Egypt's industrial sector has experienced a significant transformation over the past 12 years, driven by the government's efforts to boost economic growth and development. Since President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi took office in 2014, the government has prioritized the development of the industrial sector, recognizing its crucial role in driving economic growth and job creation. As a result, the sector has seen a substantial increase in the number of industrial zones, from 121 in 2014 to 158 in 2026.
The government's efforts to improve the business environment and attract investment have also led to a significant increase in industrial exports. According to official statistics, industrial exports rose from $18.7 billion in 2013/2014 to $39.6 billion in 2024/2025, representing a 111.8% increase. The government's target is to raise industrial exports to $100 billion by 2030, with a focus on priority industries and deepening local manufacturing.
To achieve this goal, the government has implemented a range of measures to support the growth of the industrial sector. These include the launch of the Egypt Industrial Digital Platform, which provides a unified platform for allocating and assigning industrial land. The government has also transferred the authority for industrial land to the Industrial Development Authority and expanded industrial zones to meet investor needs.
In addition to these measures, the government has introduced several laws and regulations to support the growth of the industrial sector. These include the Industrial Licensing Law, which aims to simplify the process of obtaining industrial licenses, and the Local Product Preference Law, which gives priority to locally produced goods in government contracts. The government has also amended regulations on factory leases and provided incentives for struggling factories.
The Industrial Development Authority has made significant progress in implementing its plans to support the growth of the industrial sector. The authority has established 16 industrial complexes in 15 governorates, comprising 4,808 units, of which 3,696 have been allocated. The authority has also issued 16,597 building permits, 71,000 operating licenses, and 61,400 industrial records.
According to the Ministry of Industry's statistics, the industrial sector has seen significant growth in recent years. The sector's growth rate reached 7.1% in the first quarter of 2024/2025, compared to 1.2% in the same period in 2013/2014. The value of Egypt's non-oil exports also increased to $48.5 billion in 2025, up from $41.5 billion in 2024 and $22.2 billion in 2014.
The government's efforts to support the growth of the industrial sector are expected to continue, with plans to increase the allocation of industrial land and improve the business environment. The sector is expected to play a crucial role in driving Egypt's economic growth and development in the coming years. Key initiatives include increasing the allocation of industrial land and improving the business environment to attract more investment.
Key points
- The number of industrial zones in Egypt has increased from 121 in 2014 to 158 in 2026.
- Industrial exports have risen from $18.7 billion in 2013/2014 to $39.6 billion in 2024/2025.
- The government aims to raise industrial exports to $100 billion by 2030.
Reporting sources
- Sawt Al-Umma · Sawt Al-Umma
