Egyptian agribusiness DALTEX has signed a partnership agreement with China-based irrigation equipment manufacturer Irritech to expand irrigation solutions for farmers and agricultural businesses in Egypt, Algeria, and Libya. The agreement aims to combine Irritech's expertise in centre-pivot and linear irrigation systems with DALTEX's experience in designing irrigation systems for over 600,000 feddans. DALTEX will become the primary seller of Irritech's irrigation solutions in the three countries.
DALTEX is a private producer and exporter of fresh produce, operating across integrated agricultural and food value chains and serving retailers, wholesalers, and food processors in more than 75 countries for over 60 years. Irritech, on the other hand, specializes in developing, manufacturing, and installing centre-pivot and linear irrigation systems in more than 45 countries. The partnership will leverage Irritech's latest artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solutions to optimize water use and improve field performance.
The agreement aligns with DALTEX's broader strategy of expanding its agricultural technology solutions across the region. The firm supports projects throughout their full lifecycle using its own spare-parts inventory, while providing hands-on operator training and conducting annual maintenance visits to support system performance. This partnership is expected to help farmers and agricultural businesses in Egypt, Algeria, and Libya improve their irrigation systems and increase their productivity.
China has been expanding its operations in the region in various sectors, including industrial and automotive manufacturing, technology, economic cooperation, agriculture, and seawater desalination. China is also one of Egypt's largest trading partners and a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI) across multiple sectors. Egyptian exports to China rose by 200 percent year-on-year to $840.8 million in the first six months of 2026.
Egypt is taking further steps to boost private-sector-led growth and attract more FDI to raise its investment-to-GDP ratio of 17 percent in its 2026/2027 budget. Total investments are projected to reach EGP 3.7 trillion. As of 2025, Egypt maintained its position as Africa's largest recipient of FDI, attracting $15 billion in inflows despite a 67 percent drop from the previous year.
Irritech's technology can be adapted to agricultural projects ranging from medium-sized farms to large-scale operations spanning thousands of hectares. The partnership is expected to support reliable system operation and help customers maximize their return on investment. This collaboration is part of a larger trend of Chinese companies expanding their operations in Egypt and the region.
The partnership between DALTEX and Irritech is a significant development in the region's agricultural sector. With Egypt's agricultural exports surpassing 5.8 million tons in July 2026, the country is looking to boost its agricultural productivity and exports. The agreement is expected to contribute to this effort and support the growth of the agricultural sector in Egypt, Algeria, and Libya.
Key points
- DALTEX partners with Irritech to expand irrigation solutions in Egypt, Algeria, and Libya.
- The partnership aims to combine Irritech's expertise in centre-pivot and linear irrigation systems with DALTEX's experience in designing irrigation systems.
- The agreement aligns with DALTEX's broader strategy of expanding its agricultural technology solutions across the region.
