Egypt has emerged as one of the world’s top investment destinations, ranking ninth globally and first in Africa with $46.1 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) during the 2023/2024 fiscal year, according to Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI).
Speaking at the Egypt–Bahrain Business Forum, Heiba said Egypt’s strong FDI performance reflects growing investor confidence in the country’s macroeconomic stability, strategic reforms, and expanding regional role as a trade and logistics hub.
Egypt’s Competitive Edge in Global Investment
Egypt’s rise in the global rankings underscores its position as a gateway between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. With a labour force of more than 32 million people, competitive tax rates, and an expanding industrial base, the country has become a magnet for investors seeking scale, market access, and diversification.
Heiba noted that Egypt maintains trade agreements with nearly 70 countries, giving investors access to over 3 billion consumers worldwide. The government continues to enhance the investment climate through policy reforms, digital service delivery, and streamlined licensing across key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, energy, and digital infrastructure.
“Our vision is to build an investment ecosystem that integrates Egypt into global value chains while empowering regional and international partners to scale efficiently from Cairo to Cape Town,” Heiba said.
A Strategic Plan for Growth and Exports
GAFI’s long-term strategy focuses on sector-specific incentives and services, designed in coordination with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade. The goal: to raise Egypt’s annual exports to $140 billion by 2030.
Initiatives include:
- Streamlining project approval and land-allocation processes;
- Expanding public–private partnerships (PPPs) in logistics and renewable energy;
- Promoting industrial modernization and green manufacturing;
- Encouraging diaspora and sovereign wealth fund participation in key infrastructure projects.
These efforts build on Egypt’s record of attracting FDI into energy, real estate, financial services, and technology, supported by a resilient banking system and growing renewable-energy portfolio.
Suez Canal Economic Zone: A Growth Engine
Walid Gamal El-Din, Chairperson of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), highlighted the zone’s rapid expansion. In just 38 months, SCZONE has signed 311 investment agreements spanning industrial, logistics, and service sectors — from green hydrogen and automotive assembly to maritime logistics and digital trade facilitation.
He emphasized that the Suez Canal Corridor continues to anchor Egypt’s industrial transformation and regional supply-chain integration, serving as a critical node in global trade between Asia, Europe, and Africa.
“Our objective is to make SCZONE a one-stop destination for investors seeking proximity to African markets, advanced infrastructure, and competitive export platforms,” he said.
Diaspora Investment and Africa’s Rising FDI Landscape
Egypt’s ascent as Africa’s leading FDI destination signals renewed investor appetite across the continent — from energy and logistics to fintech and digital manufacturing. The report also highlights opportunities for the African diaspora, whose remittances exceed $100 billion annually, to play a strategic role in co-financing industrial parks, venture funds, and export-oriented SMEs.
By linking global capital with Africa’s industrial ambitions, diaspora investors can help reshape value chains and strengthen the continent’s position in global supply networks.
The Road Ahead
With continued reforms, expanding infrastructure, and a focus on innovation and human capital, Egypt is poised to remain a top investment destination through 2030 and beyond.
As Heiba concluded at the Forum,
“Egypt’s investment story is Africa’s growth story — one that connects opportunity, innovation, and inclusion across continents.”
