
Key points
- German companies are eyeing investment opportunities in Egypt's automotive manufacturing, digital transformation, transport, and education sectors.
- Egypt and Germany have signed a declaration to develop joint technical schools, preparing graduates for employment in both countries.
- Germany issued over 50,000 visas in Egypt in 2025, with plans to improve visa procedures to reduce waiting times.
