The French-Egyptian Business Forum 2026 kicked off at the French Senate in Paris, bringing together representatives from the business community and economic institutions. The forum aims to discuss Egypt's economic transformations and explore new cooperation and investment opportunities between French and Egyptian companies. Dr. Mohamed Farid, head of the Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority, is among the prominent attendees.
The forum is set to address Egypt's evolving economic dynamics and business environment, as well as the country's strategic location within emerging regional logistics corridors. This will enable discussions on investment and trade opportunities, as well as supply chain development. According to sources, the forum will pay special attention to the food and agriculture sector, with a session dedicated to exploring challenges and opportunities in this field.
Several French companies have announced expansion plans in Egypt, spanning various sectors such as technology, industry, energy, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications. Valeo is establishing a center for artificial intelligence development, which will initially employ over 50 engineers, with plans to increase the number to over 100. The company has around 3,000 engineers, representing about 50% of its global software production.
ALSTOM is investing between 20 and 25 million euros in a new factory, which will create approximately 400 jobs in two phases. The first phase will focus on manufacturing electric train components in Egypt, followed by the production and assembly of moving units. L'ORÉAL is investing around 100 million euros in a factory that will export 85% of its production, and has also announced a 240 million Egyptian pound expansion in the 10th of Ramadan city.
Capgemini has established a center of excellence in artificial intelligence, employing around 1,200 specialists in generative artificial intelligence and agents. TotalEnergies has announced a new cooperation with EGAS for offshore exploration in Egypt. Schneider Electric's total investments in Egypt have reached 320 million euros, with a focus on manufacturing innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
Voltalia is working on renewable energy projects, including a 869-megawatt wind farm in the Gulf of Suez, with operations expected to start in 2028. The company is also partnering with Tareq Arabia on a 3.2-gigawatt project, combining 1.1 gigawatts of wind power and 2.1 gigawatts of solar energy. Saint-Gobain is investing 215 million euros in two new factories for specialized glass and plasterboard.
Other French companies, such as Orange, Danone, and Sanofi, have also announced investments and expansions in Egypt. The forum will also discuss Egypt's economic reform efforts, monetary policy, and the privatization program, with a focus on attracting increased French investment in the country.
Key points
- The French-Egyptian Business Forum 2026 aims to strengthen economic ties between France and Egypt, with a focus on investment opportunities and cooperation in various sectors.
- Several French companies have announced significant investments and expansions in Egypt, spanning sectors such as technology, industry, energy, and pharmaceuticals.
- The forum will discuss Egypt's economic reforms, monetary policy, and privatization efforts, as well as opportunities for French companies to invest in the country.
